Solo Cycling Sucks!

Solo Cycling Sucks!
Well, that was a surprise. Riding solo after riding with a group is much harder than I thought.
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[@tonysegadelli9421]

I do most of my riding by myself and I enjoy that. Always remember - a bad day on the bike is better than a great day in the office 😂😂

[@jollygoodvelo]

Luckily for me my bike is my office.

[@BlaqRaq]

@@jollygoodvelo Or, unfortunately. 😁

[@nigelnightmare4160]

Ditto.

[@Desmocycling]

As an introvert, solo cycling is blissful :D

[@wescheslak9408]

Another great video. I do 90 percent of my rides solo. Four or five rides a week. Twenty mile minimum. Thank you Leonard.

[@mbords01]

Indeed, great video with great message. As I do my cycling loops, I see teen shooting hoops, unicycling and jogger/s enjoying life. The farthest ride that I do so far on a bike/walk path with mile marks is ten; I will do longer distance when temperature is in the 70s. and I am not behind.

[@frankducett9]

As we age our circles of friends gets smaller, you may want to get used to it. I enjoy your videos greatly. Thanks.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Sadly very true, Frank. I really appreciate your ongoing support.

[@BlaqRaq]

I doubt I had a circle, probably a point 😁😁

[@barbs1298]

​@@BlaqRaqI don't have any friends who bike or are anywhere as active as I am at 63.

[@rogerbourne7159]

Hi, I’m now 76, mainly ride a Kalkhoff ebike here in SE Spain, strong legs, but still on the heavy side like you. Rides average 45-65km, can be very hilly on the mountain roads. You need to self motivate, specially in the 30+c temps at present. I’ve tweaked up my two roadbikes, looking forward to cooler days to have a change, but need to watch my physical self and not be stupid!

[@jollygoodvelo]

Sounds very wise.

[@guythacker6010]

Leonard, I think you hit every reason imaginable about why your ride feels so different. Differnent location, terrain, atmossphere, weather, type and condition of the roads, and the list can go on and on. Glad to see another video. Thanks for taking me along.

[@jollygoodvelo]

It’s amazing how different it feels.

[@kimcorcoran7495]

Well, lucky you, Leonard! To have buddies to ride with! I am ALWAYS solo...no drafting for me. And just THINK of all the extra calories one expends without that? Plus the confidence to accomplish new or long or effing tough rides by yourself. And no need to schedule when and where and which routes to do "by committee". :)))) In other words, I'm too slow to be "put up with". Always a great vid, Leonard!

[@jollygoodvelo]

Based on my recent rides, I think I need people to ride with.

[@elizabethburgess3969]

I think the problem is the “ho hum” drudge of returning home after a wonderful vacation!

[@jollygoodvelo]

It’s certainly possible

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

exactly

[@simonclare5422]

Leonard, it’s all in your head, everything is different, I remember same last year after weekend cycling in Majorca, took me a while to get used to cycling on the correct side in uk, but yes flying, bike, weather etc all come into play. I actually like solo riding but recently struggling like mad and I’m blaming my age 60 nearing 61 could be who knows but we got to keep going, press on and all will be ok bud.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Sounds like I’m not the only one thinking like this.

[@Cyclingallthetime]

Definetly the state of the roads is a big part of this. I cycle many of the roads in your video and the condition ranges from poor to down right dangerous for those on road bikes. Contrast that to mallorca and you gain 1-2mph for free just because of the smooth surface

[@rangersmith4652]

Most of my cycling is solo, which is in large part driven by my retired status (I can ride any time, but most people are beholden to a schedule that's not their own). When I ride solo, I can focus on whatever training goal I'm after, get lost in my thoughts, or just take in the world. I have to be aware of my surroundings, of course. Riding in a group requires paying attention to other riders' actions -- monitoring and predicting what line they're going to take, whether they're going to slow, etc. I'm busy enough monitoring motor vehicle traffic, children, pedestrians, etc. without placing myself in a group of riders whose skill level and predictability I don't know. Additionally, riding in a group implies social interaction, which is sometimes welcome and sometimes not.

[@emmabird9745]

Hi Leonard. I allways ride alone. I'm the only one I can keep up with. It might be slow, but it is still really enjoyable.

[@rollandjoeseph]

It all about enjoying the ride to me too

[@jollygoodvelo]

You and me both!

