sometimes I push too hard and get tired and there's no one there to encourage me and if I talk to myself people look at me.

@ thread topic

Ah, bt, your troll threads are most definitely my favorites on here. Way to cheer up a super crappy week!

Am I doing something wrong if I talk to myself (just mostly choice certain words) and no one looks at me?

Try whispering.

You're going to yell at you.

mp3 player!

I don't recommend this, for the obvious reasons. Being able to hear vehicles coming up from behind me is very important, especially if I hear their tires on the rumble strips or reflectors.

One of the reasons I like cycling is because it gives me a break from work, tv, internet, music, or talk. My world if full of distractions, and it is nice to get some time away from these. I look at the passing scenery, listen to the sounds around me, birds, animals, the sound of my tires on the road. I enjoy these things, and do not find long solo rides boring. I would love to be out riding today, but Japan's rainy season has begun, and off to a good start. When the rain stops, the worst of the summer heat and humidity will start. I plan to do some long rides through Chiba and Ibraki this summer,

Pearl Jam. Loud.
Led Zeppelin. Loud.
Stevie Ray Vaughn. Loud.
Carlos Santana. Loud.
Buddy Guy. Loud.
Pink Floyd. Loud.
Moody Blues. Loud.
Rolling Stones. Loud.
Metalica. Loud.
Etc.........

Screeching car tires. Loud.
Train horn. Loud.
On your left! as you just so happen to swerve left. Loud.
Etc........

Be sure to wave to yourself, lest you start selfloathing.

Those things might wreck your ride, that's why it's important to turn your ipod up loud enough to drown them out.

I find it hard to give myself "the look" just before I drope the hamer when riding solo.

Just don't argue with yourself at the side of the road.

I like to drain my water bottles, and then throw them off to the side of the road. It brings a real race feel to those solo efforts. Also, shout "STANDING" a lot to not surprise the people who aren't behind you when you do.

You never detour into an empty parking lot next to the big windows? Try it - you can practice "the look" and if it gets to you, you'll know that it's perfected.

I like to point out road hazards to myself.

And then ride right through some so that you can lament the poor signalling.

There is no manage. Either do or do not.

Good point because seriously, last night I saw more automotive traffic on the blocked bike trail I rode than I do in a week's worth of riding on my roads at home. All on the bike trail, saw a minivan, a motorcycle, an SUV, and a full size dual cab dually Dodge pickup truck. No idea what was going on, every gate I rode past was locked.

Going to start listening to my mp3 player on the roads because I only see maybe 1 car every other ride and not on the bike trail where I see 4 motor vehicles where they can't even get access to it.

You can always pretend your shadow is your riding buddy. Depending on the position of the Sun you can take turns drafting each other (caution - does not work on cloudy days).

I talk to cattle and horses on my solo rides. Now everytime they see me and lineup by the fence to moow me.

At the end of my solo rides I lead myself out during the sprint for the imaginary line. I haven't let myself down yet.

Speaking of waving, is it impolite not to wave back to the Amish? I was riding in Amish country last weekend and several of them waved when coming the other way in buggies.

They're probably posting in Amishforums.net about how arrogant roadies are.

...on their handmade wooden computers.