Plan a route that has plenty of landmarks and pick one every 5km so if you do get lost you can easily find your way back to the last landmark and get back on track.
Plan B with public transportation in case of mechanical. Study the peculiarities of the route well beforehand. Last time around, for instance, I had massive amounts of snow on the road.
Another small tip for solo riders - Listen to our body signal. Sometimes the same pedals feel strangely heavy, and it’s ok to change the plan. This flexibility is one of the best advantages we can have when riding solo.
On one of my last solo rides I had no plan, no goal and just kept on pedalling and ended up having a lot of fun and riding over 100 miles. Riding with somebody else i would have been a very different story. Although I ride mostly on my own (8000-9000km per year solo and maybe 500-600km with somebody else or in a sportive) However there is some benefit in riding in a small team with people you know and who respect each others capabilities and limitations if you want to push your limits. I know that I can do 200km solo rides but beyond that I seem to hit a wall if I am alone, but in a group there is hopefully mutual encouragement. Since I am typically the oldest by a large margin of up to 17 years over my peers, it is also an encouragement seeing them faltering before me and starting to struggle once we get over 100 miles, primarily because they often set off to fast and then run out of steam. On one of my last solo rides I had no plan, no goal and just kept on pedalling and ended up having a lot of fun and riding over 100 miles. Riding with somebody else i would have been a very different story. Although I ride mostly on my own (8000-9000km per year solo and maybe 500-600km with somebody else or in a sportive) However there is some benefit in riding in a small team with people you know and who respect each others capabilities and limitations if you want to push your limits. I know that I can do 200km solo rides but beyond that I seem to hit a wall if I am alone, but in a group there is hopefully mutual encouragement. Since I am typically the oldest by a large margin of 20 years over my peers, it is also an encouragement seeing them faltering before me and starting to struggle once we get over 100 miles, primarily because they often set off to fast and then run out of steam.
I have a general plan set when I start out...but I know all my turn around and short cut points along the way. The only problem with that is as I get further from home, the bailout points aren't that short. lol
99% of my rides are solo rides. Riding solo gives a lot of freedom. You can change the route, you can go in your own pace, you can take or skip stops whenever you want. For me the best part in solo riding that I am on my own. It is only me and my thoughts while riding. One of the best ways to clear my head is to have a solo ride.
I live by the water and there is a prevailing wind at almost all times in the same direction. This leaves me with a headwind first half and a tailwind back on my normal routes. Every so often, the wind changes direction and really screws me up.
This never works out for me, and I start with a tail wind and then suffer on the way back. A pretty easy fix for this is to ride in the forest, the trees block most of the wind.
I've found when I do that, the wind changes directions and I'm regretting my decisions to try to time a tailwind. My favorite route will have a tailwind out, change from riding NW to SW and into the wind, turn around and now it is a tailwind, just to reverse that turn and get hit with a headwind that makes it feel like I've got a parachute deployed.
I ride solo 95% of a time. My husband's rule is to only call him if it's an absolute emergency. In Alaska, there are few places to stop at times. I've learned to make friends with every business owner, random home owners, and locate all the pit stops. They'll let you use their bathrooms, feed and water you in a pinch, and give you encouragement.
I signed up for my first group ride, thought it was going to be a gravel ride but it was a road ride, and I was worked over pretty hard. Only got dropped in the last 5km, so I was pretty proud of that.
I rise solo all the time. I always carry an extra tube, co2 cartridge, ID, cash, credit card and a fully charged cell phone. My rides are anywhere between 50 to 100 kms & have been doing this for over 30 years. Love riding.
Solo riding toughens you mentally. It can be difficult to get motivated early in the piece, but once you’re in the groove of going alone, you can manage and overcome most challenges.
I ride solo 90% of the time. it's very therapeutic. No distractions. I simply focus on my pedal stroke; getting through the next mile, hill, etc. I compete against myself. I love it.
My tip: study the weekend commuter train schedule, take the train out when traffic is low and ride back or in some rural area. With a train ride as a bail out plan, you can ride in nicer places, at your own pace and on quieter roads.
Very important comment; Always have a reasonable backup plan in case something happens. Public transport stop locations along the route in case it suddenly rains/snows/etc can make the end trip more enjoyable.
Solo riding is pretty much all I do. I carry a few more supplies to be safe, even though it means extra weight. 1. 2 extra tubes and 2 co2 cartridges, along with a small hand pump strapped to the frame. 2. Levers and a multitool 3. 2 small single-use tubes of chamois cream 4. Credit card, ID, and a $20 bill just in case 5. 3 or 4 gels 6. 2 large bottes, one water and one energy drink I tend to make a route in advance with convenience stores strategically placed for obtaining provisions. For safety I use Strava Beacon and Life 360, so everyone can keep tabs on me.
Do you mean energy drink or do you mean electrolyte drink since you have 3 gels already? I have a camel (3L) water/ ice and electrolyte in the bottle, then another packet of electrolyte I can mix up with water from the camel. Last thing I want is a cramp when I'm still an hour or more from home! But yes, your list is otherwise verbatim including 3 gels for energy, and to that I usually add a PBJ/PBH and a couple fruit (I like bananas, but they don't do so well in the pack: apples and oranges travel better). Also snickers for a treat. 😁
I'm 75 and have ridden thousands of miles, almost all solo, excepting a bike tour of France and Italy with my wife, when we were very young. I would add to the list, 1) a few, specific mechanical components that could fail: for example, a rear wheel cluster-side spoke and a cassette remover tool (much simpler than the old days when pulling the freewheel needed shop tools); 2) a patch kit BESIDES a spare tube, and the knowledge of how to actually patch a tube outdoors in the rain; 3) some duct tape rolled up on a pencil stub and some short zip ties (why? When you need it, you'll understand); 4) a multi-tool in addition to the Topeak or whatever standard, like the Leatherman Skeletool that has pliers, screwdrivers with considerable leverage and a serious knife blade. Plus, I would make sure to equip your bikes (like all five of mine) with a mounted rear light and a front light that is powerful enough to make you seen, if not to actually see. All this adds weight to your kit, but over hundreds of rides I have found the need for all of these things one time or another, and 90% of this experience was logged before the era of cell phones, mostly out in the Hinterland, truly alone. I have found you can go with a single-strap cross-body, light bag that you forget you have on. The extra kg is worth the weight in self-reliant confidence if you're riding 100+ k.
I’ve never ridden in a group. Once I rode with one other person. It was fun but I’ve always preferred solo riding. And, yes, a puncture kit is essential. It’s saved me a few times now. My only tip is to check wind direction. When possible I like to ride into the wind for the first few hours and then take advantage of tail winds on the way back. I’ll base a whole route around that strategy. Not sure how well that translates to other countries though. In Canada we have some long stretches going in one direction rather than lots of twists and turns.
beginning the ride into the wind is exactly my strategy too. Doesn't matter if roads are sraight or twisty though - pick a 'destination' or 'turnaround point' that you will be riding ptimarily into the wind to reach, then the return leg will be primarily with the wind.