[@chrisconnors7418]

Just come on out and admit it, Leonard; you miss our company, that’s why biking feels harder, haha. :) I’ve started using higher gears too. After watching Steve climb the hills in higher gears than I could do, I started experimenting here with it in early June. Couple days ago I went up the escarpment two gears higher than normal (and faster) and it wasn’t that bad. So it seems to be working. There is a group gravel ride (100 km and 200 km) I was going to sign up for (I miss group riding now) but I was told there’s a hike-a-bike section through mud and bush. I don’t want to do that. I’ve mapped out my own 100 km route now and I’ve got one person who wants to do it with me. We’ll find some others and have our own group ride.

[@jollygoodvelo]

You got me; I miss you all…even Steve!

[@cyclnvancouver8060]

@@jollygoodvelo Ahh, really? That's sweet of you Leonard.

[@ruprecht9997]

Whenever I feel like there is too little air in the tyres, or an imagined headwind, it frequently comes down to not enough rest. Although restitution periods have shortened as I've grown fitter, sometimes there are cumulative factors that defy this.

[@celestesulliman3140]

My favourite rides are with my husband. We motivate each other during a ride. Sometimes a solo ride is good for the brain. Good on you you for getting on the saddle and riding without a wheel to follow :)

[@jollygoodvelo]

So true!

[@nigelnightmare4160]

I'm 59 and ride a recumbent trike 'ALONE' and that's just how I like it. No keeping up with or waiting for other riders and no constant Yak,yak,yak it's really peaceful.

[@WheelersAtLarge]

I think the air here is like riding through soup compared to the hot fluffy air in Majorca. You're always welcome to join us on a ride Leonard.👍

[@jollygoodvelo]

I might just take you up on that, Mike.

[@WheelersAtLarge]

@@jollygoodvelo 👍

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Don’t over think it Leonard. You had so many distractions, cycle buddies, views, new roads and warmth you’re bound to be feeling a bit gloomy riding the great Blighty roads😁👍

[@jollygoodvelo]

I’m actually actually happy to be riding on my local roads.

[@davidbeagley4853]

Road surface is a biggie for me. Lovely smooth tarmac in Majorca to pot hole city and a constant rumble strip in pretty much every route I cycle in Scotland.

[@Wayfarer-Sailing]

I do admire your instinct for sharing your thoughts and your rides. You're not riding solo, in a sense at least, when we're there with you, but the illusion probably feels more real as a viewer!

[@IanPattisonOakville]

I do most riding solo (my daughter isn't my riding buddy anymore) and the hardest part is starting. One thing I've discovered is that I have any number of excuses to not ride, but if I put my bibs on, I will go out. The hard part is getting to bibs on.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Maybe start with something very simple like the socks?

[@harewoodm]

I have only ridden solo and I am looking forward to changing that. I am slowly getting over my negative mindset about not being good enough to cycle with others. I hope to change that thinking and the solo experience this summer. Thanks for another great vid. Who knows...may get to ride with you someday. In the snow???? Lol.

[@jollygoodvelo]

The key is to puck the right people to ride with. I would love to ride with you one day.

[@Stevenv74]

As someone who has no friends I am always cycling on my own.

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

sorry to hear that. I find my cycling chums in our club are great for motivation. I am the eldest. They talk sh1t at the coffee stops, but they let me give them a more balanced view still.

[@rollandjoeseph]

Here too

[@jollygoodvelo]

Hopefully you’ll be able to find some.

[@shahrihairalah9588]

I think its alright to feel that way. You had a fantastic group ride on vacation. Maybe just needs to have the momentum of riding solo comes back. Chillax

[@jollygoodvelo]

I expect it will at dome point

[@shahrihairalah9588]

@@jollygoodvelo you will bounce back.

[@dave136]

I can certainly see your points on the benefit of group riding Leonard,however I personally enjoy riding solo for various reasons namely it’s up to me to get up and get out on the bike and when I’m out I don’t have to keep up with anyone and no one has to keep up with me..also it’s a great opportunity to clear my head mentally and I decide how hard or easy I go…whichever way Solo or group …Enjoy the ride🚴🏻‍♂🚴🏻‍♂👍🏻👍🏻

[@jollygoodvelo]

It’s great riding solo but riding with others is a great motivator

[@dave136]

@@jollygoodvelo thankfully I don’t need others to motivate me…I can motivate myself👍🏻

[@Pedals_and_Pathways]

That all makes sense. I just recently returned from a trip away from my normal territory and despite not being familiar with the routes and some were fairly challenging, yet they seemed easier. I chalk it up to nervous excitement. Keep up the good work Leonard.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Sounds like you had a great time.

