The Red Cross nurses gave me a hard time the first few times I rode in to give blood. "How far do you have to go to get home?" "Just 5 miles, no problem." "FIVE MILES!!!???!" You know the story. To most people, five miles on a bike is an inconceivable physical endurance test.

I've probably ridden in to the drive 8 times now, so they don't worry about it any more.

I've been approached a couple of times, once while changing a tire, once while saddling up at the LBS, and invited to join a regular group ride on Saturdays. I declined, saying "No thanks. I ride my bike to get away from people." I can't imagine a better way to spoil a nice bike ride than by having a bunch of people with me. It's nice to have a family member or three along, or one or two good friends, but even then, I'd prefer we were spaced out a bit.