I have ridden with clubs also done lots of solo stuff. But Mrs W prefers it when I go out on my clubs ride because have something to talk about when I get back. Whether its Paula’s sons issues or Barbara’s table tennis or Granvillie’s trip to the Alps It’s better than me discussing my latest injuries.🤣🤣🤣🤣
Anyone else similar to me?
- Thread starter esoxlucius
- Start date
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OP
OP
esoxlucius
Regular
Talking about my cycle rides with my Mrs is strictly taboo in our house, it has been for years. She hates me going out on my bike with a passion. Any mention of a near miss on the road and she goes berserk, so I simply say nothing nowadays. Her biggest fear in life by far is me going out on the bike and the police knocking on the door a few hours later.
Sadly, it does happen. You just never know.
Yes Mrs W doesn’t like to hear about issues with riding. Also I’m not going about the riding it’s the gossip she likes to hear about.
OP
OP
esoxlucius
Regular
Sounds like as long as you come home with the latest juicy scandal, she'll overlook the fact you're putting yourself in grave danger every time you ride, lol.
biggs682
Itching to get back on my bike's
- Location
- Northamptonshire
@esoxlucius same as me
fwgx
Guru
I've always been a solo rider.
Cycling does not have to be and for 99.9999% of people should not be competitive. I use strava but I've been competing against myself. Apart from one climb where I was 1s from the KOM (I rode it daily as part of my commute) it never bothered me. Now they've paywalled it I couldn't care.
I always thought stopping was cheating myself, but I'm now all for stops. I've yet to bring a lock out with me so I dont go to cafes, just have some sweets at the side.
Cycling does not have to be and for 99.9999% of people should not be competitive. I use strava but I've been competing against myself. Apart from one climb where I was 1s from the KOM (I rode it daily as part of my commute) it never bothered me. Now they've paywalled it I couldn't care.
I always thought stopping was cheating myself, but I'm now all for stops. I've yet to bring a lock out with me so I dont go to cafes, just have some sweets at the side.
Reynard
Guru
- Location
- Cambridgeshire, UK
Another solo rider here.
Bottom line is, I prefer to do my own thing. I go out for however much time I can spare, whether it's 20 mins or a couple of hours, and I go where I fancy, stop for a break when i want, and can bail if it starts to hose it down or if it's too windy.
Also, the speed of the local club's slowest ride is the speed I can just about manage in a flat out sprint. I'm an 8 or 9 mph bimbler for the most part. It wouldn't be fair on the other riders, and I'd be bloody miserable just trying to keep up.
Not much in the way of cafes out here in the fens, so I'll pack a drink and a snack if I'm going further. Otherwise, I've always got some sweets in the bar bag.
Bottom line is, I prefer to do my own thing. I go out for however much time I can spare, whether it's 20 mins or a couple of hours, and I go where I fancy, stop for a break when i want, and can bail if it starts to hose it down or if it's too windy.
Also, the speed of the local club's slowest ride is the speed I can just about manage in a flat out sprint. I'm an 8 or 9 mph bimbler for the most part. It wouldn't be fair on the other riders, and I'd be bloody miserable just trying to keep up.
Not much in the way of cafes out here in the fens, so I'll pack a drink and a snack if I'm going further. Otherwise, I've always got some sweets in the bar bag.
N0bodyOfTheGoat
Senior Member
- Location
- Hampshire, UK
I can remember always having a bike going back to when I was ~6 in '80, but I didn't ride for fitness or Strava segment hunting until '17, having gone from ~95Kg to ~73Kg summer '16 to August '17 (I gained ~15Kg after an RTA Xmas '13, lost four teeth and cycle commuting confidence days after turning 40).
Didn't try Strava until '16, after suddenly realising my Nexus 7 '13 Android tablet could install it after owing the tablet a few years, until mid '17 I had the Nexus in my back pocket!
Never joined a bike club.
Been on ~3 group rides of 3+ people, another ~3 just with an old work colleague '17-'21.
Think I've only stopped for a break on those six rides plus my only 100-miler, sometimes by side of road, sometimes at cafe.
My only 100-miler included most of the popular Strava cat3/4 climbs around the Hampshire and West Sussex border, just short of 9000 feet climbing, with a ridiculous rucksack carrying what felt like the kitchen sink in it... No great planning, woke up one day and thought I'd try it, nearly abandonned after getting puncture before I reached my first categorised climb!
My earliest top 10 Stava segment that still stands was on my old fatbike that I commuted on, back in '16 I don't think I'd bought/fitted my 29erFatNotFat wheels, don't think the segment even existed at time!
My most recent top 10 Strava segment on my carbon road bike was on the day of Queeen Liz's funeral in September '22, approx 3.2 mile 581feet of a ~4 mile climb that averages 3%, seven days before I'd come down with covid and never be the same again.
