Safety in numbers

[fattirefreak]

Thanx to all respondents. Your input was both confirming and informative. For years I've ridden the trails in the pristine highlands here on my own, notifying the wife and/or friends where I'll be. I've even been picked up at scheduled endpoints. Only once did I ride the whole route with someone else, and he was 15 years my younger, and we didn't have a lot to talk about. Plus, he was faster too. So, I stick to the lone-rider theme and love it. Take fewer risks though when I'm way out there.
This year I have a double century by Creede that's like 300 some odd miles away from home, and still nobody to sag or ride with at this point. Regardless, my passion will trump any lack of interest by others. Anyway, happy trails to all.

 

[Paladin - York]

Hi fattirefreak

I've come in late on this one but it could've been me writing up some of these posts. I've being doing solo since my previous cycling pal decided to do more pints than miles - not so good if you want to do some distance (or is it?). Anyway, I'm now used to not having to compromise on rides, photo breaks etc., although it can be a bit of a pain in acquiring "fair-priced" serviced accommodation, but I do have a Terra Nova.

On a slightly different issue I did a recent jaunt from Cape Wrath to York and I cycled a few miles along the C2C from Newton Reigny to Penrith. There was an almost unbroken chain of cyclists, mostly in "packs", grinding along in both directions. I was pleased I did this route back in 1995 when it was in its infancy, I can't recall seeing any other cyclist then.

 

[Globalti]

It's not just a question of safety in case of an accident.

Many years ago I was out with my MTB club and well ahead of the others, cutting through an Asian district of Burnley. This was at the time of the Burnley riots and I knew I was in an area where Asian gangs were accustomed to defending their turf. Came round a corner to be confronted by a gang of about half a dozen, led by a very tough-looking Asian guy who I had seen before around the town and noted for his aggressive attitude. He stared at me, opened his mouth to say something and then my mates appeared behind me, so he thought the better of it and closed his mouth again. I greeted them and rode past but was glad I hadn't been alone.

 

[deaksie]

It's not just a question of safety in case of an accident.

Many years ago I was out with my MTB club and well ahead of the others, cutting through an Asian district of Burnley. This was at the time of the Burnley riots and I knew I was in an area where Asian gangs were accustomed to defending their turf. Came round a corner to be confronted by a gang of about half a dozen, led by a very tough-looking Asian guy who I had seen before around the town and noted for his aggressive attitude. He stared at me, opened his mouth to say something and then my mates appeared behind me, so he thought the better of it and closed his mouth again. I greeted them and rode past but was glad I hadn't been alone.

Blimey! in that case I'm glad i don't live in burnley! there aren't any built-up areas around here and therefore only sheep to gang up on me!!!

 

[Muddy Ground]

One suspects solo rides are fairly common - some of the hydration cycling rucksacks now come fitted with emergency whistles. 6 shorts blasts please.

It's probably the case that the OP takes far more safety precautions than, say, somebody setting off solo for a 30 minute spin into their local woods here in the UK? It's natural to apply caution when knowingly out in the sticks, and such caution is thrown to the wind when "it's only a little jump and I'm close to home; what harm can it do!" How many of us here have come unstuck just popping out for 5 minutes dear?

MG

 

[VamP]

I should imagine that if you're out in the sticks of Colorado, some kind of back-up rider would be valid insurance!

Nowt wrong with riding alone - had some of my best rides alone. Plus the other week I got flashed by a lovely, which wouldn't have happened if I'd been in a group....

MG

I think (a lot) more detail required.