Where I live on the east coast of Kent UK , means you can’t go east and south and north you soon hit the sea again ,so sometimes ( at the moment in fact) we have a cold north easterly settled in so there’s no choice but to return into a headwind .🤬
@@okantichrist I have a similar layout - penned in by a river on one side with no crossings for many kms in either direction, and on one side by a military base. Riding into the wind to start is always the goal, but not always possible. If I have to ride with the wind to start I try to remember to take it easy on the way out and not go too far because it'll take longer and be more difficult on the return leg.
Also from Canada and I do that too as a solo rider maybe except sometimes riding back with headwind. Happens a moment after I realize it wasn't me getting much stronger but wind was in my back haha
Honestly, riding solo is the best thing ever. I've ridden in a group few times, but nothing beats solo. No one whines, no one stays behind, no one complains that there is a headwind and so on...
"no one complains that there is a headwind" BUT Only your own mind constantly shouts constantly - where does this stupid head wind come from !!! The weather forecast said no wind and here I go into a 15mph head wind. ........
I prefer riding alone too, but I absolutely complain about headwinds when doing so - the primary advantage of riding in a group is the ability to ride in a paceline or otherwise draft off others, essentially nullifying the headwind for (n-1)/n of the ride. (n=number of riders in the group)
@@robertrjm8115 I always think like: “I’ve had a headwind before so it isn’t any different now! On the way back you’ll have tails!” And I’ll look for other cyclists in front of me, like keeping up with their tempo or even passing them :) it works very motivating for me most of the times.
@@robertrjm8115 Yeah! Struggling to go 10mph on a fixed gear. Riding in a crosswind route makes more sense. Riding toward a coast early and reaping a sea breeze tailwind home, priceless! It does happen.
@@robertrjm8115 I find that the wind density matters more than the wind speed. Maybe I'm wrong but I feel like a dense 5mph wind can hold me back worse than a turbulent 15mph wind. Maybe that could be what you've been experiencing too.
Even in broad daylight I have my red LED lite flashing on the rear of my bike along with a bright chartreuse jersey. My main priority is to be as seen.
One great tip for riding (or just travelling) solo that a motorbike friend gave, edit the lock screen on your phone so that it shows the number of an emergency contact. That way if something bad happens (like losing consciousness) people know who to speak too.
I've been riding solo from age 7. Now 59 ! Had no "situations" (except when clicking out of the pedal fails once a year. Always in front of a lot of people :-D ) It's a matter of situational awareness and common sense. Todays younger riders (up to 30+ years) are not as used to everyday riding to/from school/sports/comrades in all kinds of traffic and weather. I've made the same error for my youngest kid, and he has the traffical awareness of a 5-year old now that he's 14...
Why do you think that todays younger riders are not used to riding everyday? I'm 27 and live in Germany, 90% of the younger people rode the bike to school/sports/comrades. This feels somewhat like the old person telling the younger ones how difficult their way to school was lol
@@fsdfgwe sadly I think that the younger generation cycles less due to my wife and I cycling much more than our kids. I bought them excellent ebikes but they cycle less than their parents do. This might be because my wife and I grew up in the 1970s with high gas prices and lots of cyclists.
@@fsdfgwe yes 😀 But when I drive my kid to school, I see hundreds of other parents doing exactly the same. That did not happen "back in the olden days". And it's a known issue, that children are not getting used to navigate in traffic.
Yes, me too! From riding to school age 7, riding to work and still solo riding now I’m retired (in Portugal- it’s great!) You are correct, common sense and always being alert. Having ridden in Europe many times and across the Gulf States I too have only had one ‘situation’ - a mile from home, skidded on ice, still clipped in and no chance to stop. Good post!
All of these “tips” are secondary to “Be Seen”. I’m amazed this subject can be discussed without mention of apparel visibility and lighting. The road cycling community does itself a disservice by not focusing more on being seen by today’s distracted drivers. None of the points you made would keep me from riding, but the prospect of getting hit by a motorized vehicle gives me concern. When you get hit by a vehicle, the vehicle wins. Be safe and seen.
I agree. Putting on a dark grey jacket if it starts raining is really poor advice. Give drivers a chance to see you. I always cycle alone, it`s good for to be self-sufficient. I carry a Camelback rucsac with my flask, first aid kit, phone, tools, spare tyre. The rucsac has a reflective yellow band round it for good visibility whatever clothes I have on. And I make sure my wife is available to come and get me if disaster strikes.
Unbelievable that visibility and awareness were not on this list. High visibility clothing and LED front and rear lights. Rear view mirror? Rear radar (Garmin) is worth the spend. Don’t wear headphones.
If cyclists were a DIO song, we'd be Invisible. And a cyclist should always think that no driver sees them, because that way you will maybe make your ride take a bit longer, but at least you won't get driven over.
@@johnjohnstone2371 I agree on every point, but gotta ask why not headphones? I can't hear any better while riding a motorcycle than a bicycle with headphones, and I am very used to not being able to hear stuff, so I look around a lot and have a mirror to see behind me too.
I would say that most solo rides would start and finish at home so an unexpected climb or harder section shouldn't be a surprise. When riding solo I tend to stick to a previously cycled route so I can test myself against my own performance.
A cable lock is sometimes a good idea, if you need to stop in for a quick pee or purchase in a high traffic area it gives a shred of security for a few moments.
Definitely. I always have one in my bar bag. I've also got a little electronic alarm. It barely weighs anything, and make a huge noise if anybody messes with my bike. Worth considering. Cheers
Check your mini-pump still works. I've had a few fail on me when they were needed, once on gravel including a long walk home. I bring two spare tubes, repair kit, tyre boot, quick link, spare brake pads, mini tool, energy bars, phone and money.
Yes, I've been riding solo for ages, most of the time. I love it. I'm more comfortable and gaining more confidence going solo. No hassle and you can just take off anytime you want no problem with my own pacing. But you must carry the essential tools and repair kit, phone, money, raincoat and don't forget front and rear lights to be visible at all times. The more you do the more you get used to it. Very enjoying.
Started riding this week after moving to Okinawa, there are some lovely farm roads here where you can see the ocean for most of the ride. I didn't think a 40 minute ride would cause me to bonk, but on the last hill this morning I was completely spent. Will definitely take the advice of something to eat every 20 minutes. Was not a fan of that feeling. Really appreaciate all of the videos you guys put out - I've been watching a lot of them in the last 7 days and learning a lot! So thank you!
