Riding Alone or Together
#1
Thread Starter
Just give'er.

Joined: Nov 2003
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From: SF Bay Area
Bikes: 04 Scrap
Riding Alone or Together
I often ride alone, because there aren't many other people of my age who wish to go far. I like to go far, but the furthest I've ever gotten was on my new bike with a friend was only about 20 km and our average speed was 16kmph beacuse we were chatting so much lol.
So do YOU ride alone or with a friend? Usually with a friend? Usually Alone? Always with a friend? Always alone? And how many miles have you ever gotten in one day on a bike. Doesn't matter if you repeat sections or whatever, just how many km or miles have you gone in one day in one trip out.
For me, it's like Xbox's ad "It's good to play together" because for me, it gives me mroe encouragement to keep on going without getting bored or lonely.
So do YOU ride alone or with a friend? Usually with a friend? Usually Alone? Always with a friend? Always alone? And how many miles have you ever gotten in one day on a bike. Doesn't matter if you repeat sections or whatever, just how many km or miles have you gone in one day in one trip out.
For me, it's like Xbox's ad "It's good to play together" because for me, it gives me mroe encouragement to keep on going without getting bored or lonely.
#3
Junior Member

Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16
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From: Reading Vermont
Bikes: K-2Razorback S-L ,Marin Pine mountain,Vintage Bridgestone mile 120
I ride alone alot, prefer to ride with a group but timing is off soooo .When the urge to ride comes .........I ride local single tracks . if I ever get hurt the coyotes will find me before anyone else does .The most important thing is to ride within your abilities..and have fun.You are never alone in the woods.
#5
Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,304
Likes: 1
From: Cleveland, OH
Bikes: 2004 Trek 4600 SS, 2016 Cannondale Cujo 2 SS
Don't take as many risks alone as with a group. For one, theres no one there to prove that you did that crazy section, for two, if you get hurt or knocked out, no one is around to help you. Take a cell phone, etc. Ride smart=stay alive
#7
Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 7,963
Likes: 1
From: Parrish, FL
Bikes: Lots
About 50/50. I've got a limited window of opportunity, and it's hard to hook up with friends that can also ride during that limited window.
I actually find that I crash MORE when I ride solo. Why? Because I ride more cautiously, hit sections a little slower, with a bit more trepidation.
When I'm with my buds, it's "$crew it" and I'll bomb a section or ride stuff in an agressive manner. Regularly with good outcomes.
Of my last 6 crashes where I've hurt myself, or damaged my bike, only once was I with some friends.
Go Figure!
L8R
I actually find that I crash MORE when I ride solo. Why? Because I ride more cautiously, hit sections a little slower, with a bit more trepidation.
When I'm with my buds, it's "$crew it" and I'll bomb a section or ride stuff in an agressive manner. Regularly with good outcomes.
Of my last 6 crashes where I've hurt myself, or damaged my bike, only once was I with some friends.
Go Figure!
L8R
__________________
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger
#9
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,677
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From: Oztraylya
Bikes: '03 Fuji Roubaix Pro; '03 KleinGi Attitude; '06 Soma Rush; '04 Surly Cross-Check; '06 Soma Rush; '07 Scott CR1 / Chorus
Mountain biking, I almost always ride with other people. I don't like the idea of being out in the woods by myself, which is the same reason why I always hike and camp with others too.
Road biking about 50/50, and commuting is always by myself. I'm usually closer to home and/or civilization, so if anything happens I've either got my cellphone with reception to call someone, or will be seen reasonably easily by a passer-by.
If you ride by yourself, do take a cellphone, but more importantly make sure someone knows where you've gone and how long you expect to be gone for. That way if something happens to you, at least someone will start looking for you!
Road biking about 50/50, and commuting is always by myself. I'm usually closer to home and/or civilization, so if anything happens I've either got my cellphone with reception to call someone, or will be seen reasonably easily by a passer-by.
If you ride by yourself, do take a cellphone, but more importantly make sure someone knows where you've gone and how long you expect to be gone for. That way if something happens to you, at least someone will start looking for you!
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#10
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 168
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From: Oak Park, IL
Bikes: Gunnar Streetdog, Independent Fabrications Deluxe & Steelman EuroCross
I almost always ride with a group on the weekends, during the week I commute 70% with riders from the weekend group/30% alone. I used to ride alone but when I moved I discovered the local riding club and have to say I prefer riding in a group. It is a social event, you have a helping hand if you need it and it is safer (provided everyone has good skills). Does anyone else carry a first aid kit?
Longest rides: 85 miles (off road), 155 miles (road).
Longest rides: 85 miles (off road), 155 miles (road).
#12
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3,924
Likes: 589
From: San Jose, CA
Bikes: Too many bikes, too little time to ride
preferably with friends, but we are not all at the same level of riding, so sometimes our rides are compromised to shorter routes. personally, around 20miles in one day is a pretty good workout for me.
#13
Wood Licker


Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 16,966
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From: Whistler,BC
Bikes: Trek Fuel EX 8 27.5 +, 2002 Transition Dirtbag, Kona Roast 2002
If I did 20miles on the trails here, I wouldn't actually be able to leave the woods (it would take me 3 days camping to put that amount of time in). Most pros can't do that distance in a day on the single track here. Man I would have a heartattack. I really need to find some trails like taht
#16
-RiDe On-

Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 168
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From: Ontario, Canada
Bikes: 1 Supercycle Hoolagan ...(i need a new bike as you can see)
mmmmm...ontario
I usually ride alone...becasue there really isnt anyone my age who wants to go out...but if you go with others, it is fun...time flies too
longest road ride....40 someodd kms...20 back towing my cousins bike with him on it....
I usually ride alone...becasue there really isnt anyone my age who wants to go out...but if you go with others, it is fun...time flies too
longest road ride....40 someodd kms...20 back towing my cousins bike with him on it....
#17
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,200
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From: colonial heights Va
Bikes: Devinci Guzzler, 04 Canadian version
i usually ride alone or with my kids.as stated by others its not easy to find people who are willing,able ,or like to ride in the woods.i run with others i meet on the trail but thats usually the only adults i can get to go with me.i do take my cellphone with me and let my wife know the approximate location (which park,trails near home etc.)and i usually will try things alone that i would not do with my kids or with a total strangermy shortest ride was in the snow a couple months ago.i didnt even make it out the neighborhood.my longest was about 30 miles.my average is between 6-10 miles 5 days a week
#18
Senior Member Woot! Woot!

Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 196
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From: York Region, Ontario, Canada
Bikes: A 2003, Blue, DiamondBack Sorrento With MEGA Upgrades.
If i can, i ride with others, but if i can't then i still ride. so it's 50.50. The most km i ever got in a day would probably be about 45k. From Newmarket, to Holland Landing, then Mount ALbert, then going back through East Gwilumberry. (maybe some of you ontarionians are familer with those towns)
#21
75/25 my wife will ride sometimes but i have to guilt her into it and my brother busted his el cheapo. dont mind being in the wood alone i passed land nav and survival training. i do keep a cell phone just incase i get crazy and hurt myself . but all in all i enjoy myself when i do get out and i tryi to stay out about 2-3 hrs
#22
I'd say 99% of the time I ride by myself. I've been trying to meet new people, though. Met some girl at the trails yesterday and got her number, so I might have a new riding partner which would be cool.
#23
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 607
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From: Arkansas
Bikes: Giant OCR1/Specialized Epic
hmmm, I almost always ride alone. If others want to ride, then I'll go earlier in the day for my workout and then come back and ride with friends. Long road rides- 60-80 miles (tomorrow's ride will be 84, and Saturday will be a 40 mile singletrack/fireroad/paved ride with some teammates)
long singletrack ride 25-30. No, I don't have a cell phone, but I'm not so worried. After all, people rode before cell phones, and I'm pretty tuff.
long singletrack ride 25-30. No, I don't have a cell phone, but I'm not so worried. After all, people rode before cell phones, and I'm pretty tuff.
#25
Wood Licker


Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 16,966
Likes: 2
From: Whistler,BC
Bikes: Trek Fuel EX 8 27.5 +, 2002 Transition Dirtbag, Kona Roast 2002
Holligan,
You find any teams to ride with, what about dropmachine (a TO based site). I also know of a bikeshop in Guelph that organizes rides...but they do a lot of travelling
You find any teams to ride with, what about dropmachine (a TO based site). I also know of a bikeshop in Guelph that organizes rides...but they do a lot of travelling




