Do you prefer a solo ride or a bit of company while you cycle? 🤔

95% solo. Beside all the correct points Manon exposed, I can push as much as I want, slow down or set my own pace without worrying about anything or anyone. 😊

Solo is my preference. As an only child who relishes time alone, it's a guarantee that I can be by myself for the day doing what brings me joy.

My reasons: 1. Scheduling myself is simple 2. Not enough friends who want to ride at my level 3. I like riding without a route, getting a little lost, trying new roads. Groups expect a planned route like I'm an event planner

I've been cycling since the early 70s. My friends nicknamed me Jams Solo when Star Wars was a thing. Now retired, just starting my 70s decade of cycling, I treasure every pedal stroke of every ride, all about Smiles per Hour over MPH, KPH, however you measure. Whether you ride with others or by yourself, my advice to everyone is, Keep It Fun Folks! Thanks, Manon!

I've actually never ridden with other people. When I go out, I go on my own. And I have been riding for quite some years and I ride 200km a week on average.

I love the meditative quality of solo riding. Focus on the road and breathing. You clear your head. I don't have too much time to ride outdoors, hard to plan a ride with any of the roadies I know. All of us have our commitments to our families and/or training plans, really difficult to align.

I am not the fittest kind of person and I always fear to be the one everyone is waiting for, so I started cycling ridin solo and I really enjoy this. Having fun, not feeling any pressure just me and the headwind xD

Cycling is a brilliant way of finding that much needed solitude and serenity after a chaotic week of work and other commitments.

Solitude and at one with your surroundings. Peace. There's no place to hide, which means that you do all the work, which means you become a stronger rider physically and mentally!

I feel bad for those riders that won't go unless they have a ride companion. I ride 3-4 times a week and I'd say 95 percent solo. If you want to get fast and fit you need to find that motivation in yourself. Manon nailed all the key points, so glad I'm not crazy for feeling this way too. Edit: those Strava PR's are much more likely with less chit chat too!

I've never been on a formal group ride, so I guess I don't know any better - but solo riding is awesome, especially on gravel and mtb routes. Just you and nature - it's a wonderful feeling. Just be safe and carry plenty of spares, payment for a taxi home and carry a piece of paper in your storage with your name, any medical conditions you have and emergency contact details in case the worst happens. Otherwise enjoy the exploring 😊

It nice sometimes to go on a solo ride and put your bike computer in the back pocket so you don't have the data in your face all the time. Just start it to register the distance. 😊

That's great that people in the UK wait on their mates when riding in a group. In the United States, most groups will drop you if you have a mechanical.

Finally, my riding life explained! I can't remember the last time I wasn't riding solo.... for all the reasons Manon espoused!

I use cycling for fitness, speed and fun and I ride solo almost all the time. You can go whenever you want for the distance you want. You can push really hard for a 20 k or use a relax pace for 50-60 k... You're the only one to decide. Plus, let's say there's a 2-3 hour of sun during a cloudy day, you can just go when the weather clears a bit. Never have to wait for a group, never feel that you're being dropped, no pressure. As someone else said, this is my meditation. I only think about pedaling (and avoiding cars and potholes) when I'm cycling. All my other problems cease to exist for a while. Riding solo is great.

Solo riding. Regularly pop out with a local riding group but I’m always happier on a solo ride.

Didn’t know there was any other option than solo. Learn something new everyday.

I'm "Team Solo" too. I can get whereever I want, whenever I want and the very flexible stops for teaking a leak are a bonus too. 🙂

prefer solo, peace and quiet and can go at my own pace

I totally agree. It makes me crazy how some people will setup a group ride and then show up late and unprepared (tires super low on air) 😢, they’ve got no drink etc. And don’t follow safety hand signals😮. Don’t get me wrong still tons of fun just has its downsides.

I do most of my rides solo precisely for some of those reasons. My time is limited. I cannot be waiting for someone. The other thing is that in my area it gets pretty hot, very quickly in summer. If you are not on the road by 6:30 to 7:00 am you will pay dearly in the heat. There are some drawbacks though. You lose the social aspect of riding and can get boring sometimes. A more worrisome one, is being the lone rider in traffic. Cars have the tendency to se large groups of riders; but not just one rider.

I love the freedom, the challenge and sense of jeopardy of a long solo ride when you push yourself on a route you haven't ridden before. You're never more in the moment than pushing it on your own. I ride a lot with a club, with friends, and with small groups training, but solo rides were my first discovery of cycling and I they reach the parts other rides can't.