This is my 4th season riding seriously and I mostly ride solo. The best thing I did this past indoor season was to install a power meter. Now when I'm riding into a strong headwind for extended durations, I use the power meter to monitor my efforts and stop myself from overdoing it (like I usually do). This helps me avoid bonking and leaves more gas in the tank to take advantage of the tailwind later.
I think your toolkit should also include a puncture repair kit. In fact I have that and don't bother with a spare inner tube, meaning I can deal with multiple puncture incidents. They do occur!
Some 80% of my rides are solo, it’s how I got started. Club rides can be a lot of fun, but sometimes it’s better alone. Though I wouldn’t have minded someone to pull me during my century last weekend with 49 miles of 20-30mph headwinds
"someone to pull me" That is probably the strongest argument for riding in a group, having somebody to give you encouragement and maybe even a bit of drafting, but the mental push is the strongest plus of a group ride.
Those are all good tips, but some very important tips are missing: 1. Always ride with a tail light. You want to make sure you're seen as well as possible, and a flashing tail light is a good way to be seen, even during the day. 2. Never buy or wear a black rain cape. If the weather turns to rain, visibility is going to be an issue for people in cars, and black only serves to hide you. Buy a brightly colored rain cape and wear it if the weather turns sour. The same goes for your kit. I live in the south in the US, and the heat gets unbearable most of the year. Dark colors only serve to make you even hotter, as well as not making you as visible as you could be. Wear bright colors. 3. If you're planning your route, check the weather and try to have a tail wind for the ride home. There's nothing worse than having tired legs only to make the turn for home and realizing that you've got a strong headwind all the way back. 4. And lastly, try to get a bike computer that has an accelerometer and the ability to notify an emergency contact should you crash for any reason. You want to be able to be found as soon as possible, and modern bike computers come with this feature. Be safe out there and have fun.
There is no drafting in solo riding. I know because I have no friends and basically almost exclusively ride solo. Be prepared to expend a little more energy for a similar group ride, or to ride for a shorter period of time for the same level of energy. Solo riding is great. It can have a therapeutic almost meditative quality to it
On one of my last solo rides I had no plan, no goal and just kept on pedalling and ended up having a lot of fun and riding over 100 miles. Riding with somebody else i would have been a very different story. Although I ride mostly on my own (8000-9000km per year solo and maybe 500-600km with somebody else or in a sportive) However there is some benefit in riding in a small team with people you know and who respect each others capabilities and limitations if you want to push your limits. I know that I can do 200km solo rides but beyond that I seem to hit a wall if I am alone, but in a group there is hopefully mutual encouragement. Since I am typically the oldest by a large margin of up to 17 years over my peers, it is also an encouragement seeing them faltering before me and starting to struggle once we get over 100 miles, primarily because they often set off to fast and then run out of steam. On one of my last solo rides I had no plan, no goal and just kept on pedalling and ended up having a lot of fun and riding over 100 miles. Riding with somebody else i would have been a very different story. Although I ride mostly on my own (8000-9000km per year solo and maybe 500-600km with somebody else or in a sportive) However there is some benefit in riding in a small team with people you know and who respect each others capabilities and limitations if you want to push your limits. I know that I can do 200km solo rides but beyond that I seem to hit a wall if I am alone, but in a group there is hopefully mutual encouragement. Since I am typically the oldest by a large margin of 20 years over my peers, it is also an encouragement seeing them faltering before me and starting to struggle once we get over 100 miles, primarily because they often set off to fast and then run out of steam.
I ride solo 99.5% of the time. That's because I usually ride in the very early morning and often with awful weather and enourmous climbs. I usually train myself in food and water deprivation, making my body used to running on thin air alone. I love cycling.
I'm mostly a solo rider for quite a while when I began months ago. I recommend leaving early to avoid the scorching sun. I ride an MTB due to rough roads here in the Philippines by the way.
Plan sufficient hydration for longer rides. Two water bottles offer the ability to extend the distance between spots for bottle refills. Carry sufficient food for energy on you or your bike. Check on the mobile device (navigation/communication) and a credit/debit card for emergencies. FYI, here in the USA AAA offers assistance for bicyclists as well as motorists.
I really enjoy cycling solo but be careful with planning your route on Komoot, because I planned a 69 km trip from Bletchley (Bucks) to Oxford and I experienced two road closures due to HS2 railway construction not included on the map, and one of the gravel segments between the private farm fields was closed. So finally I made 88 km and my plan to focus on pace was ruined, but I think there is a room for improvement in my cycling ;)
Thanks for the good advice. I've been riding solo for over 20 years. Also ensure the phone battery is fully charged - no point having a phone that doesn't work. If ride hailing (e.g., Uber) is your backup, ensure the app is installed and payment method is set up properly. And maybe a wallet and flashlight in case you're stranded and it's past sunset. Although a CO2 cartridge is lighter than a pump, I'd still bring a pump as the CO2 might leak or inflate your tyre insufficiently, leading to an avoidable disaster.
As a solo only rider, these are great tips. One thing I'd add, learn how to change a flat! I'm shocked how many people I'll encounter that have a kit but have no idea how to change the flat.
Remember to have your phone or bike computer 100% charged for your ride. Nothing worse than cell going into battery save mode in the first mile of your ride. I've also kept an emergency contact card in pocket in case of bad wreck. Great tips from this video!
Puncture repair kit and pump is essential and 40 years ago is all I'd take more often than not. But I was young and didn't have money for anything else lol. Now I take drink , food, money etc if on a longer ride. I must admit though since discovering slime tyre sealant the puncture worries pretty much disappeared.
I ride solo 99% and always carry almost every tools needed in case of mechanical issues. Chain tool and links, small screwdriver, levers, patch kit, 1 spare tube, Even an electrical pump from aliexpress that have saved my rides a few times. That thing can be set and I'll be off again with a peace of mind knowing its in the correct pressure as when I left home.
@@dh7314 Gets me to 95psi although I have never tried to the max. You have to make sure its charged every few months as recommended even when not in use. I did not do with mine and as a result the battery flatted faster. I have to charge it before every ride now. That said I will buy it again if mine is dead.
When on rural roads especially, always be aware of any traffic coming from behind, either by listening out and peeking over your shoulder or get a mirror on your handle bars, and then be aware of the overtaking vehicles position and speed. If I see/hear a car coming from behind and there is also one coming against me on a narrow road I tent to pull out a bit to prevent the overtaking car from trying to squeeze past me and then pull in to let them past once the oncoming car is past. In recent years I am also hyper aware when riding in certain areas (I cycle in Ireland mostly near Dublin) of the potential threat from hooligans tipping me into the ditch when they are passing. There have been quite a few instances of this in recent years on cyclists riding solo in remote locations, so I always spot the overtaking car and if it looks like a bunch of young lads in the car I will eyeball them until they pass. Having your bike/phone stolen is also a risk of riding alone in remote locations and potential thieves are less likely to choose you as a victim if you look like you've already spotted them as it can give you enough time to catch them with a video call. I also feel a lot safer riding very early in the morning as I suspect these kind of idios are not early risers.
