Yes, I stop briefly every hour or so. I find if I stop for a long time, I get stiff & it is hard to get going again (could be age, I'm 51). I'll eat half of a power bar & stretch my back and get moving again. Never longer than a couple of minutes.

I prefer to ride alone. I get amazing "aha's" about life -- or like the other day -- I remembered the password to my checking account on line. It's all relative.