Why I Stopped Doing Group Rides

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

🦉 We gotta stick together: bit.ly/Subscribe_to_EBD

[@ybh9776]

Solo rider. I cycle to get away from people and not have to talk

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

🤣 I can relate to this so much.

[@rug212]

Same

[@benbockting7511]

I agree wholeheartedly

[@Rose_Butterfly98]

One of the reasons I commute by bike is because I can literally have it with me all the time if I want, so if someone I don't want to talk to tries to approach me, I jump on the bike and sprint away.

[@ybh9776]

@@Rose_Butterfly98 note to self for the next wedding I have to attend

[@d-rey1727]

Riding alone is my "me" time and I only sacrifice that if one of my kids wants to join me. Keep doing your thang, DK!

[@grintalcycles8266]

I almost always ride solo. I am that guy that says "I think I will ride 50 miles today" and then makes a 35 mile route. Then as I go along, I go down some of the side roads to see where they go, sometimes to an intersection, other times to a dead end. Then turn around and go back. This tends to drive other people crazy since they don't know where we are going, and what bike to bring. Because I will ride my gravel bike on just about anything, paved road, gravel roads, trails, fields, it doesn't matter to me. If I have to get off an push occasionally, even that's fine.

[@deek9043]

Exactly this 👏

[@Kevin-sr4xe]

YES!

[@statom985]

thats why no one wants to ride with me any longer too many shortcuts faild, too many new roads fails etc

[@danielmaclellan2117]

ADD and I love it! Adventures unknown!

[@mazpr2025]

The only thing I would add with those random improvised side tracks is make sure you have enough water.

[@BrennanLetkeman]

I'm going to miss living vicariously through the friendship that your channel always had, where it felt like a bunch of buds in the forest having a good old time, but also completely get the sheer amount of work that goes into every single one of those videos

[@HCMORGI]

I think he will still be doing that. He said "alone or with close friends is preferred" for the videography

[@duoxm6713]

I'm a solo rider. I like riding whenever I feel like it, time-wise, and I like not worrying about anyone's pace. Added bonus that I get to spontaneous change where I'm going mid ride.

[@RJ-om2dz]

You and Ron are the best! Ron is very funny so I hope you drag him along sometimes.

[@jasoncbrooks74]

Recently came across your channel. I appreciate how hard you work on making the videos interesting and high quality as possible. I hate most peoples ride videos, yours are fabulous. Your voice over, b roll, funny questions and comments, and environment make them interesting. When you started this video I was a little worried that quality would go down without a group but your technique and style shine through! I truly dig what you do, group or no group, camping, tinkering, gear reviews, or studio tours. You are a talented storyteller!

[@danalbert5785]

In my 20'a and 30's, group rides were "normal" { just out of the military] and now I'm 75, I am the only person I can get along with! As a teacher surrounded by hundreds of people daily, solitude is earned!

[@patmarlin2935]

Same here, as a retire from the military I find myself riding by myself all the time and loving it.

[@NoCarNancy]

Ya people either don't like me or I don't like them Lol .but I'm taking it up with God because it seems wrong 😅

[@joeinglesfield]

No way! I like your style! In England teachers hang out with other teachers talking about teaching and telling people who aren’t teachers that they’re teachers

[@fgiraffe8751]

I loved your OMTM group ride videos because they were such a beautiful fantasy during COVID lockdowns. I knew in my heart I'd never do anything like that, but they were still inspiring. Sometimes I save the leftover bar and eat it next ride. Or forget and carry it around until it haunts my dreams. Thanks for all the creative and inspiring videos!

[@mogulmayhem]

Yes. I struggle with that "curated group "of friends to ride with, and it sounds lovely. Riding alone is also a critical part of my mental health. I wish I knew how to find more friends that ride, but local group rides can be absolutely reckless dick measuring contests. I have nothing to prove, I just love to ride.

[@darrelduke]

only child (single parent) and an overwhelming amount of time by myself. when i learned to ride a bike (self taught) it open up my eyes to the rest of the world. cycling has given me a lot and taken a lot as well. i couldn't imagine my life without it. 90% solo rider.