There are no downsides to solo riding, biggest plus is not having to listen to anyone else talking BS🤣 you just you and let the mind wander anywhere it likes 👍
Pacing yourself is important. I've recently done solo 100km ride at 23.7 kmh average and with a group of 3 at 25.7 kmh. Difference doesn't seem much but it translates to about 8km back down the road or 20 minutes additional cycling over a 100km ride. Which is a lot. Most of my solo efforts are just under 24kmh. I pace myself at 24kmh and try to do the first 50 non-stop and factor in a stop or two on the way home.
Great video! Before the pandemic group rides were the norm…during the pandemic cycling on my own is the norm. The hardest part for me on cycling on my own is pushing myself to better my fitness. Group rides seem to do that better since you don’t want to be the one riding in the back of a group ride. Struggling to keep up front helps build needed endurance and fitness for sure.
Good points in this video. However, I completely agree with others that visibility is JOB ONE when riding, especially when solo! The cycling community’s obsession with black clothing is vanity run amok that flies in the face of common sense and safety. What diff does it make if you look ultra slim/trim/cool if the distracted-driver-of-the-hour (or quarter hour?) doesn’t see you until it’s too late to avoid a collision?
I prefer solo. My own pace and go where and when I want. And peacefully enjoying the scenery and not worry about if I’m speaking too much or too little.
In my teens and twenties I was an avid cyclist on my circa 1985 Bianchi. A couple hundred miles weekly almost exclusively solo and occasionally with a small group. Saddle bag was always packed for emergency repairs ... and of course no cell phone so it was either that or prepare for a lot of walking. These days I have a recently diagnosed heart issue and do have concerns with riding solo in the unlikely event I have a medical emergency.
Besides dressing for weather, dress for effort. If you plan for a recovery ride, or a low zone two ride, you'll need to wear more than if you are going to do a three hour tempo ride.
check the wind direction when you plan your route, so that you've got a tail wind on the way home. put water in your bottle. you can use it to cool yourself if it's a hot day, you can use it to help wash your hands if you have a mechanical, or wash out a wound if you come off. take a clean hanky or cotton square scarf in your jersey pocket, useful for keeping the sun off your neck or head, use as a bandage or you might want to blow your nose. take some emergency money make sure your phone is charged
Make sure that pocket multi-tool is a high-end one: which includes a chain rivet extractor. A popped chain rivet is fixable with, and a curse without. A stainless steel flask for hot caffeinated drinks is good too.
Great tips! A couple other ideas: a spare tire (ok make that a tyre), sunglasses with interchangeable lens in a protected case, sunscreen, insect repellent, ear buds (like a Beats Fit Pro) using transparency mode so you can listen to podcasts or music, universal adjustment tool to go with your puncture kit, small backpack.
No, don't plan a route- solo rides are to explore and get a little lost. It's a nice change from the finely plotted and over-planned group rides. *However, have a clue to where you're going and make sure your electronics are all charged up :)
Great tips that I am going to incorporate into my cycling. Here in Arizona the HEAT is coming, oh my, the HEAT is coming and hydration is so important but I need to put more emphasis on nutrition while riding. Thank you for the tips.
I can carry clothes, tools for every mechanical I can think of aside from a broken weld, but the thing I struggle with the most is carrying enough fluids. Certain areas of Canada (and I'm sure other countries that tend to be rather vast) as you toddle further away from civilization it's pretty sparse as far as opportunities to refill a bottle. A five or six hour ride is dodgy.
What area of Canada are you in that doesn't have a place to refill your water bottles within 40km? If you're out in the wilderness (Yellowknife to Behchokǫ̀ is a pretty good example) you take a filter bottle like a Life Straw or Sawyer. Anywhere else there's gas stations every 20km... there's some pretty arid country around Kamloops I guess, but even around Drumheller there's a gas station within 60km no matter which direction you go, and it doesn't get much more desolate than that! Fresh water should definitely not be what stops you in the country with literally the most fresh water on the planet!
Fellow Canadian in a city near nothing. I run 2x 2L Zefal Magnum bottles, For longer rides I have put a 750ml bottle in the back middle jersey pocket which is not the most comfortable especially if you leave the saddle but gets you an extra hour or so. I've also looked at adding a saddle mounted bottle cage but am unsure If I want to look like a triathlete, also that's where my tools go.
Agree with others about life straws or other filtered bottles, adding bags to your bike, or even wearing a backpack with a water bladder or extra bottles inside.
@@wilfdarr Northern Alberta - the further north you go the further apart things get, but you're probably already aware. Especially if you want to avoid the busy highways. The water filter idea has me thinking though...
I mostly ride solo and my top priority is a good audiobook to listen to, it's also what makes me want to ride. and yeah, I definitely hear everything around me with earphones, plus try to avoid roads and prefer bike tracks (On my mountainbike or more recently trekking bike)
Thanks Hank...hmm. Speaking of gadgets , how about lights ? I never ride on the road without at least a white in front red at back . BUT ...I recently got a Garmin Varia..rear light radar combo ! Even better , for me , as I am OAF and SAF.!!..Peace
Each year I buy a new puncture repair kit, a cheap one for 50 crowns (2 euros) does the job so as the glue is always in good condition. It's always in my saddle bag and so is a spare tube and levers so no risk of forgetting this essential stuff. Appart from a pump and food and water that's pretty much it. I ride light. I don't take a jacket, as for rides in my area, I don't need it. I don't take any multitools, never needed it. I read that some of you have difficulties to refill bottles which is a must for me on longer rides and when it's hot. In my area it's easy to refill, I do it usually in shops at petrol stations. I always take my ID, some cash and of course my mobile (no need to take a payment card anymore).
Sadly, here in the US, there are a number of places where riding solo is really quite dangerous because not only are there no bike routes or lanes, but many truck and car drivers are hostile to bike riders. I can't tell you how many times I've been forced onto the gravel or up onto curbs by drivers who see me as a nuisance. I still go out though because I love riding : ).
In an ideal world you could force-push the fuck out of them, but since it's not an option please be extra careful. Don't you have routes around where you can avoid traffic?
When checking the weather I also like to check windspeed and direction. Usually I like to head into the wind at the start of the ride and then sail my way home with the wind behind me.
One very important thing even if you are using a Live Track app: Let someone know where you are going and when you will be back. This way if you don't show up on time they can send out the posse for you.
