Wonderful post, SheFly...you illustrated just one of the many reasons we ride.

I rode by myself after work last night. Thought I'd be riding with DH, but he did a long ride earlier and wanted to take Paisley to doggie play time in our apt. complex, so I rode for an hour and 10 mins. all around by myself and just felt so free. I like riding with DH and others too, but sometimes solo is so rewarding. I can go slower when I need to, and push hard when I want, never having to worry about pushing to keep up with someone or slow up if they're lagging. I can turn down different roads just to explore, and I can look at flowers, birds, houses, and other things along the way.

It's a very zen experience indeed.