JohnBrooking

I mostly ride alone, because I'm not really a big recreational cyclist apart from my transportational riding. In fact, in the last year, I've ridden with a few others from time to time and realized that in some cases, I would have preferred to be alone. I guess it depends on how well matched your riding styles are. With some people who ride similarly to me, which is pretty much vehicularly, I don't mind at all. But if the person deviates from my style too much, it feels like we are confusing each other and it's less fun. I haven't ridden in large groups very much, and I suspect my feeling about it would depend a lot on the group.

I also notice this preference for riding alone stated from time to time on blogs, probably from other commuters, so I was wondering how you all felt about it.

I was going to make it a poll, but I think there are probably too many exceptions to a simple yes or no, and I'm sure I can't think of them all, so I guess I'll just leave it a plain discussion.

Infantryboots

Alone

derath

Generally alone. Usually due to my schedule. My commute isn't every day (work at home alot, or have to visit client sites). And when I ride for fun it is easier just to go rather than coordinate.

It isn't that I don't enjoy riding with others. Just my life is too busy lately to mesh schedules

-D

pj7

I like riding on the pavement alone, but when mountain biking I like having one or two others with me.

group105

I try to do a weekly group ride since we always do 50+ miles. Big group 40-50 people. On a 50+ mile ride it really helps your speed when you have to chase the A group.
I normally go alone on my regular 18 mile ride several times a week.

EXCALIBUR

I prefer to ride alone, choosing my own course, distance and pace.

labrat

I usually ride alone. While my schedule allows commuting time it would be difficult to carve out a couple hours just for a ride.

pedalMonger

Alone for now. Too new at it, I would just end up irritating experienced riders on a group ride. Maybe next year I'll look into clubs and/or organizations.

donnamb 

I generally ride alone, but enjoy myself immensely when I do have riding companions.

mtnwalker

Alone. I can't seem to find people who ride at my speed. Everybody else seems either slower or faster than me.

EMT

alone!

martianone

usually solo,
except for family rides.

knobster

I do the organized rides from time to time, but most rides I ride alone. Same reason as above. I can do what I want, when I want. I also do rides with my wife and this is where we get in our biggest arguments.

AndrewP

I have been riding with a club this summer, and find pleasure in not having to worry about figuring the route. Its also nice to chat at the stops.

Daily Commute

Alone. I love the solitude. I've got people to deal with at work and home, but my commute is my time. Even in heavy traffic, cars mostly flow around me until I hit downtown, and then I flow with them. And nothing beats the solitude of the road or the bike path at 5:00 a.m. Heaven!

As to recreational riding, I've done 50 mile, 75 mile, even a century ride alone. Like others, I enjoy being able to pick my pace--to push myself and relax as I want. The key to doing longer rides alone is being prepared to deal with problems. I've worked to learn how to fix pretty much anything that can go wrong when I'm out on a ride.

newsace

Alone or with a group of 10 or less (preferably much less). My general preference is alone or with only one or two other people, but we've got a nice group of about 6 or 7 who've been commuting together twice a week, and that's been working out pretty well. Plus, it makes it harder to back out when several others are expecting you.

wheel

Alone

I am not very fast.

Dr_Robert

My commute is always solo.

My recreational rides are probably 95% solo. I generally prefer to ride my own routes, in my own time, though I'm not entirely against the idea of having company along. Just don't expect me to chat while I'm riding.

I'll probably look into some clubs / group rides next year, though I'm not sure how that will work out. I don't have much experience riding in large groups, so we'll see how it goes...

-DR

CliftonGK1

I enjoy my daily commute by myself, but I like riding with friends for my longer rides on the weekend.

chephy

Alone, or with 1 more person whose riding style and speed match mine more or less.

hubcap

Bike commuters are a usually forced to be a lone wolf kind of rider. I suspect that is what we know and enjoy. It would be interesting to see what kind of responses you would get in the other forums.

JOHN J

When I commute (not often enough right now too much going on and Im up at camp alot , too far to commute 63 mile) when I commute im alone and riding hard to get to work .

for fun rides I much prefer riding in groups.

I guess it was the same when I was in the military, running in groups was somewhat entertaining and easier than running alone I was focused on staying in formation keeping up and being part of the TEAM...

solo rides for fun seem to bore me unless I have a destination but group rides are like an event so Ill make time for those and look forward to them even if we dont end up anywhere.

I think its the commuting mind set I HAVE TO HAVE A DESTINATION or Ill just stay home and mow the lawn.

"John"

Brian Sorrell

I prefer alone, but lately I've been trying to get more people on bikes, so I've been riding with them. One caveat: I always love to ride with the wife

gholt

Alone.

Halloween

All by myself!
Just wanna be...
All by myself,
Anymore!