For the last couple of months I have been riding with a few others. One of which is my 30 year old neighbour that I am trying to get into road riding and the other is my son-in-law.Now I know they are both younger than me and a lot fitter but they are not ideal riding companions for me. Went for a short ride this morning with them and have decided to go back to solo riding.

Trying to stay with them and keep within the draft has been a new experience but I like to go for 60 mile rides at the weekends. Trying- and succeeding- to stay with them takes a lot out of me and by the time 20 miles comes up- I am knackered.

This mornings ride finally did it for me. From the off and they were away. I like to have a couple of miles to bring the legs in and at twenty mph from the off doesn't do that. Then on the ride I was in the lead for a while and pushing a bit firmly and they came past me as I dropped off the lead. Speed went up by 5mph and I let them go. Then on the ride- IF I managed to talk to them between gasping for air- they just had to keep a wheel in front all the time.

So I am going back to my solo rides and going to enjoy riding again. I have done that for 5 years- ever since I went road (mountain biking is different as anything may happen so you stay together except on hills). I will leave the "Competitive" Riding to the youngsters.