The truth about riding solo

[DirtyHarry]

When I did the last longer solo ride I had no cell phone on, no fixed route to follow, I could stop where I wanted, I had no discussions along the way. No game plan to follow all day long, the days and nights belonged to me only.
It is kind of selfish, but this is freedom in the true sense of the word.
I've never felt that kind of freedom before.

[Billbob]

If you gonna come down then yu gonna come down, whether in a group or solo. Being a proper dog I prefer to lick my wounds in private. Solo is my thing I don't do packs well.

[GIDEON]

Just enjoy your ride. Like Welsh man said.
Your pase, dont have a fixed in stone plan. Go for a general idea what you want to do.
Take tubes. And make sure you have some extra $$$ hidden on the bike.
Take extra water.

And a map with you of the area, just in case. And let people know what area you'll be in.

[Jacko]

I like what I'm reading here.

Maybe we are a subspecies of the lycaon pictus?

Yes, there is a risk attached to riding solo. But it can be managed to the point of it being safer than the group orgies we read about so often on this forum. Isn't it interesting that most of these crashes happen in groups? It would be interesting (although very hard) to work out the % of riders falling in groups vis-a-vis riding solo. I have my suspicions, though.

Suppose it's like so many other things: If you have to explain it to someone they wouldn't understand.  

[White Rhino]

Riding solo is the ultimate expression of solitude, freedom and exploration.

Safety in numbers has little to do with riding but more to do with assistance in a time of need - mechanical breakdown, even a puncture with a tube can be a bitch on your own on some makes of bikes, towing, injury, lifting, spares, tools etc.

Besides the great company, the camaraderie is second to none.

[alanB]

I share your feeling cloudgazer. Can be very frustrating at times when riding in a group. Feels like a lot of waiting and very little riding at times. When going solo - own pace, but it is definitely safer in a group.

I dunno if it's really much safer in a group.
you may ride beyond your skills to prove a point or to keep up with the pack.
having a group around may lead to a false sense of security.
Although it is aweomse having people around to help pickup your bike when you drop it. 

I haven't really ridden in any big groups yet, not sure its something I would find enjoyable, so cant speak from experience, but my observation from reading various comments and ride reports is that I agree with you that it probably isnt safer in a group maybe even a bit more dangerous.

I think we all have a competitive part to our personalities and instead a "ride" it can become a subtle form of race in some cases.  In small groups with people you know, who are at similar levels of capability,  thats fine and quite enjoyable, but in large groups with a wide range of skills people might be tempted to try and show what they can do, or feel pressurised to match the pace of the hot shots, rather than just ride their own ride.  

I personally prefer riding with a mate or two only.  Sadly I dont have many mates who have bikes, or if they do they dont tend to ride often for some reason.   So I tend mostly to ride alone.  But I really like going at my own pace which varies considerably, according to my mood.  I also have a firm rule of rather ride like a ninny (I'm past the age where its important to prove anything) than go back to hospital again, so when in doubt I slow right down (although as I get used to the bike my average speed has increased steadily - need to ensure it stays this side of the complacent curve! ).

Of course if you fall its great having others around to help.  

And its certainly a lot more social with more people.

[DirtyHarry]

Riding in a group can be a lot of fun. Mostly for the chit chat around the fire and the general piss up at night.

What I never really understood how you can have fun riding on a dirt road in a big group. You either have to ride far apart that the dust has settled or you eat a lot of it from the rider in front of you.
The next thing that I don't understand. People will go certain routes only in a group but would never go there solo.
If you don't have the riding skills to get through on your own you probably should not be there in first place.

[arrowfeather]

Love to Hate riding alone ..... had a small off on my own last month on the Wupperthal track, on my way to niewoudts ville , tore all my ligaments in right ankle.... still wobling a bit.... 

[McOets]

As everything in life there are good and bad points to riding in groups or solo, i do solo most of the time just because at that time there is mostly no one that can join so i just do it without a worry!

[Gérrard]

SWAMBO says I'm the only married bachelor she knows. I like being on my own. Although we mostly tour together(but on our own), I like the occasional solo trip and for the reasons already stated.

Since my accident earlier this year though, I am now reluctant to ride solo. So I compromise. Ride with one or to buddies, but each ride their own. No presure. At way points we stop and meet and help is there if you need. At night you can have the camp fire Cameraderie.

Ultimately, solo is best.

[DirtyHarry]

SWAMBO says I'm the only married bachelor she knows. I like being on my own. Although we mostly tour together(but on our own), I like the occasional solo trip and for the reasons already stated.

Since my accident earlier this year though, I am now reluctant to ride solo. So I compromise. Ride with one or to buddies, but each ride their own. No presure. At way points we stop and meet and help is there if you need. At night you can have the camp fire Cameraderie.

Ultimately, solo is best.

Sounds like a good compromise Jupiter. I remember a picture from you with your buddies where you had a braai going in the middle of the road. It was probably one of your waypoints. Smoke signal for your buddies 

[redtiger]

Solo and small groups are ok but with solo you I find I ride well within my limits knowing with an off you are alone it also forces you to plan and prepare to be totaly self sufficient be it with bike repairs or camping etc.

It sorts your head out and gives you true self confidence in other areas of your life besides biking. The married bachelor comment very true My wife expresses similar sentiments but I respond if I can not take care of myself on a bike trip how can you look after a  family.

[Saddle Up]

I have done a good few thousand Ks solo, and nothing beats the solitude. There are 3 guys that I ride with on a not so regular basis, but with all respect to them I'm one of the lone soles that get on lekker with being alone.

[2StrokeDan]

How about all of us on this thread join up for a group ride?

[Gérrard]

How about all of us on this thread join up for a group ride?

  Jy mis ook nie 'n truuk nie ne.

[2StrokeDan]

Ja, dit sal n groep ry wees, maar een met slegs "likeminded soloists"

[See Duiwel]

Nou toe ,se wanneer. dan ry ons solo. Man-man op sy eie skoeter. daar is niks so lekker soos staan en kak praat by elke smoke stop nie.

[Gérrard]

Nou toe ,se wanneer. dan ry ons solo. Man-man op sy eie skoeter. daar is niks so lekker soos staan en kak praat by elke smoke stop nie.

Maar dis nou juis wat die ouens in die groep die meeste afpis, ons rookers en dis hoekom ek solo ry, dat ek in vrede kan rook, want as jy nou moeilikheid wil he moet jy met my smoke-breaks mors.

[2StrokeDan]

Smokebreaks is great, dit gee my tyd om vir jou te preek oor hoe sleg sigarette vir jou is

[DirtyHarry]

Hey sy Afrikaanssprekende honde. Fred is nou vreemde tale, maar nie deurmekaar met