I live in Norway and always ride alone, some of the reason is it's hard also to find someone to ride with who have the time for it when I have and also are at the same physical level, but also because I enjoy it for other reasons. Roughly my rides are made up of 70% gravel, 20% asphalt and 10% trail. I see none of you wear backpacks, I almost do on every ride. A small 9liter Osprey is enough space for extra clothing(rainjacket and shoecovers), first aid kit since I am for hours in non populated areas on gravel(these roads are not open to regualr car traffic so there is not much help to get by someone passing by if you get injured), food and maybe some coffe or an energy drink. Or sometimes I bring a very small kettle so I can make a fire by one of the beautiful lakes I'm passing and make coffe there. I take the time to stop and enjoy nature and relaxe, take some pictures and not only ride hard all the time. And of course a saddle bag with tools needed for fixing a broken chain,a spare gear wire, a tube and repair kit in case of punctures. And in all my backpacks are a little box with waterproof matches! To be able to make a fire can one day be crucial in a cold country like Norway🙂
I've ridden in a group, it's nice to have the positive reinforcement and company for some parts of the rides, but having fixed routes, keeping the average (slow) pace of the group, and the 20~30 minutes stops in the middle of the rides for essentially the exact same photos on the same places every week was mood-killing! Riding solo since then, and I now chose my routes, cutting it short for when I go overboard with the effort and pace in the beginning, not making stops if I don't feel like, and best of all, starting and ending whenever I feel like - group rides used to start in a set time, but there was always those that arrived late, so it always started more like "set time +15-20 minutes"... My tips for riding solo: tools for a quick puncture fix or mid-ride adjustment, planned route and be communicable (charge your phone before leaving!). I had two punctures while riding solo, and on the last one, I haven't noticed that my air-pump was damaged. Changed the inner tube but couldn't inflate it, so what should be the last 10 minutes of a ride turned out into a 30 minute walk (good-bye cleats)
ALSO: Don't bother with a bike computer/head unit! They can be quite expensive, and unless you're pairing powermeters and other techs to it, your smart things (phone or watch) can do it perfectly fine. I use an Apple Watch to track my rides, and the GPS works as fine as the Garmin units a couple of friends have (both smartwatches and headunits). Plus, it also tracks my heartrate, without having to use a cheststrap. And before anyone says the smartwatches are as expensive as the headunits, I previouly used an Amazfit Bip with GPS to do the same, which I had paid about $40 for. Only bought the new Watch because it fell during a ride, and when i noticed and rode back to try to find, it was already gone.... :(
Buy some clear covers keep them on you they come in handy… that way if you ride with your wife a lot like I do you can walk around all the shops no worries… well maybe the covers aren’t such a good idea lol
Always carry your drivers license or ID with contact info just in case you get in an accident. They can identify you if you’re non responsive, and contact your loved ones.
I would like to add taking a bandage for minor cuts, very thin plastic gloves or paper towel/wet-wipe for tire changes, and a small battery charger and USB wire for your phone or lights. As a backup, I even have a light that can be used to charge a phone.
I find a compact bike pump or gas cylinders w adapter pretty handy to take along -and- some sticky tube patches for the old schoolers when i run out of tubes
I ride solo over 95% of the time , It’s just the best being out there on the Trails or Streets through neighborhoods and just explore and go places you can never see in a car
Hi GCN.....over the years of watching the channel I haven't once seen you promote AUDAX rides. Please do a future video on them - I also watch Katie Kookaburra for content on them and started participating in 2020 - they are awesome/challenging/cheap and local in the UK......you could do a 400km on the Eurobike to show access to anyone - LOL
Most of those tips applied to any ride not just solo rides. But i agree solo riding is so much more enjoyable than riding in a group...or at least safer.
This time of year sux, I get a great tail-wind out which gets me to ride farther until I turn around to head home, then its a MASSIVE head-wind the whole way home. The only "Wind" worst than a head wind is your buddy ahead of you breaking wind.
Thanks Hank! Great tips! I basically only ride alone and miss group rides or rides with friends - just too hard to plan those lately. My tip is to try to explore new routes without the bike computer and see if you can find your way back home. (Still having the computer though)
I ride solo as well, and i do plan a route but usually a deviate from that. another thing i use is windy, which is a website that show you the wind directions so i plan my route on that.
Be sure to have ID. If something horrible does happen, help those who will help you. A Road ID is a GREAT accessory to any biking gear, also be sure your Medical ID on your phone is up-to-date and able to be accessed if the phone is locked. I keep and old drives license in my jersey pocket along with a whistle, if I end up over a bank, I can blow that whistle louder and longer than I can yell. Enjoy the ride.
Some more great tips from GCN. I ride solo most of the time. If I’m in a group I usually get dropped in less than a mile. I’m older and club rides just blaze along. my avg speed 13-15. Thanks for others tips.
I definitely learned a few of these tips the hard way. Got a minor medical emergency on my last ride from just exerting myself too hard. Luckily I had an experienced cyclist with me, I would've been screwed if I rode that hard solo.
Have a musette bag handy in a pocket. Restrap do one that can fold down pretty small. It's handy to have if possibly you've worn too many layers, but don't have space in your pockets to stash them. Or just to have a bag incase you want to carry an extra bottle or food from the shop if you know the next leg is going to be a bit longer and limited in places to refill and refuel.
I ride solo 80% if the time by choice. One thing you missed that you should always take with you the cue sheet the first time you ride a route because your device can malfunction leaving you in the lurch.
I carry a tiny zip lock bag with dish detergent in my saddle bag. It makes it so much easier to get tires back on rims after a flat. And I can clean my hands with it when I'm done.
Solo rides are good but it's also good to not neglect having group rides in your riding routines as well. I find people who tend to ride solo all the time that come out to group rides can be quite sketchy as they lack proper group ride etiquette. I tend to do solo rides more if I'm doing a structured workout, or if I just want an easy day on the bike.
I ride solo most of the time. I would add bring a small first aid kit, electrolytes when riding in hot weather, and don’t push your limits. That’s when accidents happen and you don’t want to get injured or ill in the middle of nowhere solo.
What are your tips for riding solo? Share them with us 👇
Plan a good route
Plan a route that has plenty of landmarks and pick one every 5km so if you do get lost you can easily find your way back to the last landmark and get back on track.
I try to keep to the bike trails and quieter routes. Staying away from vehicles as much as possible is my main goal.
Use live tracking on your head unit
Plan B with public transportation in case of mechanical. Study the peculiarities of the route well beforehand. Last time around, for instance, I had massive amounts of snow on the road.
Another small tip for solo riders - Listen to our body signal. Sometimes the same pedals feel strangely heavy, and it’s ok to change the plan. This flexibility is one of the best advantages we can have when riding solo.