I like riding solo for all the reasons mentioned and also, I start from my house, I don’t have to drive to meet anyone, and I start at any time I want. No pressure to wake up early to go somewhere to meet a group😊

Definitely solo ride...I'm not self conscious about my fitness level then and I can just really enjoy the ride and as Manon said, take in the nature along the way if I want. It's great mental health exercise.

Great video ! I ride solo simply because of the enjoyment of taking my road bike out on the road for a few hours The more people in a group ,the more rules there are.

Thanks Manon, you just reminded me why I ride.

I ride solo, period. To me riding solo is pure freedom. I can take whatever route I want, go as fast or as slow as I want. It's just me my bike and the ride and that's all that counts.

Does commuting to and from work constitute riding solo...😅😅😅

I always used to cycle on my own until I joined a ladies Breeze group. Now I love cycling in a group too, the support and friendship is great but I agree with Manon, sometimes it's brilliant being able to cycle as fast, far and wherever you want.

I only ride by myself, same as going to the gym, other people tend to screw up what you're trying to do. I really just ride my road bike for exercise any way

I definitely prefer solo most times, I'm a small guy with strong legs so I often finding myself flying up hills with ease while the rest of the group appears to struggle. So I find it hard to hold back my pace up a hill to stay with the group. But, a group ride from time to time is also really fun. Especially the little bit of chasing that happens spontaneously.

Hi Manon, I love your videos. This one hit the correct tone for me. I'm an older guy and I purchased a nice Trek hybrid (just by speed) after the ugly "C-19". But the trouble is that being an older guy I have no one to ride with now. But watching this video reminded me how much I have truly enjoyed the few times I have been out on my bike even though I was alone. And somehow maybe a bit better that I was alone. Thank you, Manon, for the inspiration to get back out there. And not to be so concerned that I am alone, but rather to enjoy the fact that I am loving my time out on my bike.

Hi from Hetty, sorry I interrupted your video recording in front off your office during filming this. Thanks fore taking the time talking to me. The Dutch cyclist living in Bath. See you out riding.

Absolutely true, that’s why I love riding solo.

I'm quite a spontaneous rider so like to head out whenever the weather looks good. I sometimes ride with a friend, but he insists on pre-arranging specific dates to ride, often meaning we end up going out on horrible, rainy days because they were the only days he was free. Not to mention turning up late, needing to borrow my pump or lube because he forgot to check his kit the night before, forgetting to eat so ends up bonking a few miles in, having to wait for him at the top of every hill for ten minutes. Sometimes it's just easier to go alone!

Absolutely stellar content again gcn and Manon! Love the humour of these and all very good points! As a mostly solo rider, I think that you have covered all of the main points. I think that a good follow up video would be to cover all the things you should make sure you bring with you if you are choosing a solo ride: phone, maps, pump, puncture kit, lights, cash, first aid, etc. Well done!

Well after her comments about Hank and Conor, I reckon she'll have a few rides on her own now! ;-) Seriously though, I like a mix. Sometimes I want to ride on my own, in my own head. Sometimes I like a bit of company. Nothing wrong with either.

On the road, almost always solo. For pretty much of all of the reasons discussed. Another reason is where I ride in the US, I have developed a riding style to avoid negative interactions with drivers that few other riders seem to understand.

I always ride solo. I do enjoy it. I have never even gone on a group ride.

This video makes me so glad that I have tubeless tyres. No annoying anyone in a group by getting a puncture here!

I ride about 90% solo and I love it!

Since 2015 I have ridden close to 67,000 kilometres and 60,000 plus a few more would have been solo rides, I live in rural South Australia and have several quite roads with minimal traffic. This is so ideal with mother nature sharing all her beauty with me, the scenery, birds, the occasional kangaroo and snakes and lizards in the warmer months, I just love solo riding but do join in on group rides two to three times a week.

I ride solo, or with 1 friend. I can’t imagine ‘group riding’. The bike provides a place to meditate on not much other than pedaling and watching the scenery go by.

Solo riding is pretty much all I do, and it gives me the occasional chance to talk to random people as i ride, which I don't really don't do when with other people.

I cannot agree more on the „therapy session“. Nothing is better than a long steady endurance ride and after a few hours you get in the zone and your brain goes blank and it‘s just you pushing the pedals. Another benefit is that you are not pushed out of your planned training by anybody else going too fast or too slow.