[@jeffandersen6233]

I rode mostly single at age 73. Not many group rides for groceries early mornings. Not many pannier carrying riders willing to carry a gallon of milk and a full bag of groceries. I love exploring, stopping and doing what i want. I've returned to spinning lower gears and feeling energized. You've summoned it all up most adequately. Though watching you and Ron tear around reminds me of rides with a good friend in the 1970s. We rode similar bikes, pedaled similar gears and we both enjoyed Fig Newtons. Love the one you're with even if it's being alone. I have half a bar in my saddle bag for the next ride. Waste not want want not.

[@jimmansi1187]

The last group ride I did was a gravel ride about 48 miles, halfway through the ride. The guy that invited me just took off and I didn’t see him until we got back to the car and the end we did a 14 mile an hour pace and he did a 14.5 mile an hour pace, now come on was it really worth it to ride away from your friends like that? Needless to say that was my last group ride as that kind of stuff just doesn’t make sense to me, I have no problems, riding solo, I can hammer when I want, and I can just chill when I want, I love my bikes, and I love riding still to this day at 61 years old!

[@nickbaumcycling]

This is one of your best videos I think. Group rides are definitely a touchy subject. I live in NYC, and theres 8 million people here nad a very active bike community, so I have the opportunity to join group rides all the time. I also will almost always encounter some other cyclists doing the same route I'm on at the same pace, and almost every time that happens, an impromptu group forms until we break to go our own way. I think riding with friends and finding the group that works for you is the best. If you can somehow ride with a group that is slightly faster than you, I think that's the optimal setup, because itll push you to go a little harder than you would normally do.

[@al-du6lb]

I almost always ride solo, but do enjoy an impromptu group ride, but it can be a little awkward if you're not sure if someone is into it initially. If I get passed by someone I almost always pick up the pace to see if I can hang. Thinking about it now makes me excited for warmer weather.

[@RicardoRocha-lg1xo]

I’ve become a solo rider out of necessity the past couple of years (avoiding toxic groups, good friends quitting cycling, moving far away to a sparsely populated area, etc). I do enjoy it, though.

[@ARE.eads_e-Books]

Mostly solo, or with one friend and the occasional charity event. But it is nice to know there is safety in not being alone sometimes. That said, I miss Ron.

[@kawabus]

I find the solo ride zen and meditative, my therapy 🚴✨✨

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Mind body soul!

[@marcokalle2452]

Yes! Exactly this! Mindfullnes (or mind-emptyness, which is even better 😉) on 2 wheels! 🙏🏽😎

[@timbazzinett2693]

Nearly 95% solo rider here. Occasionally, I'll ride with the local randonneuring group which does allow me to split off if I wanted. The other group is actually quite massive, We Bike Detroit, with around 200 riders per event. But, that's a slow ride, and mostly about chatting with new people each ride. But for almost all other rides, solo and I love it.

[@martybates9728]

Ive always rode alone,helps clear my mind

[@marionmorris1565]

Thanks!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I doth my Cap to you! Thank you!

[@buildingreno]

Riding bikes for me is 60 percent social. I love riding with people. Slow or fast. No breaks....lots of breaks. All good.

[@Lukearthwalker]

Same here, slow or fast. Without the group rides, I'd miss the rich social aspect of cycling, even as an introvert (that's what my solo rides are for)! Maybe I'm just addicted to the feeling of a smoothly rotating paceline, which, IMO, is simply one of the most beautiful feelings anyone can experience! Personally, I feel that many solo riders are terrified of riding in a group, which I can understand as I certainly was in the beginning but it's hugely worth it.

[@K9Manhunters]

Always been a solo rider. Could imagine riding with a friend, but not in a group. I walk my dogs alone, I run alone, I ride alone. Wouldn‘t have it any other way!

[@davereinhart6650]

I usually finish the tidbit in the wrapper, love to ride solo and with select groups. Large organized rides are great motivators for training!

[@RF-gj3uz]

I was fortunate to get hooked up with a ride leader who was passionate about teaching safe riding, i.e. calling out road hazards, cars, pulls, eschelons, etc. So now when i ride with my daughter on organized rides i can show her who she's safe to be around and who is to be avoided.

