Ride by your self ?

ilovedirt

I ride alone around the local routes most of the time as i don't often have anyone else to ride with and i like being able to go at my own pace etc, it's nice to have other people with you sometimes though, there can be some good banter. Where i ride isn't too rural though, but it's just off my doorstep and most of the places i ride have a reasonable amount of horse riders/dog walkers/walkers so i don't worry about having accidents. I suppose i'm fairly lucky to live where i do, in that respect.

lochussie

While I love riding with my mates, it often just doesn't happen. Some of my best days out have been alone in the wild, going where I want, stopping when I want. You certainly feel the exposure when you're nailing it along some gnarly singletrack miles from anywhere and anyone in the Highlands. A bad crash then with no phone reception could have nasty consequences. I try to reduce risk by taking pads and my Met Parachute and limiting my riding a wee bit. If the choice is a great ride and a bit of risk or something more tame, it's no choice for me. Would prob change if I had dependants.

blister pus

bamba wrote:

Does any one out there ride by them selves ? i dont just mean round the local woods or trail centre , but more remote areas where if you had an accident you might not be found for a good while , if at all ???

yes and i've been in that situation a while ago (busted up ribs) and you'll find adrenaline is your friend.

El Capitano

Cat With No Tail wrote:

Yep. Much prefer riding on my own. Leave at the time I want to leave (usually pretty early on a morning)Go at my own pace, stop when I want, take routes I want to take and so on.

I always carry a mobile, small 1st aid kit with foil blanket and a couple of glo-stick things as well as enough spares to see me through most situations. The wife knows roughly where I'm headed and roughly what time I'm coming back.

Pretty much the same for me, with the addition that at home, stuck to the fridge is the serial number of my Garmin EDGE305 GPS. If I didn't turn up, I'm pretty sure the US military would be able to pinpoint my exact location (or my last known location if I broke it).

Thewaylander

Though in life I'm a bit of a quiet like my own company person.

On my bike i love riding in groups cruising up trails with lots of good banter after the downs (Ie how much my people suck and so on) mountainbikers are generally some of the nicest people you will meet so i enjoy socialising with them when i ride

tdougan

went for my first solo ride on tuesday, it was fantastic, head down just went full out through the trails at my own pace!

really enjoyable!

I wrote down where I was and what time I expected to be back and left it at home. I of course had my mobile! :-]

GhallTN6

I definitely ride more aggressively when I'm in a group, it's just that sub-conscious feeling that if I do hurt myself there is someone to help, but the downside of that is that we just don't cover so much ground overall, or rather not as fast, but I always think MTB riding is almost about the socialising as much as the riding.

I also think I've got to be a much better rider by riding with other people, if you see someone else going over a drop-off, why can't you do it as well, or why didn't I ever take that line etc, I've also learnt loads of trails I would never have found if I wasn't with other people.

Saying that though, I've got the opportunity of doing a day's riding in the peaks in a month's time so I'm really looking forward to some solitary riding!

lochussie

El Capitano wrote:

Pretty much the same for me, with the addition that at home, stuck to the fridge is the serial number of my Garmin EDGE305 GPS. If I didn't turn up, I'm pretty sure the US military would be able to pinpoint my exact location (or my last known location if I broke it).

As far as I know, your GPS does not send any signal to the satellites.

dogboy73

I've been to Coed-y-Brenin twice with a couple of mates & both times it's been a disaster. The first time my mate decided we should have a good session in the pub after the first days ride. We were so smashed the next day that the last thing we could do was ride a bike. I tried & had to turn back. My mate just stayed in the B&B all day being sick!!

The second time we went with my accident prone brother-in-law. At the end of the Red Bull he tried a jump, crashed & ripped his front brake cable out of the lever. So we spent the next day trying to get this fixed & walking some of the trails!! The third day, after we'd got going again, within about 2 miles he'd managed to snap the chain!

After these experiences I think I'll go on my own next time I ride solo locally all the time. It's cool. Just get out & ride at your own pace & don't have to worry about catching people up or leaving them behind. Sounds good to me

bobpzero

i always go out on the mtb alone, as im a bit of time trialist. seriously i envy the mtb xc trails in mainland uk, im hopefully heading to Gartmore House, Gartmore, Stirling in July to try out some of the trails nearby there.

only decent place northern ireland is the mourne mountains and from whats seen in the "break the cycle" film that all xc is in the republic of ireland and everything else is dh/fr.

