Anyone train solo only for long rides?

[owlice]

I nearly always ride alone, including last year when I was preparing to ride the C&O Canal. I learned a lot, and had a story or two to tell as a result.

[chicagogal]

My riding habits have changed a lot over the last few years. When I was just getting started, I almost always rode alone. I was afraid of group rides and didn't think I'd find one slow enough for me. I was even intimidated by the idea of riding with a friend or two because I was worried about being too slow. However, I trained up to a century distance my first real year riding and got in a few training rides with friends who did the century with me.

My second year riding I started adding in group rides to my "training" and learned that I absolutely love group riding. At least where I live, finding a group to ride with isn't that difficult. Basically I found one ride that I enjoyed that really pushed me to get better and to hone in my rotating paceline skills. Through that group I met other cyclists who rode with other groups, and pretty soon I had a whole network of people/groups to ride with. I still did solo rides, but started to much prefer group rides and/or riding with a few other people. I didn't have to figure out the route, we were more visible on the road to cars than a solo rider, if I had a mechanical problem, there would be someone there to help me, etc.

Now this year my focus has turned to racing instead of centuries like last year. Therefore, I have joined a team which has only added to my network of people to ride with. Between racing, team training rides, club rides, etc I have less time for solo rides than I did before. Despite the fact that my cycling volume is way up (>15hrs/week on the bike), I find myself getting nervous every time I am about to set out for a solo ride. Since I rarely ride alone anymore I worry about getting lost, not having enough CO2, forgetting my cell phone, etc. Part of me is starting to feel like riding alone is more trouble than it is worth. Then I read all of your posts above and I remind myself to HTFU. Riding alone builds toughness!!!!!

[shootingstar]

Part of me is starting to feel like riding alone is more trouble than it is worth. Then I read all of your posts above and I remind myself to HTFU. Riding alone builds toughness!!!!!

You got that one right, chicagogirl.
If I didn't learn to cycle far on my own, I definitely would not be still cycling now..18 yrs. later after returning to cycling.

When training for racing, yes, group riding would help immensely. But still, mixing it up, would be good too --long-term for overall personal mental strength and perseverance.

[marni]

I routinely do 50-75 miles alone several days a week. In fact I ride alone most of the time with the occasional exception of taking a new biker out to show them routes. I do a lot of charity rides mostly in the metric century or century rides. My husband does a shorter distance and then meets me at the end.

When I ride alone he knows which route I am taking and when I leave. I always have cell phone, drivers license, road id, money, gu, a small snack and money. I also carry a couple of taxi numbers with me for the town or regions I am riding through. I usually do a route I am familiar with although I periodically, usually on a weekend when DH will be home and available, I will take off and check out a new route or variation.

I love riding alone because I can set my own pace, I like to ride at least an hour without stopping, and then only taking short breaks. I haven't really found anyone compatible to ride with for long sessions, although there are a couple of small groups I will hook up with for a shorter 30-40 miles distance. I get riding with others experience by doing charity rides, when there are other riders around but not necessarily with me.

I usually get a mindworm that I hum continuously for however long the ride lasts, and I enjoy seeing the world go by and thinking my thoughts.

However you can do it, it's all good.

marni

[TrekTheKaty]

I don't participate in any group rides. However, I do ride with my husband who is usually a couple miles ahead of me, so I might a well be alone! This year we are taking a new tact. In St. Louis, between Trailnet and Hi-USA there are organized rides pretty much every other weekend. We can start together, head out for different distances, there is a well-thought-out route (usually on a new side of town we haven't discovered), rest stops and support. Not to mention you may find a new training partner.

If you are training alone, I recommend checking local bike shop web pages for routes. Loops are best, so you can restock food and water at the car (or bail if the weather takes a turn). However, a well-planned route will include gas stations where you can fill up. Carry spare tubes and leave a "flight plan" with a friend. I used to need company, now I prefer the peace and quiet, with the wind in my face

[kenyonchris]

I have always trained on my own...till I married DH. He doesn't like me riding alone, he worries about the traffic and such, I laugh and tell him I rode my bike, alone, on patrol at 2AM (this info doesn't make him feel better).
Now if he can't get away from work, I ride alone. I prefer alone. I put ONE ipod bud in my ear (he also hates this) and spin away. I have done lots of miles this way for many years.
I don't MTB alone. The potential for me to be upside down in some creek with no cell reception is pretty high.

[HermitGirl]

I am just now getting back into riding, and lets not have a competition here about how slow ! I am not going anywhere in a hurry ! In fact, the slower the better, though I don't 'train', I just ride. I have been in the 'training' attitude in my distant past, but feel no need to go there again. That said, I have always enjoyed solo riding much more. I never feel that competative around other riders, friends or not, slow or fast, I just feel I can tune into my surroundings way more when I'm not having a conversation. I enjoy back roads, away from traffic, and found that if I can listen to nature, that is enough company for me. If my user name doesn't say it, I don't know what does.... lol.

[gabriellesca]

WOW - Thanks guys - great responses that make me miss riding with a team and also make me grateful I can ride alone!

I do carry my ID, cash, phone, etc. with me. I did do some on-line searches for area rides - but I think I have to get used to the fact that I was spoiled so much when I was on the Team in Training team. We had a SAG wagon for every ride over 20 - I had the greatest coach and mentors and tons of support.

But some good ideas here and I feel good knowing that training and riding 50 or even 100 miles on my own is totally do-able!