[@Pedals_and_Pathways]

@@jollygoodvelo sure did. Just started a little channel as well so I could share some of them.

[@Pedals_and_Pathways]

youtube.com/@Pedals_and_Pathways

[@philiphookham8135]

Hi Leonard, nice Vlog. I can certainly relate to your comments. A solo ride on very familiar routes do seem harder than a group ride in unfamiliar territory. I think there's an excitement to exploring new places, but it's so much better to share that experience with others. We should do another ride together soon. Best wishes.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks Philip, we need to do another ride together sometime.

[@gordontyrrall5299]

I had to laugh at comments that the road surfaces in the UK are so much worse than in Italy😂. In England we have potholes - in Italy they have crevasses! At least on the country roads in Umbria. Steep descents were quite scary at times - I soon realised I couldnt film descents as I needed both hands on the bike at all times. I too found it a bit harder when I got home.

[@davesimmons8640]

Could your funk be a little boredom combined with the lack of a sense of newness and adventure? No more seeing new sights, absorbing new vistas and eating new refreshments. Back to the same-ol'-same-ol', roads your ridden and sights your seen a bazillion times ... ho-hum ... here we go again ... meh. And because of the familiarity, your mind focuses on the difficulties, challenges, and effort entailed. Familiarity breeds contempt - and children (as Twain said). Regardless, you fought through the funk and are out there doing it and adding to your bank of fitness. That is a victory and another success in your bank of achievements! Welcome home, Leonardo. Well done, sir!!

[@jollygoodvelo]

Nice way of looking at it, Dave.

[@cstewart3671]

I find the biggest problem with solo riding is safety! Drivers take more risks when they see one solitary rider, it’s something that’s got worse in the last 2 years…. And spoils the pleasure of it now. I do wonder if I’ll make it home sometimes 😢 The drivers appear more considerate in your area Leonard? Or is it all happening off camera? I do hope not? 🚴‍♀️

[@jollygoodvelo]

I think I am very lucky riding where I do; very quiet roads with (mostly) considerate drivers.

[@CaptBongo]

Greetings!! It has been awhile. Been logging the miles daily but the weather is horrible, over 30C first thing in the morning, but I am just doing it. You are a great motivator. There are no riding clubs on my side of the bay, so I'm forced to do solo rides.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Great that you have been going out daily despite the heat.

[@JasonInMelbourne]

Being a solo rider for 99% of my life, those times when I did have riding buddies was definitely more fun and the miles seemed to melt away almost unnoticed. I do miss those rides, but riding solo definitely has it's benefits.

[@jollygoodvelo]

It’s swings and roundabouts

[@shanebracey9862]

Love riding solo, leave when i want ,go where i want at the speed im happy with and stop when i want. I do go out with friends which i enjoy ,but have no problems riding solo.

[@goodobservers]

It can be nice and zen/peaceful to ride alone, but it can be boring. Depends on your mood.

[@derekjolly3680]

You just do it that way sometimes because that's all there is, and because you feel like a million bucks from it! Or along the lines of a quote from Lenny, to paraphrase, "To keep the slob at bay." I'm curious how heavy your regular road bikes are listening to your talk about easier and harder and all that. That Cannondale for instance. My only pure road bike is an all steel job at 24 pounds. OK so, what I'd say about all this is that it's all mental; You get a morale boost from being with the other guys doing the same ride. When you're alone it's all self-discipline, and you tend to be more self-conscious about yourself and the little weak points in yourself. In your case with the exotic Euro travel, that would effect morale positively too.

[@budycelyn]

i've just completed a month of riding in June for the SANDs charity, i rode with my brother in law and some rides with other family, but the bulk of the distance i covered during june 1060km (huge for me) and the final ride on the last day of june that was my first ever 100 mile ride was done solo, it's been a week since then and i've been out on 2 rides both with company, atm i can't face going solo just don't have it in me, hoping to get through this blip shortly though.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Good luck. It’s very different riding solo. Well done on your charity ride.

[@budycelyn]

@@jollygoodvelo thank you

[@i_mdrifting2092]

Leonard, I believe that ALL the points you raise are valid. Possibly the psychological aspect having the most significant impact, even Professional sports people suffer from that.

