I ride alone all the time..not to say I don't have lots of riding friends. I see that many or most of my friends are not into this as I am. I just have 2 or 3 hardcore riding (real) friends. What if you ask your unskilled (real) friend out for some MTB and they break their arm or some other thing? Just ride.... and you will find people to ride with. They may not be your best friends, but you have a common interest in cycling and getting out there to have fun and throw down some trails. I say just get out and ride!