Thought I'd be 60+ before buying an ebike, had one since April and it's got me to places I've been incapable of riding to just under my own effort since Septemeber '22, absolute game changer and a bargain.
My last "fairy" visit that needed fixing while out on a ride was ~5.5 years ago!
Didn't try Strava until '16, after suddenly realising my Nexus 7 '13 Android tablet could install it after owing the tablet a few years, until mid '17 I had the Nexus in my back pocket!
Never joined a bike club.
Been on ~3 group rides of 3+ people, another ~3 just with an old work colleague '17-'21.
Think I've only stopped for a break on those six rides plus my only 100-miler, sometimes by side of road, sometimes at cafe.
My only 100-miler included most of the popular Strava cat3/4 climbs around the Hampshire and West Sussex border, just short of 9000 feet climbing, with a ridiculous rucksack carrying what felt like the kitchen sink in it... No great planning, woke up one day and thought I'd try it, nearly abandonned after getting puncture before I reached my first categorised climb!
My earliest top 10 Stava segment that still stands was on my old fatbike that I commuted on, back in '16 I don't think I'd bought/fitted my 29erFatNotFat wheels, don't think the segment even existed at time!
My most recent top 10 Strava segment on my carbon road bike was on the day of Queeen Liz's funeral in September '22, approx 3.2 mile 581feet of a ~4 mile climb that averages 3%, seven days before I'd come down with covid and never be the same again.
Thought I'd be 60+ before buying an ebike, had one since April and it's got me to places I've been incapable of riding to just under my own effort since Septemeber '22, absolute game changer and a bargain.
My last "fairy" visit that needed fixing while out on a ride was ~5.5 years ago!
Jenkins
Legendary Member
- Location
- Felixstowe
I do Strava, but that's for a mild OCD thing on mileage and planning potential routes.
Food and drink are saved for the end of a ride - either a pub on a out and train back one or home on a circular one and I have no interest in riding with, let alone talking to, others while out on a bike.
Food and drink are saved for the end of a ride - either a pub on a out and train back one or home on a circular one and I have no interest in riding with, let alone talking to, others while out on a bike.
I tick pretty much all of those boxes..
I usually ride alone as few of my mates are interested in cycling and tbh on the odd occasion I've managed to get them out on a bike it's been somewhat stressful and frustrating due to the speed difference and the fact I'm not used to / confident riding in close proximity to others.
I've ridden for both pure leisure, pure utility and a mixture of both. I've never been a member of a club - I'd like to socialise with like-minds but it seems the only clubs are for road-racing snakes which really doesn't interest me. I'd love to join a club that was more focussed on the sort of riding I enjoy - i.e just wafting around for the sake of it; away from roads if possible.
I like Strava for the record of rides and mileage it offers (plus a little connectivity with distant, active friends) and appreciate setting the PR although never bother the leader boards nor set out to break any records.
EDIT: Since I started riding bigger miles for leisure I never had the facility to carry a lock, nor could stomach the idea of locking a cherished bike up. Getting something I'm less precious about and can carry a lock (as happened when I started doing the weekly shop on the bike to keep me in the saddle in the face of leisure-apathy) really opens up a lot of extra options and it's nice to be able to stop and stretch the legs or refuel
I usually ride alone as few of my mates are interested in cycling and tbh on the odd occasion I've managed to get them out on a bike it's been somewhat stressful and frustrating due to the speed difference and the fact I'm not used to / confident riding in close proximity to others.
I've ridden for both pure leisure, pure utility and a mixture of both. I've never been a member of a club - I'd like to socialise with like-minds but it seems the only clubs are for road-racing snakes which really doesn't interest me. I'd love to join a club that was more focussed on the sort of riding I enjoy - i.e just wafting around for the sake of it; away from roads if possible.
I like Strava for the record of rides and mileage it offers (plus a little connectivity with distant, active friends) and appreciate setting the PR although never bother the leader boards nor set out to break any records.
EDIT: Since I started riding bigger miles for leisure I never had the facility to carry a lock, nor could stomach the idea of locking a cherished bike up. Getting something I'm less precious about and can carry a lock (as happened when I started doing the weekly shop on the bike to keep me in the saddle in the face of leisure-apathy) really opens up a lot of extra options and it's nice to be able to stop and stretch the legs or refuel
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a.twiddler
Veteran
Years ago I was a club rider but never was into the competitive stuff. We had club rides for ordinary riders and they worked quite well. We had a strong touring section, monthly YHA trips that sort of thing, the occasional club tour. It was a different life back then, and I sometimes feel nostalgic for it. Logically, times change and things are never the same if you go back. It filled a need for me at that time but I was a different person then.
Moving to a different part of the country for work, working unsocial hours, marriage, kids, other committments. I still rode my bike, my wife had some interest at first but that faded. I did commute by bike for my last few years of work.