[@jollygoodvelo]

The mind is one of the most powerful muscles we need to develop

[@kevelliott]

Welcome to my world! While in in Italy last year, and experiencing a proper peleton for the first time ever, I was staggered at how much difference being 4th or 5th back makes. But it's artificial. Being solo, the progress you make is real. It's really great to ride with friends, but to keep your fitness up and max out your efforts, riding on your own is a great way to progress. But it's not as much fun. Now KZbin is insisting we all have to have handles, so I'm actually 'Kevin Elliott'!

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks for letting me know it’s you, Kevin. I’ve just noticed that KZbin is giving everyone different names.

[@malcolmhendra20]

Ive only been cycling 9months. I took it up because plantar fasciitis stopped me walking/running. My ambition was to get to a stage where i can join the local group. Ive been doing that and its fantastic and I recommend you try and find a group locally. In the 'C' group there is always a cafe stop and no-one is dropped. Its very social, being new Im digesting all the tips about clothing, cadence, nutrition, routes etc; you come across trails youve never ventured down, all recorded for future exploration. And what you say about the drafting is absolutely true. It feels effortless at times. I do still ride solo midweek and yes its harder but still enjoyable. I wished Id taken to cycling in my late twenties rather than late sixties!!

[@jollygoodvelo]

My other half had that and it stopped her running for about six months. Finding a good group to ride with is definitely key.

[@cathschofield7488]

Biggest difference I notice between Europe and here is our horrible grippy road surfaces

[@LLewis-vu9qf]

Another great video, Leonard 👏. With all that hill climbing and such in Italy, is it possible you didn't take a good enough rest after you got home? You know what they say. -- the improvement comes during the rest day/s. But I empathize with that feeling of having to work harder at your riding than usual. I experienced that as well just this evening on my ride. I don't even have the excuse of being back from hill riding in Italy. 🙄

[@jollygoodvelo]

It’s possible that I didn’t rest but my solo rides always feel tough.

[@531c]

Its probably a mind thing. Occasionaliy ive found 60 solo mile rides a drag. I cycled the Dunich Dynamo, an overnight 116 miler with two of my sons and it flew by. Inexplicable, i can only imagine it was my mindset. Happy riding there Leonard

[@jollygoodvelo]

I think riding with others certainly takes your mind off of a lot of things.

[@christyfox862]

Good to see you riding so well

[@PaulTheCyclist.]

Just keep riding and enjoy it, life is too short to overthink the mindset of cycling. Just use a cadence that is natural to you, my own cadence is low and nowhere near what people(coaches) say it should be.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Yes, enjoying the ride is key.

[@frostylonewolf1700]

subbed and just got my gopro hero8 camera although it gets hot quickly and nice bike ride as well

[@hugoed3740]

Interesting to hear your comments Leonard. Most of my rides are short and on cycle paths, the road conditions here (Edinburgh) are not great i.e. potholes and busy! There are better rides about half an hour’s drive away, but for me that beats the purpose of owning bikes. Keeping riding and making the vlogs, you have a few thousand fellow cyclists following your every ride! 🙃

[@jollygoodvelo]

Edinburg sounds like a great place to ride.

[@hugoed3740]

Did I mention the obstacles in the middle of the road? Tourists and tram lines 😂😂

[@jollygoodvelo]

@@hugoed3740 I have experienced the tram lines first hand. Nightmare.

[@sanoroo]

You may not have any mates peddling along with you in the video. But, you have nearly 54,000 of us riding with you on KZbin! Thanks for taking us along. Are you shooting with the Osmos Action 3, the GoPro, or both? Picture and audio quality are great.

[@jollygoodvelo]

This one has been shot on the Osmo action 3. Is that you, Gordon? I don’t recognise the channel name!

[@johndeane8773]

I think one thing you missed, the road surfaces in Britain are renowned for being very kind of grippy I have head professionals say. !! Something we have to put up with eh!!

[@jollygoodvelo]

There could be some truth in that.

[@rmnstr604]

I love solo cycling! Yeah, cycling in Mallorca or Italy is more fun. Obviously.

[@jollygoodvelo]

So too is riding with other people!

[@rmnstr604]

@@jollygoodvelo Defenitly! The only thing I don't like is riding with big (8+) groups.