[@jaymitra8531]

Hey Dustin, your mates are super fun, and I have enjoyed many of your videos where you're fucking about with them on some sick ride. Sorry the love is gone a bit. I got inspired to get into gravel because of you (got my Grizl in 2023 and then did a 4 day insanity gravel group tour in Autumn up the Palouse to Cascade trail). This year gonna do STP. I think you had a huge part in getting me to do all this. Thanks mate. Hope you're doing okay, and this video isn't a sign of something bringing you down.

[@anthonidanowski9404]

never really cared for group rides until i started riding with the Vancouver (wa) Fixed gear guys. Absolute blast every wednesday. great dudes that love weird adventures, getting really muddy and makin me a better rider.

[@PNWroueleur]

Right there with you. 98% solo with the occasional curated yet small group is my jam. Love the channel.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

🤜❤️🤛

[@quacker998]

Solo, but would like the occasional small group. I took an ebike to a gravel ride and the condescension was palpable 😂

[@dudleycalloway9508]

Still lovin the videos. Never a dull moment and learning something new every time

[@Kwizzled]

I too have given up on large group rides but will gladly go out with a few friends that have a similar pace and shared expectations on what type of ride we are doing.

[@wazabulck5399]

Same, group of less than 5 is best for me, for road cycling it is also way safer

[@Taliesin-cymru]

Only child, grew up in the bush, always ridden by myself, love it that way. Riding alone and tinkering with my bikes in the seclusion of the shed is my meditation. I’ll go for rides with my kids that’s all good but I still take any opportunity I get to hit the trails or the road alone.

[@horsepastedelish]

I used to commute NYC for work, after much experimentation (including a pair of heated gloves) and many winters I found the best combo by far for keeping hands warm was glove liners plus waterproof mittens.

[@ingmar5053]

What got me hooked on your channel was the grouprides almost felt like I was riding with you. Great filming, awesome music and good vibes. You tube needs more Ron Lewis 🥸🙏

[@CuriousMind_LVG]

I’ve tried to stop being a solo rider, but I just love my alone time.

[@sawdustadikt979]

Got back into mtb about ten years ago. I tried it in the 90s and I would spend more time fixing the bike than riding it. So I went deep into street and park bmx for 20 something years. I had a small crew I would ride with here and there but I mainly rode by myself. I could session something for as long as I needed to figure out my lines. I ride mountain bike now by myself, same reasons that most days I like to session a section of trail or a feature till I figure out the lines or it feels right. Some days I just blast. I stop when I want, go where I want. Best days are in fall, bright colors everywhere, air is dry and cool, it’s solitude at it best epic levels.

[@mtb_alan]

Group rides are a means of conveyance to the post ride noms and hangs.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

"Lets get this group ride out of the way so we can hang out already"....🤣

[@Icehso140]

2:00....GLOVE FIRES !!!!! Ahhhhhhh...... So funny. I figured I'd be the first to say it. I have a heated jacket that doesn't work as well as I thought it would. I have money to burn and being an electrician I try all kinds of electronic items. Maybe I could find gloves that work like a wood stove and just feed it dollar bills. LOL Btw I like biking alone. The wildlife I meet on the trail actually stick around longer when you're a single rider. I've had many one-sided conversations with curious deer eating just 25ft from the trail, and bear cubs chasing each other back and forth across my trail.

[@MOTOTREK]

Exactly the same for me when it comes to adventure motorcycle rides. Compromising stinks. Sometimes one good buddy can be fun though. - Tim

[@nickkompinski3390]

Love this! Makes me feel better that I’m not the only one that enjoys riding alone. I’m always catching grief when I get home and friends see that I shredded a park without them….

[@Ron_Boy]

Solo, for all the same reasons you gave. Plus, it's the only time I can hear myself think. Solitude is a magical thing.

[@urphotoguy]

Good points. Nice inception effect. Excellent edit!

[@mikeloncoski5574]

Spot on. Sometimes its just better solo. Plus once again tip of cap for gear review thats not fluff.

