I love doing long rides alone. I also love doing long rides with one or two other people. I don't like riding with more than 2 or 3 other people, but maybe just because I don't do it very often. This year I'm riding more with someone else, because she's training for the Tour of Colorado. Last year and the year before, I was alone more.

I've done a few 100-milers alone (alone alone - not alone within an organized ride). I actually have more fun riding 100 miles by myself than I had last year when I did an organized one with 2 friends, one of whom I'd never ridden with before (she liked to stop more, longer, eat a bunch at every stop, etc, and my legs need shorter stops or it takes me miles to recover). I like being able to go my own pace, stop when & for how long I want, and not worry about making arrangements with other people. There is also the crabbiness factor that comes into play for some people when they start nearing their limit (and I'm no exception), which can spoil things for everyone involved.

There is something about the freedom of taking off for the whole day on my own, with my jersey loaded down with Powerbars & Gu & Gummi Bears that just appeals to me. Especially if it's in uncharted territory! I generally have a time goal, but try to listen to my body and not overdo it. I'll take my cell phone, if I'm going somewhere I might have a signal, but don't really worry about it. Generally, I don't have much trouble losing focus, and seem to be able to keep my goals in mind. It's such a satisfying feeling when I get done! A couple of years ago my DH and some friends were doing an 8-hour triathlon in Wisconsin, so I took my bike, figured out a route, made myself a map, and took off. I managed to get back in time to see them finish, and got my 100 miles of totally new-to-me riding in.

I loved doing long skis alone, but somebody PLEASE run with me!

I do try to get DH to pay attention when I tell him where I'm going.