[@stevencampbell1150]

I ride solo partially through choice and partially because I have no choice because there are no clubs that I can ride in and I also have no one to ride with. The only friend I had never rode with me instead he disappeared off into the middle distance which meant I might as well have been riding on my own so I then opted both before I moved house and now that I have moved house just over 3 years ago to ride solo. I have a gravel bike and I'm not about to change parts of my bike to ride with an average speed obsessed group tho' equally if I had even one person to ride with I'd be happy but until that time it's solo for me but in some ways that's no bad thing because on the occasions when I do head out either on the gravel bike or the shorter trips on the single speeder it does help clear the head.

[@mrewers2316]

Nice route Leonard. Surprised you didn't stop for coffee and cake at Keydell's. Always harder on your own. The miles seem to fly when chatting in a group.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Keydells is only about 300m from my house. Much cheaper to have a cup of tea at home!

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

absolutely

[@mrewers2316]

@jollygoodvelo true, but they do do lovely cakes...

[@scotty811]

My rental bikes in mallorca and tenerife have been far superior to my own bike at home, doesnt feel like i am moving when i get back on it!

[@alanparkinson4568]

I agree Leonard - cycling in the UK always seems a little harder. Also, it’s better with friends too.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Absolutely!

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

motivation, weather, friends, slipstream the list goes on.

[@BrianRPaterson]

It's easier to organise a solo ride at the drop of a hat. But riding with mates makes you ride a bit harder - nobody wants to be last up the hill. Zwift offers a bit of both. I was 15th in a field of about 30 in a 40k ride today. Not great, but not last either. Cheers

[@neilocallaghan3485]

Sometimes the hardest think about getting out for a ride is putting your riding shoes on! Both solo and group riding have advantages, any ride is a good ride.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Totally agree.

[@reidwagner1508]

Leonard, your videos are the best. I like the philosophical ideas. I always ride solo. Not many people my age ride here. Thanks letting draft you for a bit

[@jollygoodvelo]

Glad to have you join me!

[@PackFanDave]

Love watching your videos, I also follow you on Strava. We are similar age and body type and on those days when I just don’t have the energy or motivation I see your latest ride on Strava on my feed or see your video here and I think if he can do it so can I. You should take a trip to USA sometime and ride here.

[@jollygoodvelo]

I would love to.

[@steveallison3751]

The damp air is a big factor. Wet air contains less oxygen than dry air. I always find riding much easier on warm dry days.

[@jollygoodvelo]

I generally find it’s the other way round; more air when it’s a little damp. It would be interesting to test it somehow.

[@marksheeran1717]

Regardless of it all that's one lovely route your taking sir. I find cycling on my own, without my little lady (to find routes that we can both enjoy) . I cycle faster, without stops and no café stops. just less enjoyable.

[@joannelouiserodriguez5966]

Cycling solo sometimes helps my mental state I can really sort myself out don't get me wrong I love been social but sometimes its good to be on your own fab video lee as always mum says hi btw 😊 ❤

[@jollygoodvelo]

I think it’s a mix of solo and social riding that makes us happy. Hello mum!! I was wondering how she was.

[@terryb392]

Nice one Leonard, The quality of road surface is vastly different here in uk we have such rubbish roads. In Spain mostly very smooth and well maintained. Personally I prefer to ride alone I dont have to do what others want to do, if i change my mind and take a different route or stop to take in the scenery there is no debate weather its right.

[@jollygoodvelo]

I’m reasonably lucky as the road surfaces here in Hampshire aren’t too bad.

[@cycleriderroy]

I ride mostly solo, I kinda enjoy it as I can go as per my pace and as my wish, yes riding with a group is fun and so much to share

[@jollygoodvelo]

I think both can be fun.

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

Len, the bike and tyres make a huge difference, to ones mentality state.

[@2cats4tea79]

Then there is just the post-vacation, or post-trip letdown that is sure to seep in, no matter how well and fit you felt right after the trip. Hard to gear back up (all puns intended) after so much of your riding had been with the goal of these trips in mind. You ride on beautiful country roads, though, so it must on another level feel good to be home.

[@jollygoodvelo]

It is good to be back really

[@sgp7975]

There are opportunities to not ride solo if you live near population centres. CTC and British Cycling (Let's Ride) have meet-ups.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks. I have people to ride with it’s just co-ordinating things.

[@sarunasgardzijauskas629]

its the crap weather and roads here in Ireland that makes it harder for me :)

[@jollygoodvelo]

I totally get that!

[@timyaiser]

You answered your own question. Higher cadence in a harder gear. There you have it!