[@johnnydoe66]

I ride solo probably 99% of the time, mainly due to my schedule, but like some of the points you mentioned are some of my reasons for being solo. I do have a few friends that ride on the road and we try to get together one day a month, some times we plan a route, some times we don't, or better yet, we wing it by taking turns deciding which way to go at each intersection....makes for a fun or unusual ride. What's nice is that none of us are competitive cyclists, we just like to ride for fun, make frequent stops, and aren't afraid to just stop at some random store or if we're lucky, a coffee shop. I typically like riding solo on the mtn bike because I tend to just take random trails or sometimes, I have been known to just do exploratory rides in places that more than likely never see mtn bike riders, I have even gotten lost temporarily. One ride was only 14.5 miles, took nearly 5 hrs, I carried or pushed my bike at least 3 miles of that, but I had a general idea which direction I needed to go. I thoroughly had a fantastic time because the views made me forget that I was in cougar territory and on "trails" that probably weren't really trails. If I had someone with me, they more than likely would have ruined the experience by complaining 😅. Some of my riding buddies say I am not normal 🤪.

[@stevepark6363]

This one was great. Gosh, the disappointment on the gloves was palpable. And you absolutely nail the part about why alone-time just feels right - no planning, no explaining, no worries.

[@arthursmith9281]

75, riding solo in central Mexico. Loved your take. Love your videos.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Awesome! Thank you! You are an inspiration.

[@tongpocalypse]

There's great camaraderie in exploring together and suffering together. There's also something magically exciting about going full gas in a well organized paceline. That said, the main reasons I ride solo are 1) don't have to wait for slower rides or feel bad about holding up faster riders, 2) most group rides near me start in the mornings and I like riding in the afternoons or after work in the evenings, and 3) specific to gravel and MTB, I go into the trails to feel secluded and away from people, so riding in a group on trails feels counterintuitive. As we get older and gain more experience riding, we understand better what we enjoy and what we don't, and it's difficult to find people who enjoy the same things and are available to do those things with you when you want to do them.

[@1969mtb]

Yeh...The older I get the most solo rides I love, or just couple of really close friends with same mindset ( like Ron! ) ....Nice Video and landscape!

[@cardiaccyclist7477]

I have the same issue as you Dustin, I am constantly stopping to set up shots and then getting enthused and excited about the shots I've set up, no one else should have to endure that!!!!

[@nerigarcia7116]

Yeah, I stopped going to my club rides because it wasn't safe anymore. With new people coming in and riders I'm not familiar with their riding style, it just made it too sketchy, when all I want to do is ride. I started going solo again and loving the freedom of just going, not worrying about others, and having peace to myself. I don't have to hear others' stupid comments, I don't have to try and keep up or wait for others, I just go. I think it's best to go and have 1 or two other people to ride with that you know really well, but solo is pretty liberating and that's the feeling I want when riding....freedom.

[@arcadialive4265]

Dustin is leaving the groupie life to enter the center stage! 🎉

[@TimR123]

Funnily enough, I've ridden solo (not counting events) most of my riding 'career' because that's just what I did and not enough bike weirdo friends. But lately, I've been curious about joining group rides because I'd like to find one that pushes me a bit (without dropping me). One thing you didn't talk about though is safety when riding solo. So many rides end up in the boonies without cell coverage (even road rides in the hills) that it is important to either go old school (tell a trustworthy person your plans and check in ) and/or modern (app activity tracking and/or satellite communitcatore like an InReach) to make sure you don't end up dieiing in a ditch somewhere.

[@markwatson6757]

We miss Ron. Is a group = you & Ron? I think not🥸

[@felicetanka]

Don't be a safety nerd.

[@TimR123]

@@felicetanka hey, I'll be any kinda nerd I want 🙂🤣

[@KillingTimewithStyle]

@@markwatson6757 An army of Ron!

[@rubyredbe]

Good content, I'm in the mix I can't ride with the groups because work/family wise but don't mind riding alone. But when a grouprides suddenly can have place, I really do enjoy it! About the gloves, wear inner gloves (thin) extra and ir suddenly works a whole lot better!