Yes. Have a plan, but have a backup. But also have a stretch goal: if everything is going well, don't be afraid to shoot the moon!
On one of my last solo rides I had no plan, no goal and just kept on pedalling and ended up having a lot of fun and riding over 100 miles. Riding with somebody else i would have been a very different story. Although I ride mostly on my own (8000-9000km per year solo and maybe 500-600km with somebody else or in a sportive)
However there is some benefit in riding in a small team with people you know and who respect each others capabilities and limitations if you want to push your limits. I know that I can do 200km solo rides but beyond that I seem to hit a wall if I am alone, but in a group there is hopefully mutual encouragement. Since I am typically the oldest by a large margin of up to 17 years over my peers, it is also an encouragement seeing them faltering before me and starting to struggle once we get over 100 miles, primarily because they often set off to fast and then run out of steam.
On one of my last solo rides I had no plan, no goal and just kept on pedalling and ended up having a lot of fun and riding over 100 miles. Riding with somebody else i would have been a very different story. Although I ride mostly on my own (8000-9000km per year solo and maybe 500-600km with somebody else or in a sportive)
However there is some benefit in riding in a small team with people you know and who respect each others capabilities and limitations if you want to push your limits. I know that I can do 200km solo rides but beyond that I seem to hit a wall if I am alone, but in a group there is hopefully mutual encouragement. Since I am typically the oldest by a large margin of 20 years over my peers, it is also an encouragement seeing them faltering before me and starting to struggle once we get over 100 miles, primarily because they often set off to fast and then run out of steam.
I have a general plan set when I start out...but I know all my turn around and short cut points along the way. The only problem with that is as I get further from home, the bailout points aren't that short. lol
That's what you call "Ipinagbabawal na technique" 😂
Idk why i feel like my pedal is more heavy when im riding solo
"when riding on your own.... you're on your own"
It is ground-breaking insights like these that keep me coming back!
My thoughts exactly. This all just seems painfully obvious.
99% of my rides are solo rides. Riding solo gives a lot of freedom. You can change the route, you can go in your own pace, you can take or skip stops whenever you want. For me the best part in solo riding that I am on my own. It is only me and my thoughts while riding. One of the best ways to clear my head is to have a solo ride.
Ditto. I ride solo at least 99% of the time as well.
Ditto
100% of the time
It's awesome for your mental health!
I always ride solo and love it, my top tip is to check wind direction and plan your route for a tail wind homeward bound.
I live by the water and there is a prevailing wind at almost all times in the same direction. This leaves me with a headwind first half and a tailwind back on my normal routes. Every so often, the wind changes direction and really screws me up.
This never works out for me, and I start with a tail wind and then suffer on the way back. A pretty easy fix for this is to ride in the forest, the trees block most of the wind.
I've found when I do that, the wind changes directions and I'm regretting my decisions to try to time a tailwind. My favorite route will have a tailwind out, change from riding NW to SW and into the wind, turn around and now it is a tailwind, just to reverse that turn and get hit with a headwind that makes it feel like I've got a parachute deployed.
I just take the bus home 😁
Yup. I do that too.
I ride solo 95% of a time. My husband's rule is to only call him if it's an absolute emergency. In Alaska, there are few places to stop at times. I've learned to make friends with every business owner, random home owners, and locate all the pit stops. They'll let you use their bathrooms, feed and water you in a pinch, and give you encouragement.
I've always ridden solo for 15 years since I was 15yr old. Finally joined a club and going for my first group ride on the weekend 🙌
Be sure to take no turns and then smash everyone at town signs and post up like Cipo
I signed up for my first group ride, thought it was going to be a gravel ride but it was a road ride, and I was worked over pretty hard. Only got dropped in the last 5km, so I was pretty proud of that.
At weekend I have my first race
Got my first group ride after 40 years last year. Great fun👌
You'll love it. Just remember to point out pot holes and other stuff on the road that could damage a bike and the group will love it.
I rise solo all the time. I always carry an extra tube, co2 cartridge, ID, cash, credit card and a fully charged cell phone. My rides are anywhere between 50 to 100 kms & have been doing this for over 30 years. Love riding.
Any other advice for a newbie who starting with 40min rides up and who has a lot to learn? Thanks:)
Solo riding toughens you mentally. It can be difficult to get motivated early in the piece, but once you’re in the groove of going alone, you can manage and overcome most challenges.
Metal music is for motivation.
I ride solo 90% of the time. it's very therapeutic. No distractions. I simply focus on my pedal stroke; getting through the next mile, hill, etc. I compete against myself. I love it.
My tip: study the weekend commuter train schedule, take the train out when traffic is low and ride back or in some rural area. With a train ride as a bail out plan, you can ride in nicer places, at your own pace and on quieter roads.
Very important comment; Always have a reasonable backup plan in case something happens. Public transport stop locations along the route in case it suddenly rains/snows/etc can make the end trip more enjoyable.
Some times I’ll jump on the train and ride back home. Great way to see new areas without too much work
Solo riding is pretty much all I do. I carry a few more supplies to be safe, even though it means extra weight.
1. 2 extra tubes and 2 co2 cartridges, along with a small hand pump strapped to the frame.
2. Levers and a multitool
3. 2 small single-use tubes of chamois cream
4. Credit card, ID, and a $20 bill just in case
5. 3 or 4 gels
6. 2 large bottes, one water and one energy drink
I tend to make a route in advance with convenience stores strategically placed for obtaining provisions. For safety I use Strava Beacon and Life 360, so everyone can keep tabs on me.
Do you mean energy drink or do you mean electrolyte drink since you have 3 gels already? I have a camel (3L) water/ ice and electrolyte in the bottle, then another packet of electrolyte I can mix up with water from the camel. Last thing I want is a cramp when I'm still an hour or more from home! But yes, your list is otherwise verbatim including 3 gels for energy, and to that I usually add a PBJ/PBH and a couple fruit (I like bananas, but they don't do so well in the pack: apples and oranges travel better).
Also snickers for a treat. 😁
bro are you going touring or road biking you dont need these much stuff,pretty sure you have a expensive carbon bike
im quote new to Co2, how many canisters needed for pumping a new inner tube?