Briggo

lochussie wrote:

El Capitano wrote:

Pretty much the same for me, with the addition that at home, stuck to the fridge is the serial number of my Garmin EDGE305 GPS. If I didn't turn up, I'm pretty sure the US military would be able to pinpoint my exact location (or my last known location if I broke it).

As far as I know, your GPS does not send any signal to the satellites.

I was going to ask how that worked, I thought the Garmins only recieved the information, never sent out a proper constant signal, be interesting to know if they do as I'll do the same with the ole serial number if thats how they can track them.

In regards to OP question, I usually ride with a mate or the missus however last weekend I went out on my own and it was pretty damn good fun at my own pace etc, so I may do a bit more solo in the future.

fletch8928

I ride out around 2-4 times aweek and since last september I have had company 4 times. I used to be a publican so i doubt its my antisocialness. The fact is that the others who do ride have turned roadie or have not got the same times to ride as me.

Today i tried a new trail (addition) on my normal riding area. It started with a moment of over the bars. I have pulled a chest muscle. Then a long slog of a loop. Def do it other way next time.

I like mtbing on my own as I am not the fastest nor bravest. I am happy doing the 4ish miles on road to get to the moors/commen/woods. I rarely mention where I am going as I often don't know until I get the initial road work done.

I always carry a phone, some matches, savlon and a wind/waterproof, I will be getting a foil blanket and 1st aid kit on monday as they are good ideas.

Maybe we should organise a group ride. I imagine we would all turn up when we wanted, go where we pleased, give a big cheery smile and hello as we passed one another and head off with tales of what a fantastic bunch of lads/lasses they were

ddraver

I'm surprised how many people ride alone! Hopefully this is not a reflection of a load of geeky forumites!! I do if I have no choice but I like riding with our group much more so (maye cos I'm the slow one beaking everything?!)

i don't feel like I can go 100% if I'm alone (and I really don't like riding alone at night, it's just too scary and i don't feel confident riding hard at all). It took two of us working pretty hard to get our "wednesday night is ride night!" thing oing but now we have it provides much more impetus to get out!!

cat_with_no_tail

ddraver You big jesse

Radioactiveman

I ride alone offroad,not all the time but several times a year,depends on my shifts Rides vary from 3-5 hours

I leave a memory map printout of the route with my dad,ring him when i set off and give him a time to expect me to call back. If he doesnt hear from me an an hour or two later he will ring mountain rescue. I usually call him at some point on the ride as well to let him know of my progress

I leave a copy of my route on view on the inside of my windscreen. I take a good first aid kit,strong painkillers and a blizzard survival bag. I take my route programmed into a garmin 60csx and also the relevant os and compass.Also take plenty of extra food.

Thinking of buying one of these though, http://www.findmespot.eu/en/ Bit of extra piece of mind

nikstar1

Radioactiveman - You really do go prepared. Such a good idea to leave maps around as it really does narrow the chances of not being found should anything horrible happen.

I also think people should take first aid kits out as it is definitely going to come in useful at some point. I think that as serious off-roaders, we should be responsible and take matters into our own hands. It would be unfair of us to put other peoples lives in danger should an accident ever occur and we need rescuing!

13ADL1X

I got stupidly lost on SalisburyPplain once. Thought I was further on the map than I was by about 7-8 miles!!! Took a left and then it all went crazy.

Was quite scary - especially as:
A. It started chucking it down.
B. My cheapish coat turned out not to be waterproof at all.
C. I hadn't told anyone where I was and had no mobile.
D. Its an army firing ground so can't cut cross country.

I now make sure I leave a copy of my map with the wife, take a phone and also have a bike computer so no more underestimating distance.

Despite that experience which scared the hell out of me I still prefer getting out on my own.

magicrhodes

I'm a road rider and generally leave a bikeroutetoaster route for the missus. It also encourages you to see your route/training through...

bfreeman0

I generally do this, but I make sure people know what route I'm taking and how long I will roughly be, plus take a mobile.
But the only problem with riding alone is that your motivation can deep significantly when you run into problems.
Should really invest in a puncture kit and a toolkit, and maybe learn a bit more about maintenance, but hey-ho I just like to ride

---

Now playing: The Script - We Cry
via FoxyTunes

gazza74

hi there,

i had an afternoon off work about 3 weeks ago, went out on my own, was about 2 miles from any road came off and broke my ankle.
managed to hobble back to road and phone the wife. so was very lucky.

furby

I normally give a friend or house mate a rough idea of where I am going, and I always take a little bit extra kit and a warm top.