[@walcottav]

Amen, brother, all of the above. Well, maybe not the filming challenges, but all the rest. Part of it is 1) my innately solitary nature, 2) partly a constrained schedule that doesn't align with others, and the rest is 3) just being slower now, for a variety of reasons, a lack of consistency being primary. I also prefer a select small group of riding companions, but that's been a struggle to get everyone back on track since the pandemic. Retirement beckons, and with it the promise of consistency. I'll see where that leads.

[@johnfarr5415]

DK you've got some of the top cycling content on the tubes...thanks for that. For me variety is the spice of life...I like all of it. Big events are cool a couple times a year. If you can find a good group ride...love it, so much fun and comradery. But like you said...the wrong group...yeah I'm out. Love riding with my wife and or a couple of friends. And solo can just release you..let it all out.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

All of this YES!!

[@mbiraside]

Although I'll miss your group ride videos I totally support you going solo more, or with a select small group. I have one person I ride with, or I go alone. I've mostly done things alone till recently because I wanted to go deeper not faster. Like you said, you can just do what you want. I'm a senior these days and with no work, rural living, no wife, riding with someone else is part social, part backup as we're in our seventies now, yeah, it happens. Anyway, " you can go your own way", da da da dit da.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Love this

[@skang530]

I actually got into biking thinking I would enjoy road riding and group rides. But then I got a mountain bike, tried doing group rides, and learned that I enjoy stopping a lot to enjoy just being outside and in the moment. And felt bad that I was just slowing a lot of people down. I'm not really there to break Strava times or be KOM. The only time I do a group ride is if someone else shares the same passion about being "there."

[@lcsdw01]

Absolutely the reason I ride as well. Thought I was the only one. 😂 Enjoying the moment and being out with nothing to prove.

[@Flickerbrain]

I always envied you guys going out together on your group rides as I nearly always ride on my own, but as you point out, you are your own best partner.

[@richardclark5255]

Solo. Except for 1 guy sometimes. So, Brolo.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Brolo...🤣

[@PedalMore]

I will definitely add Brolo to my language 😂😂

[@jackgundling9334]

Yes...Brolo!

[@TheTacticalathlete]

Another Brolo here!

[@FortheLoveofCycling]

Im most of the time solo, which I really enjoy. Me time.

[@tevemullins8156]

Solo Lunch Rider for those daily workouts here. Whatever you do, enjoy your ride Player!

[@angeloarcenas5947]

Good point. Never invite youtubers/influencers on group rides, unless you want your rides to be constantly interrupted for selfies.

[@Broozer59]

I know a little about shooting video for work and I get exhausted thinking about the amount of work that goes into your amazing group ride vids.

[@themindunset]

Solo. I ride an old Fargo and usually can't keep up with the "weekend warriors." I too ride to get a break from people and conversations. It's my meditation. Maybe I'll ride with a friend or two but not with the groups.

[@mowensmd]

LOL...maybe it's a Fargo thing?...me too.

[@Josukegaming]

Ive mostly done solo rides, but when I finally find a welcoming and laid back bike community it's the best thing

[@saskhiker3935]

I never get to do group rides cause I live in a very remote rural community. I lived vicariously through your group ride films. I loved them and appreciate your production work. Can you at least do a few rides. I MISS THEM.

[@letsgoletsgoletsgoletsgoletsgo]

I mostly ride alone , I find it more enjoyable , I get to session features and not feel rushed . But some of my memorable rides were with a bunch of great mates . Some of my worst rides are also with other less compatible fellers . But there is safety in numbers

[@axlent123]

I rode ragbrai with three of my boys last year… along with a few thousand more people… We rode together for a while.. but we found at some point it was easier to ride our own paces. One day I took a spur trail. Stopped and bought and enjoyed a Haagen das ice cream bar I would have missed had I stayed in the “route”. Then I made it to that long Iowa bridge that was off route. Then continued off route through an unexplored small farm town.. finally reconnecting with the route and then my kids. I love solo rides! Plus, yes, easier to film your adventures when you are solo!