@@gergelyvoros9372 one should be enough but you can always use your mini-pump to give it some extra air
@@gergelyvoros9372 a single CO2 lasts for two 700C 25mm tires for me (up to 6 bar)
I'm 75 and have ridden thousands of miles, almost all solo, excepting a bike tour of France and Italy with my wife, when we were very young. I would add to the list, 1) a few, specific mechanical components that could fail: for example, a rear wheel cluster-side spoke and a cassette remover tool (much simpler than the old days when pulling the freewheel needed shop tools); 2) a patch kit BESIDES a spare tube, and the knowledge of how to actually patch a tube outdoors in the rain; 3) some duct tape rolled up on a pencil stub and some short zip ties (why? When you need it, you'll understand); 4) a multi-tool in addition to the Topeak or whatever standard, like the Leatherman Skeletool that has pliers, screwdrivers with considerable leverage and a serious knife blade. Plus, I would make sure to equip your bikes (like all five of mine) with a mounted rear light and a front light that is powerful enough to make you seen, if not to actually see. All this adds weight to your kit, but over hundreds of rides I have found the need for all of these things one time or another, and 90% of this experience was logged before the era of cell phones, mostly out in the Hinterland, truly alone. I have found you can go with a single-strap cross-body, light bag that you forget you have on. The extra kg is worth the weight in self-reliant confidence if you're riding 100+ k.
That sounds great, but I hate it when my back gets sweaty where the pack is. Guess there's no way out.
I’ve never ridden in a group. Once I rode with one other person. It was fun but I’ve always preferred solo riding. And, yes, a puncture kit is essential. It’s saved me a few times now.
My only tip is to check wind direction. When possible I like to ride into the wind for the first few hours and then take advantage of tail winds on the way back. I’ll base a whole route around that strategy. Not sure how well that translates to other countries though. In Canada we have some long stretches going in one direction rather than lots of twists and turns.
beginning the ride into the wind is exactly my strategy too. Doesn't matter if roads are sraight or twisty though - pick a 'destination' or 'turnaround point' that you will be riding ptimarily into the wind to reach, then the return leg will be primarily with the wind.
Where I live on the east coast of Kent UK , means you can’t go east and south and north you soon hit the sea again ,so sometimes ( at the moment in fact) we have a cold north easterly settled in so there’s no choice but to return into a headwind .🤬
@@okantichrist I have a similar layout - penned in by a river on one side with no crossings for many kms in either direction, and on one side by a military base. Riding into the wind to start is always the goal, but not always possible.
If I have to ride with the wind to start I try to remember to take it easy on the way out and not go too far because it'll take longer and be more difficult on the return leg.
Also from Canada and I do that too as a solo rider maybe except sometimes riding back with headwind. Happens a moment after I realize it wasn't me getting much stronger but wind was in my back haha
Then there’s the times where it feels like you have a headwind both out and back. :)
Honestly, riding solo is the best thing ever. I've ridden in a group few times, but nothing beats solo. No one whines, no one stays behind, no one complains that there is a headwind and so on...
"no one complains that there is a headwind"
BUT
Only your own mind constantly shouts constantly - where does this stupid head wind come from !!! The weather forecast said no wind and here I go into a 15mph head wind. ........
I prefer riding alone too, but I absolutely complain about headwinds when doing so - the primary advantage of riding in a group is the ability to ride in a paceline or otherwise draft off others, essentially nullifying the headwind for (n-1)/n of the ride.
(n=number of riders in the group)
@@robertrjm8115 I always think like: “I’ve had a headwind before so it isn’t any different now! On the way back you’ll have tails!” And I’ll look for other cyclists in front of me, like keeping up with their tempo or even passing them :) it works very motivating for me most of the times.
@@robertrjm8115 Yeah! Struggling to go 10mph on a fixed gear. Riding in a crosswind route makes more sense. Riding toward a coast early and reaping a sea breeze tailwind home, priceless! It does happen.
@@robertrjm8115 I find that the wind density matters more than the wind speed. Maybe I'm wrong but I feel like a dense 5mph wind can hold me back worse than a turbulent 15mph wind. Maybe that could be what you've been experiencing too.
Even in broad daylight I have my red LED lite flashing on the rear of my bike along with a bright chartreuse jersey. My main priority is to be as seen.
I ride with both front and back light 😀 bontragger makes small light for day light cycling 👍
One great tip for riding (or just travelling) solo that a motorbike friend gave, edit the lock screen on your phone so that it shows the number of an emergency contact. That way if something bad happens (like losing consciousness) people know who to speak too.
Also, on iPhones everybody can acces your emergency info: make sure to fill it out.
Our just write it on some paper?
I've been riding solo from age 7. Now 59 !
Had no "situations" (except when clicking out of the pedal fails once a year. Always in front of a lot of people :-D )
It's a matter of situational awareness and common sense.
Todays younger riders (up to 30+ years) are not as used to everyday riding to/from school/sports/comrades in all kinds of traffic and weather.
I've made the same error for my youngest kid, and he has the traffical awareness of a 5-year old now that he's 14...
Why do you think that todays younger riders are not used to riding everyday? I'm 27 and live in Germany, 90% of the younger people rode the bike to school/sports/comrades.
This feels somewhat like the old person telling the younger ones how difficult their way to school was lol
@@fsdfgwe sadly I think that the younger generation cycles less due to my wife and I cycling much more than our kids. I bought them excellent ebikes but they cycle less than their parents do. This might be because my wife and I grew up in the 1970s with high gas prices and lots of cyclists.
@@fsdfgwe yes 😀
But when I drive my kid to school, I see hundreds of other parents doing exactly the same.
That did not happen "back in the olden days".
And it's a known issue, that children are not getting used to navigate in traffic.
Don’t you hate when a stray dog runs right in front of you and you forget to unclip?
Yes, me too! From riding to school age 7, riding to work and still solo riding now I’m retired (in Portugal- it’s great!) You are correct, common sense and always being alert. Having ridden in Europe many times and across the Gulf States I too have only had one ‘situation’ - a mile from home, skidded on ice, still clipped in and no chance to stop. Good post!
All of these “tips” are secondary to “Be Seen”. I’m amazed this subject can be discussed without mention of apparel visibility and lighting. The road cycling community does itself a disservice by not focusing more on being seen by today’s distracted drivers. None of the points you made would keep me from riding, but the prospect of getting hit by a motorized vehicle gives me concern. When you get hit by a vehicle, the vehicle wins. Be safe and seen.
I agree. Putting on a dark grey jacket if it starts raining is really poor advice. Give drivers a chance to see you. I always cycle alone, it`s good for to be self-sufficient. I carry a Camelback rucsac with my flask, first aid kit, phone, tools, spare tyre. The rucsac has a reflective yellow band round it for good visibility whatever clothes I have on. And I make sure my wife is available to come and get me if disaster strikes.
Unbelievable that visibility and awareness were not on this list. High visibility clothing and LED front and rear lights. Rear view mirror? Rear radar (Garmin) is worth the spend. Don’t wear headphones.
@@johnjohnstone2371 I notice the riders in these podcasts are very young. Little life experience.
If cyclists were a DIO song, we'd be Invisible. And a cyclist should always think that no driver sees them, because that way you will maybe make your ride take a bit longer, but at least you won't get driven over.
