Riding alone as to riding within a group

[Adolf]

Hi I'm just wondering what the actual pros and cons of riding within a group as to riding by myself? I don't really know alot of cyclists so I don't have anyone to go out with and I'm only 19 so not to many people my age are into road cycling neither.


Also, when road cycling is it better to wear all the gear? I do but someone says unless you're racing it is pointless?


Cheers Adolf

 

[marinyork]

Hi I'm just wondering what the actual pros and cons of riding within a group as to riding by myself? I don't really know alot of cyclists so I don't have anyone to go out with and I'm only 19 so not to many people my age are into road cycling neither.

Cheers Adolf

There are loads

Pros:-
Motivation
Pushing yourself harder
Easier covering big distances
Fun
Exchange ideas
Explore places and routes you're less likely to do
More confidence

Cons:-
Travel distance to meet up
Might not get on with people
Might get irritated being dropped
Might get irritated having to wait
May not like lengthy/endless cafe/pub stops
Difficulty arranging a common time

 

[Paulus]

Hi there Adolf, great name! The advantages of riding with a group are that you will over time get faster and learn the skills of riding in a group such as through and off, ie, taking your turn at the front. When you ride on your own you get to a point where you are comfortable and can ride at a certain speed, riding in a group wil increase your fitness and therefore you speed, if that is what you want.

As far as the gear goes, cycling gear is designed to be comfortable on the bike, but, you do not have to wear lycra if you dont want to. There are padded baggy shorts and many comfy tops that will fill the bill.

 

[Globalti]

The pros of riding alone or with a buddy are that you can take your own time and stop when you wish; the cons are that you will need to work harder against wind resistance to achieve a good average speed.

The pros of riding in a group are the "craic" with other riders and in a well organised group, the shelter from the wind. The cons? You've got to ride at the group's pace.

As for wearing the gear; proper shorts and jerseys certainly make the riding more comfortable and don't flap in the wind, as well as drying quickly after a shower. You don't have to look like a racer, have a look at dhb gear on Wiggle, it's reasonably priced, smart, functional and looks good without being covered in logos.

 

[Adolf]

Is it still possible to keep at a decent pace on your own though for a good distance?


What about clothing does wearing the gear help all the time? I get alot of hassle of my grandad for wearing pink because he thinks it's gay, although I disagree on that like.

 

[Paulus]

What about clothing does wearing the gear help all the time? I get alot of hassle of my grandad for wearing pink because he thinks it's gay, although I disagree on that like.

Have a look at the colours of many of the cycling tops available, Pink should be the least of his worries.

 

[Adolf]

Have a look at the colours of many of the cycling tops available, Pink should be the least of his worries.

I'm not really that bothered.

But back to the main bit of the thread, is it possible to get just as much as you would within a group if you ride on your own?

I prefer to listen to my MP3 and just ride along rather than chat in a group if I'm honest.

 

[coffeejo]

There's only one way to find out if you like it or not ...

 

[vickster]

I think you just answered your own question!? If you like pink, wear pink. Did see a guy all in pink on a pink bike. Looked a wally and jumped a red light for no good reason except being a muppet. Made him look even more of a fool in my book! Make sure you can hear the traffic if using a mp3 too. I think it's daft but each to their own. RLJ is worse

 

[marinyork]

But back to the main bit of the thread, is it possible to get just as much as you would within a group if you ride on your own?

Yes. You have to push very hard though. No one to pace you or chase. Long rides seem a lot more effort as worries creep into your head.

 

[yello]

I prefer to listen to my MP3 and just ride along rather than chat in a group if I'm honest.

My first comment was going to be 'depends on what type of person you are'! Equally, what you're after in your riding. So I reckon you've answered your own question.

In a group, you'll learn lots about, um, riding in a group! That's really useful if you like riding in a group and do a lot of riding in a group. See where I'm going with this? Yes, you'll learn other stuff - but just as you would if you chatted to a another cyclist in a tea room or whatever.

So, no, imho, there is no compelling need to ride in a group. Do whatever you prefer.

I ride solo most of the time, purely out of preference. It's nice to chat sometimes, and on odd occasions I do wish there was someone else, but it's not why I ride a bike.

To each their own.

 

[Adolf]

Alright good replies, just I don't really think I'm the group type of person if I'm honest, I enjoy to just ride along the coast on the cycle lanes fast paced whilst listening to music and just in the world of my own so to speak, even nicer earlier in morning or later on in the evening when hardly anybody is about just peace and quiet.


Do all of you wear cycling gear the lycra stuff because I always seem to do I prefer it, but do normally just wear a cap over a helmet.


Do you think I should give it a go riding in a group and actually see what it's like?

 

[Camgreen]

As far as wearing all the gear goes, I wear -
# padded cycle shorts for comfort and find the lycra offers a bit more upper leg support.
# cycle shirt because it gives me plenty of pocket to stow drink bottles and snacks etc
# alternate between a comfy pair of trainers with vents in and cycle shoes
# glasses to protect the old eyes from dust, stones, bugs & pollen .... and if I'm lucky the rays of the sun!
# helmet - personal preference, not opening up any debates

Might not be as swift a mover as some posters here, but the choice of gear for me is justified, no matter if I am going at a snails pace!

 

[Paulus]

Do all of you wear cycling gear the lycra stuff because I always seem to do I prefer it, but do normally just wear a cap over a helmet.


Do you think I should give it a go riding in a group and actually see what it's like?

Most us wear cycling gear because it is comfortable, but it is not compulsory. Wear what you feel comfortable in. cap over you helmet? Underneath , surely.

By all means try riding in a group, it is good fun when you get used to it. it will stretch you, plus the social side of it is good fun.

 

[Adolf]

I think I do need to actually socialise a bit more to be honest, I don't wear helmets I always just wear caps and I wear the gear cause it is comfortable and it's like you wouldn't play golf with a cricket bat, if you get me...