[@jrcollings]

Overall I believe I get where you are at. I followed the same path with motorcycle group rides, and now mostly ride alone or with a small select group. I LOVE your videos with Ron, and co. so I hope we still see more of those. I don't have a cool group of friends like that to cycle with, so I get my group ride fun vicariously through you. I enjoy the personal battle cycling alone, pushing my envelope, being 'out there alone'; but at times I also enjoy the social of sharing the experience with others - there's no rule that says we can't enjoy both.

[@NeatSix]

In regards to not getting cold hands when riding, I took a pointer off Nick the Mechanic from Cade Media who basically said instead of paying ridiculous amounts for heated glove / bicycle specific thermal gloves. You can get freezer / cold storage gloves for way cheaper and they're usually quite water resistant with good grip and insulated on the inside. Have yet to try some but will come the winter months here in Australia

[@jekyll8004]

The last piece of the energy bar...... I find them several months later in the bottom of my riding bag......a visual/sniff test and sometimes they go back in rotation, LOL

[@libiomartins8798]

Great video! I agree with everything you said, but I think cycling in a group is safer in case of an accident, mechanical problem... i keep doing group rides in some cases

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I agree on the safety side of things!

[@erikcurtis6288]

especially for mountain/gravel rides. 20 miles out is not a good place to have a serious injury.

[@robnygren923]

I ride 80% solo,I ride 8-10 Randonneur rides a year some end up being solo a couple are just me from the start. I do have a few riding buddies at different levels, with post ride coffee or Beers. Videoing the Brevets turned out harder than I thought. Every time I sit up with the GoPro I slip back and have to catch up. Great video. Cheers.

[@Joel15269]

This reminded me of an old Dave Chappelle show with Rick James "I didn't put my boots on his couch.....well heck yes I put my puts on his couch" Love the videos! Follow what your passion is and sounds like that is doing larger videos with bigger rides!

[@rjrichar100]

I always ride alone for many of the reasons you mentioned and a lot of that applies to why I drink alone!!!!

[@rickeypage7843]

You’ve got to continue riding with Ron; he’s the best!

[@992F]

I've ridden with two groups. One in Yreka, CA and the other in Hermiston, OR. When I ride with either group, I'm just there to chill, maybe see new trails and get tips from the locals. I live in Salem, OR, when I ride in the area, I'm either alone (mostly) or with one, maybe two friends. I have no desire to get on a group ride in my area.

[@30esque]

having a small squad (1-2 solid ridebros) was perfect for me. big group rides might be fun, but most of the time it is dragging on both ends (people can't go as fast or as slow as they want) Riding with 1 or 2 bros that does shit that you also like is the best most of the time, at least for me.

[@SkarTisu]

There’s room in the world for both. I will say I get flats almost infinitely more often on group road rides than when I’m riding by myself. I also have a history of injuring myself on MTB group rides, where I’ve only toppled at zero mph a few times when riding by myself.

[@texugooooo]

"One of the only times I feel the most confortable with myself". I can relate to that!

[@thetalkingfly]

Dustin, Solo mostly because I can leave at 10am or 5pm - I like to lollygag, meditate at the top of mountain bike rides, go my own pace. I also ride with small group but I never race with them- people are not as good at lollygagging as me. Thanks for the vid DK! Good stuff as usual- more art videos please. Cheers, Steve aka The Talking Fly

[@becker1032]

Oh you know I’m always racing ahead and then playing catch up game! 😜📸

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I guess this build character!?

[@becker1032]

@@EverythingsBeenDone always hopeful it builds character + a decent photo 😂

[@Soonjai]

100% a Solo Rider 100% of the time. I love riding at my own pace and I sometimes feel like doing these long, slow paced rides and enjoying nature for an entire day is what´s keeping me sane in life.

[@ianpaulocazorlarodriguez4323]

i've been cycling for just 3 years, and it's been 90% alone. i discovered and fell in love with it that way, and when i started to try and join group rides, at first im really excited, but then its just that: chasing all day with my tongue out and feeling miserable or wait constantly. i love showing new places to friends though, and try to create routes for that purpose.

[@jessereade5298]

have you thought about leading a group ride that's at your pace?

[@mickilkr]

Excellent video and glove review. I considered those. Thanks!

