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!!!!!