[@zyghom]

I just came back from the evening ride and I was thinking about: "why don't we have video from Leonard for so long?". And what? I came and the video is here - thank you ;-)

[@jollygoodvelo]

It’s only been about ten days between videos. It’s nice to be missed!

[@zyghom]

@@jollygoodvelo RIGHT! ;-) And riding alone... sucks ;(

[@jollygoodvelo]

@@zyghom I may be riding through Reading sometime soon!

[@zyghom]

@@jollygoodvelo and this is the proper one! just let me know when please.

[@jollygoodvelo]

@@zyghom I’ll try. I only have KZbin comments to contact you.

[@tedallenwolff]

Yeah, group riding is, for many, a great way to go, but it's not for me. I need to keep really focused on the the route, road conditions, upcoming traffic and all the rest. Group riding encourages conversation and I just can't talk & ride. Also, a couple of times I had distracted riders behind me and when an unexpected obstacle forced the front riders to slow or stop, I got slammed by the guy/gal in back of me who wasn't paying attention....bad, bad bad. I'll stick to the freedom and safety of solo riding.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Each to their own.

[@Mosely2007]

Ive ridden solo for 4 years. Gravel mostly. Never enjoyed cycling more. 40 yrs of seeing black butts and not much else. Im in Michigan. People here need phones to drive. Keep on Trukin Sir!

[@jollygoodvelo]

Will do!

[@LIFE_ToBeContinued]

All my riding is solo at the moment so I try to ride against the computer, to power, heart rate and/or time. It makes things more interesting. Having said that, I pretty much don't have an alternative option! Billy No Mates😂

[@jollygoodvelo]

Hopefully you can fine some people to ride with you if that’s what you want.

[@Uaeboravisma]

I ride with my father and friends. Its very good as it keeps your pace ever so higher, or they can help you up a tough climb

[@jollygoodvelo]

Riding with your dad is priceless regardless of speed. For some reason I’ve been thinking about my dad today. (He passed away 27 years ago.)

[@steppings5645]

Back home to reality, back to bread and butter miles on crap road surfaces. It can't be all glamour, life is meant to be hard in the UK!

[@jollygoodvelo]

Isn’t it just.

[@markbailey2199]

It’s the thought of all the honey do list waiting for you.

[@notreally2406]

The key is to keep the effort down and the focus high

[@shaunroos8245]

Love riding on my own!

[@randyeller8139]

I’d say all of the above but also the difference in height above sea level no matter how minuscule can effect the amount of oxygen in the air available to breathe. You may be experiencing the human equivalent of a car running with a bad O2 sensor and sputtering a bit.

[@jollygoodvelo]

That’s certainly possible.

[@TheJp5150]

hello Leonard welcome home to the UK again. Hope you have had some fantastic cycling experiences. it's strange to see you on a bike with disc brakes when I usually have you on a regular rim brake. how does it feel to drive disc versus rim brake? Best regards from Denmark, Copenhagen

[@jollygoodvelo]

Most of my bikes these days have disc brakes. They certainly have more stopping power than rims.

[@billdunham4446]

Hi Leonard. Some interesting thoughts as always, but this time I beg leave to disagree on the issue of solo cycling. For me it is unquestionably the best way, go when and where you want, stop for as long as you wish and go at a pace you find comfortable. But you are right about familiar roads. They do become boring after a while. That's why cycle camping is so great. New worlds to see

[@jollygoodvelo]

I’m not saying one is better than the other but I have certainly noticed a difference

[@jamesweadick743]

Hello, enjoy your videos .. just wondering - what do you use to pack the bike and keep it safe when traveling ?..

[@jollygoodvelo]

For my last few trips I’ve used hire bikes but when I take my bike I use one of these padded bike bags. I’ve never had any damage in 20 years of travelling with my bike.

[@lomilomi3535]

You were in an idealic location with good friends cycling in nice weather.....LOL no comparison th cycling in the UK

[@321bytor]

Things are different in the UK. Car drivers try to kill you.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Really? Where do you ride? Here in Hampshire (in the UK) drivers are fairly courteous.

[@Aus10c]

If you have drafted behind a bus you realize how much benefit you gain riding behind something

[@jollygoodvelo]

It’s even possible to feel the benefit drafting behind another rider.

