Quote Originally Posted by KSH
As far as riding solo... there really isn't anywhere where I feel safe to do that. We have a bike path, but it's crowded and skinny. I have to go slow in certain areas and I get bored on it.
Is there some reason why you can't find a place where you can feel safe riding solo? I wouldn't dream of riding on a bike path for just the reason that you mention - they are overused. I ride solo most of the time (other than occasional rides with a couple of TE gals in my area), and I ride on the roads.

It's quite possible that the roads in my area are friendlier for cyclists than those in your area; I live in New England, and the roads around here are typically narrow with no shoulders. So yes, I am sharing the road with cars. I realize that you can use the group riding to work on improving your pace; while it's a different approach, I suspect that you can also do that solo. What about finding a route that you are comfortable riding alone, then setting some time goals for yourself?

--- Denise