Solo is the only way to go. Group riding has too much to worry about. Positioning, watching for the half wheelers on turns, keeping up or being held back. Riding solo is a great stress free escape. I also ride between 30 and 80 miles depending on the day. There aren't many people who have that kind of time

All of the above. Best part, is that it is my own private quality 'Me Time' to play at my own pace. Find new routes, get lost and find myself. ❤

totally agree with most of them especially when i see a nice view. people just want to carry on while i want to stay back and sink in it for a while.

Solo ride is great. And even better with your playlist.

Manon for the win again. As a new cyclist i haven't engaged in group riding and can ride at my own slow pace. Fresh air, stop when you want , or your body says, and go exploring the back roads of your local area. Biking life for the win.

I enjoy riding solo! I ride solo to and from work, it provides a great opportunity to get in and out of work mode.

Riding solo is good for me when I have had a lot going on in life or just a good stress relief after a busy day. I do love riding with others but not everyone is ready to ride when I am.

have been riding solo for years, like you said great meditation and stress relief with no deadlines, distractions or dad jokes well actually I could tell myself the dad jokes!? ...also like meeting up by chance with other cyclists while out and maybe ride a few miles with them... lots of quiet, safe cycle paths here which is good this time of year as the traffic increases to crazy numbers in the summer...

The best video ever, its so true, i always go solo nowadays after many years in cycling club where you always have to adapt to what all others want

Almost all my rides are solo. I love it! Head space and the ability to just go at whatever pace I feel like and explore should a tempting turning beckon. It’s the best for me.

Solo bikepacking. 😍 Being out in the woods alone. Lovely.

Totally agree. When I first starting riding Japan's back roads I missed having a crew to share it all. Now, solo forever. Ok, maybe, once and awhile, someone special to share a very special place.

I'm 50% solo. I enjoy going out with my buddies, it's motivating, a good laugh with informative chats. Good social scene around this and annual trips to Majorca.

Almost always ride solo. Or with my husband but I enjoy my own paced rides and headspace (as a busy mom)…experienced rider for decades. Mostly solo and love it this way…

99% of the times I ride solo and I can really relate to the headspace factor. When you relax your mind all the solutions pop up. I actually wrote most of my master's thesis whilst riding. 😅 Sometimes I had to stop by the road to write my thoughts down.

In the warm weather, 1-2 rides a week are in a group. The others are solo out of convenience. I agree, solo is very meditative

I'm basically a misanthrope, so I've always ridden solo.I will occasionally ride with a pal to change things up, but riding with a group sounds like torture to me. But Manon, (how do I make this sound non-creepy?) I'd go on a ride with you any day. Big fan!

I just want someone "there" (safety reasons). We don't have to talk or ride with one another, as long as there's someone. I do find it much harder doing solo rides mentally as well; although my midweek training is by myself, and I tend to go harder. Weekend group rides are good to up your bike handling skills! hahaha

"Plan your Puncture" should be the next feature on Strava or Komoot. Maybe combined with a hitlist and or suggestions of the best/most convenient places to fix the tire.

Every couple of months, I ride to Bolton from Birmingham to visit my son. On my own. Stop when I like. As slow as I like. Birmingham to Southampton is a two day ride. The days are shorter and slower to admire the views.

I started road cycling during COVID, so I went mostly solo until this year, when I started doing the group ride thing, joined cycling clubs, etc. I like it, but I still need my solo rides too. Need to keep it balanced.

I’ve had a period, when I was riding mostly solo. Made my longest ride in that period - 322km in one day. Fond memories)

note to self: get some lightweight equipment for making tea during the next bigger sunday ride. And duck food

"and nothing but the lovely birds tweeting". Cue the Aussie magpie war cry as swooping season begins.

I love both riding in a group and solo. The main advantage with riding solo is that you set the pace, which is especially important if your doing long Z2 rides.

Big thumbs up👍 for all those reasons to ride solo Manon.. I am also very comfortable with my own company, and don't have to put up with the 'numpties' on a group ride. (except for those rides with my wife, of course.) And the satisfaction of being able to stop and take piccies whenever I want to, is a massive plus.

I greatly enjoy the lack of "nattering". That and being responsible for and to no-one but myself.

After a busy day in the office answering phones, going to meetings, appointments with clients, yeah solo is the only way to go!

I enjoy a group ride when the pace is enjoyable and not too fast. Its nice to have friends to chat with in the coffee shop on a group ride. But I also do enjoy solo rides - sometimes I have no idea of a route and basically make it up around traffic lights. If the lights are red but green arrow I turn left or right accordingly and just go from there. One regular route I use is an old railway line which is a shared path- I can just zone out and listen to the birds with no safety concerns.

