Since I started riding rather late this Summer, I haven't had much opportunity to connect with other fellow bikers, and rode alone most of the time. As long as I am in broad daylight, and not far away from 'civilization' riding solo feels just fine, but since my last mishap (although my going horizontal had happened in the parkade) I couldn't stop thinking about the what if's. What if I have an accident or drop my bike somewhere in the sticks? Usually a cell phone doesn't get good reception in the mountains. What if I get hurt? How long, until help would arrive?
Often it is wrong timing (too early, route too long, other obligations...), weather issues (too cold, too warm, too wet...) or different riding philosophies (posing, dirt tracking, touring) and speed (racing or flower picking) that makes trip coordination with a companion rider or a group difficult.
For example, I like to get up early, to catch the fresh air and the morning light. Big plus, I don't have to share the roads with too many other motorists. Also, my average velocity is no more than 60 to 80 kmh, This speed gives me the illusion of safety, and the hope to be able to react quickly enough to road hazards. I will occasionally stop just to admire the scenery, or to take pictures, not to forget the bathroom breaks.
Riding solo allows some quiet time, spontaneity in changing tour plans, freedom to stop and go whenever or where ever wanted. That all adds to the character of the riding adventure, but one have to be able to deal with the said what-if's. In a group one has to be open for compromises, follow the leader of the pack, and adapt to the group speed, but one will always have buddies to assist, or to chat with. I hope to find a companion who has a mutual understanding of where to go and when to stop, somebody who can lead and follow, who is flexible and reliable. Maybe it will help if I put that wish on my Christmas list.
SonjaM:
ReplyDeleteafter a while you will find another rider with the same attributes. I have done mostly group riding but find that I prefer to remain at the end of the pack and just observe. It's probably the safest position.
As for solo rides I have been enjoying more of them the past year or so having ridden down to Oregon and into the Okanagan by myself. You have to weigh the benefits of each. Solo for freedom of spontaneous direction/route changes, or group for security and companionship.
On our last "group" ride (3 riders) we were more or less in a group but riding solo stopping to take pictures, while others could continue and wait at predetermined intervals, with the all important "15 minute rule" which we abided by and discussed at the start.
bob
bobskoot: wet coast scootin
Riding solo is the best for me....more time to think, take pictures, look around and explore without "impacting" someone else's ride experience....though I'll admit having a fellow Uralisti along would have come in handy sometimes....
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