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Riding Alone: Make the Most of Cycling Solo

April 3, 2020 by Sarah Lauzé

With half of humanity now on some sort of lock down, social isolation and otherwise, more and more of us are riding alone. Of course, we’re lucky to live in an area where we can still ride at all, but for those more social types, taking to the roads solo can seem daunting.

Once you get used to the thought, riding alone can actually be a great chance to get in touch with with where you’re at with your cycling fitness. Although riding with a partner or group is a great way to push yourself, often you’ll end up taking more breaks and sticking to the same routes that everyone knows and is comfortable with. Take this opportunity to try out some new routes, work on your mental toughness and focus, and just let your mind wander as you ride.

Make the Most of Cycling Solo

Be Prepared

You should always be properly prepared for a ride, but even more so when going alone. Check the weather forecast ahead of time, and especially with spring weather, ensure you have proper layers in case of rain. Make sure your phone is fully charged, and carry a battery pack if you’re going for a long ride. If there’s a chance of heading home at dusk, ensure you have proper reflective gear and lights for your bike. Always carry ID and some cash just in case, and take plenty of water and snacks!

Plan Your Route – but stay flexible

Having a rough estimate of where you’re going is always the best plan, and letting someone know the area you’re going. That being said, riding alone can be a great chance to explore a new area, adapt to the weather or change course depending on how you’re feeling. So feel free to check out some new roads, just make sure you let someone know whereabouts your going, or if your plans change on the fly.

Make Sure Your Bike Is Ready

A well packed saddle bag, and the knowledge on how to use those tools, can be the difference between a slight hiccup on your ride, and having to phone for a ride. If you usually rely on your riding partners for help with a flat tire, now might be the time to learn. Practice changing out a tube at home until you are confident you could do it on the road.

Make the Most of It

I know I’m not alone in finding solo exercise, especially cycling, somewhat therapeutic. You can let your mind wander, you don’t have to worry about keeping pace or making group decision. I quite often find I even talk to myself, working through problems, coming up with creative solutions, I am my most inspired while on my own on the road. So, don’t let the idea of solo riding keep you inside, get out on your bike and you may just find you like it more than you think.

Biking Alone

August 6, 2015 by U.M.

Biking alone, solo ridingCycling can be enjoyed as a group sport or as a solo activity. Some riders choose to join up with cycling groups, whereas others find solace riding alone and enjoying the freedom of the open road. You may be hesitant about riding alone, especially if you are a new rider still getting the hang of things; but after trying it out a few times, you’ll overcome the intimidation factor of it all and might find that it’s something you actually prefer.

Here are pros and cons to help you determine if solo riding is right for you and to help you understand the risks and benefits associated with the practice.

Setting the Pace

Pro: Ride At Your Own Pace

When you cycle alone, you get the opportunity to set your own pace and do your own thing. You don’t have to worry about waiting up for anyone slower than you or struggling to keep up in order to salvage your own ego.

Con: Cycling Together Will Challenge You

It can be difficult to improve when you have no one to push you past your limits. Riding with others provides a challenge to consistently make strides and gains. Once you overcome the sore muscles and strain placed on your body, you’ll find yourself riding along with greater endurance and stamina than ever before.

Flexibility

Pro: You Go When And Where You Want

Without others to tell you what to do, you can set your own routes and go wherever you want. You aren’t stuck going the same direction every time because you are riding behind a group of people in a club or with friends. You also don’t have to adhere to their schedules. If you want to undertake a 10-mile bike ride for the day, you don’t have to worry about getting back in time because Bob has to make his kid’s soccer game on time.

Con: You’ll Expend More Energy For Fewer Results     

Riding behind other cyclists creates what is known as a “slipstream,” that helps to make your ride easier by moving the air out of your direct path. That means you’ll be able to ride faster and farther while in a group as apposed to when you cycle alone. Cyclists usually take turns as the pacer and to take the brunt of the initial air current and to make it easier on the other riders.

Safety

Pro: Space Is Limited

Trying to cycle in a group is nearly impossible in some major cities or rural areas. When you cycle alone, you have the freedom to dive and dash through traffic in New York if you wanted, or make your way down narrow bike lanes that are only large enough to accommodate a single biker. 

Con: No One’s There To Watch Your Back

Should something awful happen and you were to require medical attention, there would be no one there to watch out for you or help you if you cycle alone. Riding with others provides a safety net and additional sets of eyes to watch surrounding cars and alert fellow riders of impending hazards to remain safe.

Overall it is likely you will bike alone as well as try group rides. Either way there is a benefit to both! Just get out there and enjoy the ride.

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