I just prefer being on my own most of the time, not just on a bike. But definitely prefer to ride solo for all of the reasons in the video, but also for safety. A friend used to regularly want to join me and he was a disaster waiting to happen, he had no awareness of the world around him and regularly crashed into things or couldn’t unclip in time and fell off. He sadly passed away very young (not related to cycling) and I miss him a lot, just not on bike rides.

Awesome video Manon. I think the main reason why I ride solo is down to forgetting to shower after yoga. Who wants to ride up or down wind of a smelly old yogi

I love you Manon!!

Always solo. I can choose my speed and route, go home if not "my day", or drive as long as it's fun.

I used to like training with others, now I actively avoid it. I only want to ride by myself. The only exception is that I love riding with my two teenage kids. They are wonderful.

🤣You all seem to have so much fun doing your job. Even solo-ing the vidéo doesn't stop Manon to tease Conor and Hank. Nicely done !

I’m a solo rider 99 % of the time. Some of my rides are on public roads but the majority are in deep forests and hidden trails. There’s no words I can use to describe the enchanting effect those rides have on me. I’m completely addicted to them even if there’s some danger in being riding that far away alone.

Ride solo most of the time. Timing flexibility, route choice, and most importantly for me... I can go as fast as I can. Also when doing intervals it's not the greatest riding together. I love riding together with others, but those rides I shouldn't mind going slower.

Here in Colombia we have people called "Leñeros." There's no way to translate that into english, but it basically means when you're riding so hard you're burning wood: "leña." So...leñeros are REALLY, really, really hard group riders, where everything is a competition. Leñeros stop for no one and never look back, so if you have a mechanical, get into an accident, it doesn't matter, it just means they got to drop you. I've had close calls when a group of leñeros passes my way, they will literally run you over, because the road is "theirs." It's like this, imagine the worst, most toxic traits about cyclists, distilled into an ultimate hive mind of self sustaining critical mass of pedantry, that's a leñero. Don't be mistaken, leñeros are very strong riders, not pro-level, but fairly elite on average. Everyone wants to be a leñero, as such I ride alone.

Here's to the 'lone' wolfs of cycling!

I ride solo all the time , reasons pick your own route go at your own speed no trying to keep up or keep stopping for someone to catch up . Also you can stop and start when you want

Most of my rides are solo so riding with someone else occasionally is a bit of a treat.

Nice bird strutting behind you while you're sitting on the ground with the wheel. I prefer one or two companions, but I'll happily ride solo once in a while.

Solo riding is meditation. All of my riding is solo. Last year, I recorded 6,600 miles worth on Strava.

Riding with one or two buddies is great, riding alone is also fantastic for all the reasons you mentioned, riding in a large group is usually, well, what did Jean Paul-Sartre say?

Yes! I ride alone most of the time now, for all those reasons. p.s. 0:47 -- a bit overextended? good for the patella, not so much for your hamstrings!

I love riding alone, I need that for clearing out my thoughts and being just for me. I hate riding in a group tbh, that’s to much stress for me haha

I only ride solo, don't have to depend on someone else and ride in my own pace. No arrangements, no whining about the route, no unnecessary stops, etc. The only downside is lack of draft, hence rides will be shorter and headwind is painful.

Although 95% of my rides are solo, which I love for the reasons explained on the video, there are things that group rides provide. Security! It is far more secure when you ride in groups since other cars tend to respect you more. Also, you can go and buy something without worring with your bike. And, if you find your kind of group, it can add some fun into it.

Ridin' solo all the way 💯🚴‍♂️

YES!! Solo 97% or more. 7. All of the above.

Love a nice long solo ride with loads of peace, quiet and headspace. Until that wonderful peace is broken by a fellow cyclist out on a ride who for some reason is unbelievably chatty and near seems desperate to be social. To make matters worse is when that cyclist is a bit stronger that you and even if you discreetly try and drop that person you can't. You start to think of ways to say f**k off in a kind way but are to disturbed by the chatter you can't think properly. This was one of my most annoying rides ever...

OMG Manon can read my mind!!!!

Most times I ride solo & it's good, my own pace. Stop when & where I want, chat to those along the way. reroute on a whim or because Garmin has set me along a blind route. Other times with my wife - very slow; or my daughter - more off road & with random halts to look at cows or other animals. I can't think I would enjoy a formal group ride though, but I have never tried.

Usually a solo rider these days, but I do find riding with a buddy can really help me cover more distance than when alone!