View Poll Results: How do you prefer to ride?
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 33. You may not vote on this poll
Alone vs. Groups
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Central Coast, California
Posts: 3,370
Bikes: Colnago C-50, Calfee Dragonfly Tandem, Specialized Allez Pro, Peugeot Competition Light
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Of all the 1200ks I've done (not that it's that many) I've only ridden the whole way with another rider once and we actually hooked up with an awesome group and the six of us stayed together for the last 700kms or so. Especially on 1200ks, groups tend to be very nebulous. They form, break up and reform all the time. Some people like to sleep more or stop more, whatever. You have to just role with the punches. Sometimes you just don't want to ride with "that" person for whatever reason. Sometimes when I ride by myself I prefer to be alone. There are plenty of opportunities on long brevets to hook up with others or not. You just can't be upset if others decide they want ride with someone else or alone. Chances are it wasn't because you smelled bad!
#27
That I can understand. The first 200 mile ride I did I was with 2 other riders not too much before sunset. I picked up a bit of steel belt and flatted. Turned out I was able to hammer enough after the change to catch them. Good thing for them as because of road hazards each of them had lost a light (one head, the other tail). We stayed as a threesome until a couple of miles from the end where we left the main road for a clam sidestreet. At that point I hammered on.
#28
Senior Member
I'd say this isn't quite true. If you ride with a group for the first 120 miles of a 200km, then start riding hard just a few miles from the end to drop them so you can come in "first" then you're going to get ostracised and next time around, the group probably will not be so friendly to you.
Nick
Nick
Last edited by mander; 09-15-12 at 06:23 PM.
#30
I have been riding on and off for about 25 years and have never ridden in a group. I must admit I am not a very social person and like setting my own pace goals. I do try to ride organised events as I'm not very creative as far as choosing routes and these ride help me by selecting different distances.
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Magnolia, Texas
Posts: 300
Bikes: Colnago C50, Specialized TriCross Carbon
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I will start out by saying I prefer to ride alone, as that is normally the only time I get any peace and quiet.. At work I am constantly being spoken to, and at home with 2 girls I get no peace either. Only time I have no external demands is when I'm on my bike, I do however enjoy riding organized rides with lots of people around and great scenery. Just please don't bother me!
Last edited by Hairy Hands; 09-28-12 at 04:06 PM.