As the others have said, riding solo during the actual ride is pretty rare. There are a lot of bikes on the road and you will always have sight of a group or two. It's not a race, so you don't see the traditional "peloton" group unless you are really out front with the cycling heroes. However, there is plenty of "bunching" that goes on, especially on the hills. Everyone tires at a different pace on the hills, so as you get closer to the top and you are passing folks still, you end up swinging wider and wider to get around the people who are slower. Coming into and out of rest stops can also be tough with the cross traffic of bikes.

Personally, I am a terrible solo rider. I end up going slower and getting bored easier when out by myself. If I am riding with others I just seem to go faster and for a longer period of time. I don't know if it is competitiveness, aero effects from pace lines or just my mind playing tricks on my body.

I am riding in my third straight MS150 (ok, MS75 the past two years) and with a new team, Back Pew Brewing. The brewery is practically behind my house, so it made sense to me. I am a bit behind on my training, but am in decent shape cardio and strength-wise. I just need to locate my missing cycling legs.