SummerMS

I ride on my own. Being female the other half did worry about it initially, but think hes getting used to it now.

Love being out on my own, especially during the week when its quiet on the trails, take the ipod and off I go. Wont go as hard on tchnical stuff as I would in company, but still enjoy it loads. Really is amazing getting out on your own, not lonely in the slightest.

Thats not to say i dont go out with others, do that plenty and enjoy it. Seem to enjoy both equally.

Think Ill take up some of the suggestions here though, I normally go out with my phone and a map and some basic tools. Think (given the fact Im known for injuring myself...) it might be wise to get myself a foil blanket and first aid kit too. Although being accident prone, Im probably better prepared than some having already had to rescue myself a fair few times now ;o)

pilsburypie

ddraver wrote:

I'm surprised how many people ride alone! Hopefully this is not a reflection of a load of geeky forumites!! I do if I have no choice but I like riding with our group much more so (maye cos I'm the slow one beaking everything?!)

i don't feel like I can go 100% if I'm alone (and I really don't like riding alone at night, it's just too scary and i don't feel confident riding hard at all). It took two of us working pretty hard to get our "wednesday night is ride night!" thing oing but now we have it provides much more impetus to get out!!

Suprised me too - have you lot got any mates?

The reason I always (apart from once) ride with a mate of few is that I feel I can push harder without danger of being smashed up on my own. Also I find it a bit of a bravado thing, attempting drops, jumps, going faster than your mates that if I was on my own I wouldn't do. Plus there is the comradery of discussing kit, stopping for a chat or muck about on a certain part of the ride (I'm 33!)

The one exception - A week or so ago I had planned to go for a ride with a mate - He cancelled last minute feeling unwell. I had just read this thread so I decided to do a local loop alone with my ipod (never worn it riding before then) must say it was alright. Had a good time, went riding, burnt some calories, listened to some tunes....... I might do it again........ but only if my mates can't come out to play!! :oops:

nikstar1

Having read all this I feel really underprepared!

I obviously always take a phone out with me, and a map however I do lack in the emrgency pack! I have since purchased a mini first aid kit although by the sounds of it, I should be looking do purchase more - just in case!!

I have started leaving a route out at home, which my housemates were very confused with at first but now I think it reassures them that if I am gone for a long time they know roughly where I would be.

So really great stuff here guys! Definitely going to help someone in the long run!

Thanks!!!

furby

nikstar1 wrote:

Having read all this I feel really underprepared!

I think the most important thing is that you are comfortable with what preperation and kit you take with you and have thought about it. Obviously that will vary depending on where you ride and what you ride but aslong as you are comfortable with that then if something does go wrong, you are already in a good positve frame of mind.

nikstar1

Yes very true! I don't usually go across extreme terrain so I think a small first aid kit may be enough to cope but obviously I will have to take this all into account when travelling around through the summer exploring new territories!!

Thanks for reassuring me

borntobemild

Some excellent advice here that i will endeavour to follow. I ride a lot on my own. Several reasons:
I'm not that quick and worry about slowing people down

I have these Greta Garbo moments when something is bugging me.
I find that if i'm alone, in fresh air, working hard physically with nothing to think about , I get these random moments of inspiration and solve all the problems in my head.

I do a bit of urban exploration - so i try to combine my cycle route with a few 'visits'.

Carry a phone, a few tools and spares, a bit of food and that's it. I've been lucky - never damaged self or bike seriously - or got arrested for trespassing.

Think that leaving a map with the route on is an brilliant idea.

mr-brightside

i always ride alone i never tell anyone were im going as i dont normaly know myself until i get there :shock:

Dubzy

There is something about riding by yourself - liberating, free soul, whatever. As long as the nearest and dearest know where you are and you have a mobile, then go your own way.

nikstar1

Mr-Brightside - surely after reading all the comments in this post you will have realised that it is not a good idea to go out riding on your own without telling anyone where you are going or when you will be back!?