Thanks!

[Jill]

Thank you, gabriellesca, for posting this-- I am in the same boat. I am getting ready for 180 miles in 3 days in June (I was supposed to ride with my 70-year-old father but he got sick and doesn't want me to drop out because of him!). I am working on mastering the distance-- 60 miles a day is pretty intimidating to my nonfit-for-seven-years self-- and this week I finally joined a local bike shop's "D" level ride. They had to circle back for me twice, and although they were really nice about it I felt terrible, like an albatross or something. We ended with an 11 mile an hour pace, so I wasn't excruciatingly slow, but I still am loath to go back.

I'm on a hybrid so I can manage the country road conditions near my house, so it's partially an equipment issue. I can also see now that I'm laying off on the ascents of long hills. When I had to keep up with the group on the uphills, I quickly tired out and fell behind, and never felt like I had the juice to catch up for long.

It's hard to know what to do next. I'm riding to get healthy, and (to steal a line from my father) to complete the long ride "without praying for an asteroid or a forest fire." I'm okay with taking in the scenery at 11mph, but it seems unkind to inflict this on the bike shop people. They were kind to me, and everyone said, "You'll get faster/stronger," but my fear is that I really won't-- I'm working hard to be where I am right now. Any thoughts from those of you who have done this?

[ny biker]

Thank you, gabriellesca, for posting this-- I am in the same boat. I am getting ready for 180 miles in 3 days in June (I was supposed to ride with my 70-year-old father but he got sick and doesn't want me to drop out because of him!). I am working on mastering the distance-- 60 miles a day is pretty intimidating to my nonfit-for-seven-years self-- and this week I finally joined a local bike shop's "D" level ride. They had to circle back for me twice, and although they were really nice about it I felt terrible, like an albatross or something. We ended with an 11 mile an hour pace, so I wasn't excruciatingly slow, but I still am loath to go back.

I'm on a hybrid so I can manage the country road conditions near my house, so it's partially an equipment issue. I can also see now that I'm laying off on the ascents of long hills. When I had to keep up with the group on the uphills, I quickly tired out and fell behind, and never felt like I had the juice to catch up for long.

It's hard to know what to do next. I'm riding to get healthy, and (to steal a line from my father) to complete the long ride "without praying for an asteroid or a forest fire." I'm okay with taking in the scenery at 11mph, but it seems unkind to inflict this on the bike shop people. They were kind to me, and everyone said, "You'll get faster/stronger," but my fear is that I really won't-- I'm working hard to be where I am right now. Any thoughts from those of you who have done this?

I don't really get much faster as I get in shape, but the riding does get easier so you won't get tired so quickly and you can enjoy it more.

You might try talking to the person at the shop who leads the ride, a day or so before the next one, and discuss your concerns with them.

[Miranda]

Have I trained alone... yes... up to 70mi unsupported.

This was for my century last Fall. Which was to be my first 100mi. Dog crash ened that about mid way through. Left me w/some permanent damage to my body.

I had a buddy that was suppose to ride w/me in the event. And train for it. But, the buddy didn't come through (some buddy-ugh).

Actually, up until the dog got me, I was ok riding the event alone. As well as my training rides. In the event the SAG car kinda kept track of me. I had a few riders around me that I kept catching at the SAGs etc. So, I didn't feel alone.

Ever since my crash, I do not feel the same about riding alone. I am afraid now. Part of me just can't seem to overcome that feeling, to be able to ride alone as I did once before.

Yet, like you, I have yet to find a training partner at my pace & schedule. My riding partner is one of those not interested in training for an event, or going over 50mi. Plus, I am a slightly stronger rider than her performance wise.

When I did train alone, my iPod shuffle was my pal in one ear on very quite roads. But, it does deter hearing dogs slightly. So, I have went out without it. I hate riding alone without my music. I teach Spinning at my gym and my music is engrained in my legs power. When you have a pal, the tunes aren't needed.

I carried my cell alone. Road ID bracelet. Planned my routes out knowing where the closest gas stations were for more water etc. if I ran out. And did let someone know approximately where my routes was going to be.

Last, I have had some boderline scary things happen. Like cars w/guys turning around. One of my gym pal cyclists will not ride alone as a lady because of this very thing. She has a DH to ride with though. Makes a diff. Versus being alone w/no one to ride with.

[Tri Girl]

all the time. It's rare when I actually ride with someone.
I've trained for centuries alone, multi-day tours alone, and even trained for my Ironman all alone.

I find that since I started riding alone I don't mind it. In fact, riding with others is distracting to me. I feel pressured to keep up at a certain pace and worry that I'm slowing others down if they stay with me (or I feel like I'm slowing my pace to stay with them).
I guess since I spend all day talking at work (teacher), riding/training alone is *my* time- and I prefer the solitude.

Just make sure you're prepared to take care of you, your bike, and be aware. Carry your cell phone, ID (or Road ID), some cash and a tiny first aid kit. Always make sure someone has some idea where you're at and when to expect you home.

[ny biker]

When I did train alone, my iPod shuffle was my pal in one ear on very quite roads. But, it does deter hearing dogs slightly. So, I have went out without it. I hate riding alone without my music. I teach Spinning at my gym and my music is engrained in my legs power. When you have a pal, the tunes aren't needed.

I usually have a song stuck in my head while I'm riding. I choose good riding music to listen to in the car, at the gym, etc. so it will get stuck in my head. Sometimes I sing out loud while I ride.