Riding groups essential for STP?
 

I had two friends (they're brothers) that I was going to ride with on STP, but a family emergency cropped up and they won't be making STP. Will this be a devastating loss for me and will I be a stranded lone cyclist for the entire STP? We're all noobs that have been practicing together. Will it be difficult for me (a lonely noob) to join a group averaging between 16-19mph?

You'll always meet others wanting to go your pace. I've done STP 1-days solo, without paceline help. Just don't sleep in, plan on starting by 5:00. You'll probably be pleasantly surprised and although you'll be worn out at the end, wonder why you worried so much. Again, this applies only if you are well prepared.

P.S. I'm assuming you're doing 1-day. 16 mph is at the low end of the road bike food chain, I did that on a MTB, but you'll still find others in the same boat. The biggest thing to worry about is forgetting to enjoy the ride, spending too much time on mental time/distance calculations.

haha. no I'm doing 2day, but im expecting more than 16mph, more likely in teh 18range.

I went solo the first time I did it. You will have no problem, there is never really a moment you are by yourself. Not with 10k other bikers out there with you. Enjoy!

You'll be fine. IF you're worried about time (which you shouldn't be if you're doing it in 2 days) then cut down on the rest stops. For a 2-day ride, just enjoy. You'll find plenty of people going your pace to hang with and chat up.

I'll be doing it in two days for my first time as well. Is that a Specialized Roubaix you're riding? If so, look for another one--black & silver, bib 2009. Expecting a pace of 17+.

k thanks for the reassurance guys. I'll be calling out your usernames trying to find you all.

I rode it solo in one day in 2006. It's a well supported ride and big enough that's it's easy to fall in with some other folks riding your pace.

Not riding this year though.