First Century sportive for antisocial cyclist

[Markymark]

So, I have my first century ride coming up. I’ve done a couple of 60+ mile rides without too much difficulty so I am sure I can complete the 100 miles without major issue.

I’ve never done a sportive before and I’ve been reading a few posts about it and the thing that struck me is that it talks a lot about going off in a group.

The thing is I always have ridden alone. I much prefer setting my own pace/rest times and after leaving work/family I REALLY enjoy the solitude of just riding off and being entirely reliant on myself.

I know there’s an energy advantage of group riding but I am quite happy to sacrifice that to maintain my desire to ride alone as I’m really not interested in ‘meeting like minded cyclists’ etc etc and I’d much rather work to my own pace.

Am I

1. Putting myself in a difficult position and making things considerably harder than it should be
2. A miserable old git but it’s up to you (my wife’s favourite!)
3. Fine to ride how I want as groups are more for group encouragement than anything else.
4. Other….

 

[ianrauk]

Just do your own thing on the ride.
There is no need to 'mix it up' if you don't want to.

 

[Mo1959]

Although they start you off in groups, there is no reason you have to remain in one. Just do your own thing. Must admit, I am totally happy riding on my own too so if I attempt a sportive at some point, I would be the same. Maybe start off in the group and let the momentum carry you along until you are warmed up and then just decide whether to push on by yourself or drop back.

 

[MikeG]

If there are lots of cyclists, you will struggle to not be riding in their company. How close to them you ride is up to your personal preference, but if you do ride in a group, be very aware that your actions will have a bearing on others, so a sudden swerve or braking could result in chaos.

 

[helston90]

Ride how you want and feel at the time- my last (and only) sportive I was a one man machine pushing on right until the route hit a head wind across the moor, so did a bit of group work but then headed off alone once that part was done- do what you want

 

[Markymark]

If there are lots of cyclists, you will struggle to not be riding in their company. How close to them you ride is up to your personal preference, but if you do ride in a group, be very aware that your actions will have a bearing on others, so a sudden swerve or braking could result in chaos.

Well, the vast majority of my miles are commuting in central London so I am quite used to cycling in a pack of fast cyclists negotiating tight spaces! I am sure the dynamic on the open road is different so I will bear it in mind though.

 

[ColinJ]

4. Wasting your time and money going out with hordes of other cyclists who you would rather were not there, when you could ride the same route at another time for nothing, and by yourself!

There is no point in doing any cycling event if you do not want to ride with other people.

 

[Markymark]

4. Wasting your time and money going out with hordes of other cyclists who you would rather were not there, when you could ride the same route at another time for nothing, and by yourself!

There is no point in doing any cycling event if you do not want to ride with other people.

I know I know. The appeal is the organised route, the backup support and the convenience of the feed stations. I just want to get one organised one under my belt before I head-off on my own for future century+ rides. I take your point though.

 

[Big Nick]

Got to agree with Colin

What's the point in doing a sportive if you're desperate for solitude?

Why not just grab the route and do it on your own and save a few quid in the process?

 

[Dogtrousers]

I think the word you're after is "unsociable" not "antisocial". An unsociable rider will tootle along minding his/her own business and not talk to anyone. An antisocial one will do things like jumping red lights, throwing gel wrappers all over the place, and so on.

From a fellow miserable old git (and pedant).

 

[Markymark]

[QUOTE 3065891, member: 30090"]Sounds like an audax rider in the making.....[/QUOTE]
What's an audax? Yes, I can google, but obviously a post of mine has put you in mind of one?

 

[Markymark]

[QUOTE 3065901, member: 30090"]And the main mantra of audax riding is being self sufficient. That said you can still ride in a group if you wish.[/QUOTE]
...now that sounds more like my cup of solitary tea!

 

[fossyant]

There are plenty of ignorant gits on sportives. Quite a few won't talk to you so you'll be fine.

 

[ColinJ]

I realised long ago that getting dropped by nearly everyone on an audax is much cheaper than getting dropped by nearly everyone on a sportive!

 

[Cycling Dan]

If it's windy you can always be that anti social person that sits at the back all the time