3speed

So the local MTB club meets on Thursday nights. I work on Thursdays. Therefore, I basically don't know any other MTBers and always ride alone. That sometimes causes me to not try stuff I would try if I rode with others. I don't want to break my leg, neck, whatever, at 6:30pm(shortly before dark) and be out on the trails alone. Does anyone else ever worry about that kinda stuff? I feel like I should just go with the odds and try the new stuff. If I do crash, I'm most likely going to just get a scrape or two, but that voice in my head...

Medic795

I definitely go easier when I'm alone, just for those same reasons. I have friends from work though that I go with sometimes so I don't have to worry about getting together with clubs once a week. We can go bases on our own scheduels

Tulok

I don't try crazy things alone, but I do ride 80%, the comfortable but fast pace. I try to ride with friends 100% of the time though.

roccobike

Always alone on an MTB. I just don't like riding with a pack. I ride trails that are pretty well traveled so I'm not too worried about being stranded if I get injured.
If it's real late, I slow it down a bit.

Dannihilator

I ride solo often, but most often will keep things mellow when alone.

speedy25

Once upon a time I went for a ride in the woods. I went a little too fast and bounced off a tree. When I regained consciousness, I realized thats why you dont go for a ride alone.

I WAS GOING EASY, so dont think you cant screw up either.

At least these days you MIGHT have a phone signal to call for help. That depends on how far from civilization your ride area is at.

If you are going alone and have some people who care, let them know you are going for a ride and will be back around x time.

I understand Rocco's point. Some people are too scary to ride with. But there is some safety in a group you dont have by yourself. Go ride with different people until you find the good ones.

-SP

qr409tz8

Always with people. Not only for the safety of it, which I do think about but am not THAT worried about, but because I get lazy on my own. Riding with others I'll lose a couple hours and miles of trail at speed and over obstacles and have a great time. On my own Ill putz around forever get bored load up to go home and realize I was only out about half an hour. People make the ride fun!

Daspydyr 

I knew better, but went out alone with no cell phone and tried a jump that was way above my pay grade. I spent the next 9 days in ICU. That was a horrible day. you are wise to dial it down when alone.

Always carrying a cell phone. Kinda like a couple riders here, I like a nice quiet ride by myself, especially when the sun is rising or setting. Magic time.

corvuscorvax

I ride solo quite a lot. For day trips, I make sure somebody knows where I am, and I arrange to give them a call when I get off the trail. I definitely ride less aggressively when I'm solo -- it only makes sense.

I have also done multi-day backcountry tours solo and unsupported, where I will go for extended periods without cell phone service. For that purpose I carry a SARSAT beacon.

There's no need to be paranoid about it. Everything involves risk. Just take sensible precautions.

Ride916

Ditto on this part. Always riding with others isn't possible if I want to ride when I get my chances, but I stay in my comfort zone. That's not to say I don't try new things...just not anything too sketchy.

Dilberto

Oh, believe it or not - Verizon Wireless has the most cell coverage out on remote trails, than all the other big 3 cell providers COMBINED. I hate their prices, but the fact I get three bars or more of cell service makes the price premium well worth it.

Daspydyr 

Same in Vegas. I went with Sprint for price this year and am regretting it.

jimlennon

OK, I always ride bike alone and i like the way.of course, i will listen to music when riding, because it is too boring. i do not like ride bike with too many people, but i will do that if the distance is very far.you know, it will be safe.

mystolenbikes

It doesn't matter which provider you have. 911 calls will pretty much always get through even if you don't have any bars on your phone.

Here is a good read.

https://www.backpacker.com/prof-hike-...s/skills/15238

3speed

^ Thanks for posting that. I do happen to get service at the trails I ride, but not on some of my backpacking trips. That was a good read and I'll use that info in the future.

samburger

I ride alone probably 90% of the time, & ride at about 80% of my ability. I'm not too worried though...I always sign in/out at the trail head, & the trail crew checks the parking lot every night & comes to find you if your car is still there past dark (I know from experience). I also carry a whistle, strobe light, & cell phone on me whenever I ride.

3speed

That's awesome that you have that with the trail crew. None of the trails around her have anything like that. If you get hurt off trail in an area where not many people ride, you could be there for a while. Perhaps days? I don't quite know, but there are a couple spots where I've never seen anyone other than myself. Obviously people ride there some or it wouldn't be a trail, but it must not get ridden very often.

campagnolo80sr

juggling while riding is best done alone

E.W.G.M.B

If its late or getting dark soon then no new things or crazy things to do and i let people know when i leave and where i`m going (i try to have someone check up on me just incase).

YamiRider1316

The voices in my head make it so I never have to ride alone

scrublover

Yes, but only when wearing my +3 lycra of invulnerability.