I never had the urge to join another club but did more cycling once I retired particularly since I discovered recumbents. I'm quite content to ride alone even on some of the longer trips the recumbents enable me to do. I'd once thought that sort of thing was over as I got older but apparently not. I'm pretty self sufficient, maybe less needy than in former years. Occasionally it's nice to have company but mostly, I'm content to ride alone.
I do have a Garmin Etrex mostly due to the ability to use it as a bike computer that you can easily swop between bikes regardless of wheel size though I've recently started looking at other functions. It also has the bonus of replaceable AA batteries. You can swop them for spare ones if you have to without losing trip data. They last about 25 hours.
Moving to a different part of the country for work, working unsocial hours, marriage, kids, other committments. I still rode my bike, my wife had some interest at first but that faded. I did commute by bike for my last few years of work.
I never had the urge to join another club but did more cycling once I retired particularly since I discovered recumbents. I'm quite content to ride alone even on some of the longer trips the recumbents enable me to do. I'd once thought that sort of thing was over as I got older but apparently not. I'm pretty self sufficient, maybe less needy than in former years. Occasionally it's nice to have company but mostly, I'm content to ride alone.
I do have a Garmin Etrex mostly due to the ability to use it as a bike computer that you can easily swop between bikes regardless of wheel size though I've recently started looking at other functions. It also has the bonus of replaceable AA batteries. You can swop them for spare ones if you have to without losing trip data. They last about 25 hours.
midlandsgrimpeur
Well-Known Member
I ride alone, I started cycling in the late 90's when road cycling was still fairly niche. Clubs round me back then tended to be small and full of racers, the notion of multiple group rides at varying speeds wasn't really a thing, certainly with my local clubs.
Had a couple of mates I used to go out riding with occasionally but both have since packed up cycling.
I have done a fair few tours and holidays abroad with cycling companies where there is a large group of riders. I have to say I really enjoy it and have no problem riding as part of a group. The main reason I don't do so at home is that club rides tend to start pre 9am and I am a lazy git, just too early for me 😂
I have to say, the proper clubs local to me do all seem very friendly when I come across them out on the roads. There are also a few informal local chain gangs with guys racing at Cat 2/3 level. I am always hesitant to reinforce the stereotype but knowing a few of them and seeing them out riding, they generally tend to come across as being slightly up themselves.
I do love a cafe stop, fortunately my local coffee shop is a pretty high quality one, the guys there roast their own coffee. Having been a regular customer for years now I know them well and enjoy spending an hour there a couple of times a week for coffee and a bit of banter with them and other regulars.
I use Strava just to record my rides, never bothered with any training apps such as Zwift and very unlikely too as 95% of my riding is outdoors.
Had a couple of mates I used to go out riding with occasionally but both have since packed up cycling.
I have done a fair few tours and holidays abroad with cycling companies where there is a large group of riders. I have to say I really enjoy it and have no problem riding as part of a group. The main reason I don't do so at home is that club rides tend to start pre 9am and I am a lazy git, just too early for me 😂
I have to say, the proper clubs local to me do all seem very friendly when I come across them out on the roads. There are also a few informal local chain gangs with guys racing at Cat 2/3 level. I am always hesitant to reinforce the stereotype but knowing a few of them and seeing them out riding, they generally tend to come across as being slightly up themselves.
I do love a cafe stop, fortunately my local coffee shop is a pretty high quality one, the guys there roast their own coffee. Having been a regular customer for years now I know them well and enjoy spending an hour there a couple of times a week for coffee and a bit of banter with them and other regulars.
I use Strava just to record my rides, never bothered with any training apps such as Zwift and very unlikely too as 95% of my riding is outdoors.
Gwylan
Guru
- Location
- All at sea⛵
I am in no doubt that I am normally odd, or odly normal.
I find my own company easiest. I don't have to deal with people's cycle or other problems.
Don't belong to a club. I'm with Groucho Marx on clubs
Dont need two hands to count the number of people who would cycle with me.
Four spring to mind., one of them is an old woman. Day 2 of an outing with him and I'd be wishing I'd brought a shovel to bury the body.
Generally cycling cafes are a disappointment. I like well made tea and coffee too much. Also I have to manage my sugar. So no cake.
Really cannot drink and cycle any more. But a beer at the end of the ride is very pleasant.
My confortable range runs out at about 80k historically it has been 250km. Hard to face that memory.
God, I am boring but content in my little world.
I find my own company easiest. I don't have to deal with people's cycle or other problems.
Don't belong to a club. I'm with Groucho Marx on clubs
Dont need two hands to count the number of people who would cycle with me.
Four spring to mind., one of them is an old woman. Day 2 of an outing with him and I'd be wishing I'd brought a shovel to bury the body.
Generally cycling cafes are a disappointment. I like well made tea and coffee too much. Also I have to manage my sugar. So no cake.
Really cannot drink and cycle any more. But a beer at the end of the ride is very pleasant.
My confortable range runs out at about 80k historically it has been 250km. Hard to face that memory.
God, I am boring but content in my little world.
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