[@hermananwar720]

great ride for a cyclist of your age, tell me the sprocket size , and chainring size

[@PistachioFilmsLLC]

yup all of the above! We were always told when we were racing decades ago, lol #oldaf, that for new training to feel through in your rides, is a 4-6 week turnaround thing before you feel it. I did a 100 MILE TT on that theory and felt like i certainly felt it back then. dunno if the science has changed now 30 years later or not, but i always still figure 6 weeks before I'm gonna feel a new block of fitness like you would have coming through after your rides in Italy. I ride alone all the time #jimmynomates lol, and though always being in the headwind yourself sucks and saps energy right out, I'm sure it makes me fitter in the long run. And i really noticed the difference coming out of the winter when i went from my gravel bike or mountain bike back to my road bike, with both those bikes being 3lb heavier than my road bike. felt a lot better, although i still have segments on strava that I've done on road and gravel bike and sometimes rode it faster on the gravel bike (getting my fueling right sometimes i guess) all adds to hopefully increase strength that i think I'm getting, lol. Will also be a big thing with the company on a ride, keeps your brain occupied likes you said. Drew.

[@jollygoodvelo]

I think the headwind is the main thing I have noticed.

[@bleexrossignol9782]

hello from France ! it's certainly due to your wheels. for example, Giant makes great bikes, but they come with very cheap wheels, to get a low price level. ir's maybe the same with cannondale ?

[@jollygoodvelo]

I’ve got some very very, very nice wheels.

[@charlesmansplaining]

I ride alone all the time. It's still enjoyable. I like to see other people riding but I don't care for groups. I pay attention to the road at all times which is something most people don't do when in a group.

[@jollygoodvelo]

I think that is only partly true about not paying attention when in a group.

[@TK-nc3ou]

Leonard, are you planning to have a weight loss goal at some point? I thinm you could do that with the amount of riding you do!!

[@jollygoodvelo]

I’ve only been trying to lose weight for the whole of my adult life so forty years or so. Hopefully bin the next couple of weeks….

[@2cats4tea79]

@@jollygoodvelo LOL, perfect answer!

[@darrengarvie8832]

Definitely hard getting yourself out for a spin solo and in bad weather also sun helps 😁

[@jollygoodvelo]

Doesn’t it just.

[@danhardisty1]

I'm open to riding with someone else. I just haven't found some one yet. But I will!

[@jollygoodvelo]

Hope you do, Dan.

[@rogersimmons8788]

Don't get too excited about the short kit Leonard. We're on the downhill to Christmas!

[@jollygoodvelo]

Don’t remind me.

[@harewoodm]

@@jollygoodvelo Remember, Christmas means winter rides on frozen lakes using fat bikes!!!! Yahooo!

[@jollygoodvelo]

@@harewoodm Sadly somewhat lacking in frozen lakes here in Hampshire.

[@emmabird9745]

Its July, the "C" word is banned.

[@harewoodm]

@emmabird9745 oops...sorry. I love winter riding. What about the "festive season wherein allergy sufferers play outside freely due to allergens lying dormant under mounds of frozen precipitation"? No c word there. Lol.

[@reidwagner1508]

when you ride solo or in groups, do you carry snacks with you, or do you rely on cafe stops to refuel? Just curious. Answer if you choose

[@jollygoodvelo]

We generally do both. The cafe stop is also an opportunity to chat while off the bike as well as have some refreshments.

[@elmerrichardson6413]

Sounds like "bike jet lag"!

[@dominicshepherd9054]

Road surface is heavier in the uk

[@jollygoodvelo]

So I have been hearing.

[@bengt_axle]

I've seen you on so many different bikes. Which one is your favourite?

[@jollygoodvelo]

I think it depends on my mood and the type of ride I want to do.

[@stephencharles6932]

Perhaps like me you can take some inspiration from the Toure de France. Incredible race and still 2 weeks to go #cmonPogacar.

[@jollygoodvelo]

I’m watching it now.

[@SuperHyperExtra]

My wife always tell me that she find it easier in hotter température than in cooler. Density of air?

[@jollygoodvelo]

There’s warm and then there is hot. Hot is not nice.

[@SuperHyperExtra]

@@jollygoodvelo Yeah, you're right, I meant warmer, of course...

[@janeg1685]

Holiday Blues

[@jollygoodvelo]

Possibly

[@mikeevans4162]

Complain complain complain Solo cycling is wonderful, enjoy the moment. Solo is Mobile Meditation

[@rollandjoeseph]

🙂👌

[@jollygoodvelo]

I’m not complaining, I’m just saying it’s different.