Lone riding?

So it was hubby's turn to ride the group ride yesterday and he was racing this morning so I have not had the time or the inclination to go out.

We took the kids out yesterday instead of me going out and now today I just have no motivation to go out on my own.

I think part of it is a fear thing i.e if something happened to me..

Poor planning on us, next time I will ride with the group. However all this got me thinking who goes out on their own?

Should I be worried?

Tags: female, group, help, lone, riding, single

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Permalink Reply by Rob (Chewbacca) on July 8, 2012 at 15:30

Nah dont worry as long as you pick a good route a good time of day and take spare tube and pump and phone for backup....hopefully you will see other groups of cyclists on the road to tag along with if you feel that way inclined...enjoy your ride :)

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Permalink Reply by RD6 on July 8, 2012 at 15:40

Do it Michelle while the weather is good as forecast is looking shite, I go out on my own at times and other times with racing / social cafe racers

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Permalink Reply by Dstone on July 8, 2012 at 16:06

Loan wolf for me most of the time. i get to go where I want the conversation is spectacular, witty, intellectual and stuff. Also a very efficient use of time - group rides have inveitable stopping which can waste a fair bit of time.

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Permalink Reply by Michelle Crick on July 8, 2012 at 16:28

I just don't really enjoy going out on my own either..written today off now

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Permalink Reply by Matthew (two dogs) Marshall on July 8, 2012 at 21:00

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Permalink Reply by Renata Ellison on July 8, 2012 at 16:29

I go out and do 20km on my own when time permits. I currently wouldn't be able to change a tyre if I had a puncture even if I had the gear with me, but I go anyway (I figure I'll call an Ellison if I get stuck!). I just make sure I have my phone with me and I also carry some ID and a business card of David's, so that if anything happened to me, hopefully someone would stop to help me out and could figure out who to contact. David usually knows I'm heading out and I let him know when I get home. You could always let Phil know an idea of which route you'll be taking when you go out too. But long story short, no, I don't think you should be worried :)

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Permalink Reply by Gillian on July 8, 2012 at 16:30

When I first started riding it was on the veloway so there were always plenty of other riders about and I never really felt alone. Then I needed more distance and hills further afield but found that there were plenty of cyclists out there too. Now I sometimes want to get clear of other riders because lone riding can be quite therapeutic.

It just takes a little time to gain some confidence. If you have the basics of tube changing and minor derailleur cable adjustments then you are pretty good to go. I always carry mobile phone, coffee/cake money, emergency ID bracelet, 2 tubes, 2 cartridges, pump, tyre levers, multitool, rubber gloves, puncture repair kit (never used) and tissues/toilet paper. The latter is essential for stopping the stuff in your saddle bag rattling and driving you to distraction. Also handy for cleaning off oil and for any unforseen nature stops in the great outdoors ;-) A more recent addition is a map of the planned destination. Getting lost can be half the fun, but...

Sing out if you want to go out during the week. Sometimes it just takes a few rides off the beaten track with another rider until you find your feet.

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Permalink Reply by Gus K on July 8, 2012 at 16:34

By this you mean 'lone' riding not can anyone loan me a baby sitter.

I think the hardest thing is pulling on the knicks and actually getting started but once you're out there it can be great to be alone with your thoughts. I've even found I've managed some PBs without trying.