[@danohart]

Groups are great. I wish more people would tell me when they were heading out on a ride. Keeps me motivated to get more rides in, because I will still ride alone, but only if I have to.

[@codak29]

I regularly think about this watching cycling videos. Every time you ride by the camera, you have to place it, ride past it, and ride back to pick it up.

[@Lukearthwalker]

For that reason alone, I could never, ever be a content creator. I just like to ride... I love group rides! (as well as solo rides)

[@veloaa-montreal6924]

haha yeah I find some days I really enjoy riding with others, I got sick of riding alone all the time and it's fun to share the experience but I also don't feel very social at all sometimes when I ride and I prefer the introspection that riding alone offers

[@aaronedgeart]

I've been using and riding in Volt Heat heated gloves for years... game changers. They work incredibly.

[@nankowassenaar500]

Interesting 🤔 D! Covid forced me into a better solorider where I hated solo rides before. Nowadays I appreciate the solorides without realizing, you gave me some insight ✅🤟🏻

[@justincapek1132]

Absolutely true. I'm too slow for the big guns, and too fast for the cap guns. Still working towards hanging with the fast guys, but, alas, 90% solo. Still love all of it.

[@walcottav]

"cap guns" 🤣😂

[@matthewshaw3747]

Yeah I’m a 9mm rider too. It seems to be a hard level to find other riders who are keen.

[@MeNoWorryYouNoWorry]

I solo most of the time. Solo rides are so therapeutic and a good way of clearing your mind of unnecessary thoughts. I also talk to myself or sing on rides because I am having fun alone. Other times I like to go on a group ride when me and my friends would go on an adventure to far places that is accessible to bike.

[@Kelekona_808]

Started riding to spend time with a new GF. That dropped off until recently when we started to go out with a small group ride of about 10+ entry level riders. Felt that the group ride always went to slow. Now I'm going on regular individual rides and enjoy that I can ride at my own pace without feeling like I have to keep track of where everyone in the group is. Gotta say solo is nice for pacing, but I still will make time to ride with friends and fam to keep those relationships healthy.

[@craigjok]

Enjoyed the video. A lot of solo rides. Group rides only with friends of similar capabilities. Even though I average about 5,000 miles a year, being with friends has a special value, safety, bonus. I go through periods when my asthma becomes unpredictable and my friends have saved the day for me several times. ❤

[@kurtbrendley6145]

I am a huge fan for solo. As you said, it is therapeutic. I also have a small group of riders (2 riders) that I am comfortable doing a ride at anytime. Group rides are tough. Although I do enjoy the after ride hang. Talking with folks at a bar or parking lot about the ride is a lot of fun.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Well said!

[@heathwakefield6883]

Your reasons really resonate with me other than the video reasons. I often ride alone.

[@Choltec]

All of your points make sense and I do love a good solo ride, but man, group rides are the best. It's how i've met most of my friends in the city I live, and how i have learned how capable I am on a bike!

[@tbz1551]

Solo rider. Carless, so I ride everywhere in my city and ride exclusively fixed. I hate organized rides… did that for over a decade in the woods. I’m over 50 and pretty beat up so I get enough thrills in the city riding fixed and always prefer the ability to ride wherever I want whenever I want. Best way to experience your own city imo.

[@JoalHarding]

So many valid points. My thoughts exactly. Thank you. 😊

[@stevendayton7016]

After being a solo rider for the past 10 years I started riding with my local club " Spokane Bicycle Club" few times a month. And at 60 I'm often the youngest guy in the group. The pace is slower with a lunch break in the middle and it does make for a nice change of pace.

[@jbstillman]

I much prefer solo riding. At most, I enjoy taking a friend that is at the same riding level a me if I am out to actually ride. If I am taking new riders out to try out mountain biking, I don't mind multiple people since my ride is all about their pace anyway. But for just riding, I enjoy solo. Nobody to bother me, slow me down, trying to concentrate on a conversation vs riding. As others said, it's my zen time to relax, get in a good workout, enjoy nature, alone thinking time, etc. I love your video edits! So entertaining and top notch to watch!