@@johnjohnstone2371 I agree on every point, but gotta ask why not headphones? I can't hear any better while riding a motorcycle than a bicycle with headphones, and I am very used to not being able to hear stuff, so I look around a lot and have a mirror to see behind me too.
I would say that most solo rides would start and finish at home so an unexpected climb or harder section shouldn't be a surprise. When riding solo I tend to stick to a previously cycled route so I can test myself against my own performance.
A cable lock is sometimes a good idea, if you need to stop in for a quick pee or purchase in a high traffic area it gives a shred of security for a few moments.
Definitely. I always have one in my bar bag.
I've also got a little electronic alarm. It barely weighs anything, and make a huge noise if anybody messes with my bike.
Worth considering.
Cheers
Check your mini-pump still works. I've had a few fail on me when they were needed, once on gravel including a long walk home. I bring two spare tubes, repair kit, tyre boot, quick link, spare brake pads, mini tool, energy bars, phone and money.
Yes, I've been riding solo for ages, most of the time. I love it.
I'm more comfortable and gaining more confidence going solo. No hassle and you can just take off anytime you want no problem with my own pacing. But you must carry the essential tools and repair kit, phone, money, raincoat and don't forget front and rear lights to be visible at all times. The more you do the more you get used to it. Very enjoying.
Started riding this week after moving to Okinawa, there are some lovely farm roads here where you can see the ocean for most of the ride. I didn't think a 40 minute ride would cause me to bonk, but on the last hill this morning I was completely spent. Will definitely take the advice of something to eat every 20 minutes. Was not a fan of that feeling.
Really appreaciate all of the videos you guys put out - I've been watching a lot of them in the last 7 days and learning a lot! So thank you!
This is my 4th season riding seriously and I mostly ride solo. The best thing I did this past indoor season was to install a power meter. Now when I'm riding into a strong headwind for extended durations, I use the power meter to monitor my efforts and stop myself from overdoing it (like I usually do). This helps me avoid bonking and leaves more gas in the tank to take advantage of the tailwind later.
I think your toolkit should also include a puncture repair kit. In fact I have that and don't bother with a spare inner tube, meaning I can deal with multiple puncture incidents. They do occur!
I love riding alone and listening to music. I can go at my own pace and not be concerned about speed or stops. It is so peaceful
Some 80% of my rides are solo, it’s how I got started. Club rides can be a lot of fun, but sometimes it’s better alone. Though I wouldn’t have minded someone to pull me during my century last weekend with 49 miles of 20-30mph headwinds
"someone to pull me" That is probably the strongest argument for riding in a group, having somebody to give you encouragement and maybe even a bit of drafting, but the mental push is the strongest plus of a group ride.
I love solo riding it's the best
I like a good mix of solo and group riding. Allows me to cater to whatever personality I wake up with whether extrovert or introvert.
Those are all good tips, but some very important tips are missing: 1. Always ride with a tail light. You want to make sure you're seen as well as possible, and a flashing tail light is a good way to be seen, even during the day. 2. Never buy or wear a black rain cape. If the weather turns to rain, visibility is going to be an issue for people in cars, and black only serves to hide you. Buy a brightly colored rain cape and wear it if the weather turns sour. The same goes for your kit. I live in the south in the US, and the heat gets unbearable most of the year. Dark colors only serve to make you even hotter, as well as not making you as visible as you could be. Wear bright colors. 3. If you're planning your route, check the weather and try to have a tail wind for the ride home. There's nothing worse than having tired legs only to make the turn for home and realizing that you've got a strong headwind all the way back. 4. And lastly, try to get a bike computer that has an accelerometer and the ability to notify an emergency contact should you crash for any reason. You want to be able to be found as soon as possible, and modern bike computers come with this feature. Be safe out there and have fun.
There is no drafting in solo riding. I know because I have no friends and basically almost exclusively ride solo.
Be prepared to expend a little more energy for a similar group ride, or to ride for a shorter period of time for the same level of energy.
Solo riding is great. It can have a therapeutic almost meditative quality to it
On one of my last solo rides I had no plan, no goal and just kept on pedalling and ended up having a lot of fun and riding over 100 miles. Riding with somebody else i would have been a very different story. Although I ride mostly on my own (8000-9000km per year solo and maybe 500-600km with somebody else or in a sportive)
However there is some benefit in riding in a small team with people you know and who respect each others capabilities and limitations if you want to push your limits. I know that I can do 200km solo rides but beyond that I seem to hit a wall if I am alone, but in a group there is hopefully mutual encouragement. Since I am typically the oldest by a large margin of up to 17 years over my peers, it is also an encouragement seeing them faltering before me and starting to struggle once we get over 100 miles, primarily because they often set off to fast and then run out of steam.
On one of my last solo rides I had no plan, no goal and just kept on pedalling and ended up having a lot of fun and riding over 100 miles. Riding with somebody else i would have been a very different story. Although I ride mostly on my own (8000-9000km per year solo and maybe 500-600km with somebody else or in a sportive)
However there is some benefit in riding in a small team with people you know and who respect each others capabilities and limitations if you want to push your limits. I know that I can do 200km solo rides but beyond that I seem to hit a wall if I am alone, but in a group there is hopefully mutual encouragement. Since I am typically the oldest by a large margin of 20 years over my peers, it is also an encouragement seeing them faltering before me and starting to struggle once we get over 100 miles, primarily because they often set off to fast and then run out of steam.
I ride solo 99.5% of the time. That's because I usually ride in the very early morning and often with awful weather and enourmous climbs. I usually train myself in food and water deprivation, making my body used to running on thin air alone. I love cycling.
I'm mostly a solo rider for quite a while when I began months ago. I recommend leaving early to avoid the scorching sun. I ride an MTB due to rough roads here in the Philippines by the way.
Plan sufficient hydration for longer rides. Two water bottles offer the ability to extend the distance between spots for bottle refills. Carry sufficient food for energy on you or your bike. Check on the mobile device (navigation/communication) and a credit/debit card for emergencies. FYI, here in the USA AAA offers assistance for bicyclists as well as motorists.
I've just begun riding my first roadbike and found this channel. This host is hilarious and so helpful.
I really enjoy cycling solo but be careful with planning your route on Komoot, because I planned a 69 km trip from Bletchley (Bucks) to Oxford and I experienced two road closures due to HS2 railway construction not included on the map, and one of the gravel segments between the private farm fields was closed. So finally I made 88 km and my plan to focus on pace was ruined, but I think there is a room for improvement in my cycling ;)
Thanks for the good advice. I've been riding solo for over 20 years. Also ensure the phone battery is fully charged - no point having a phone that doesn't work. If ride hailing (e.g., Uber) is your backup, ensure the app is installed and payment method is set up properly. And maybe a wallet and flashlight in case you're stranded and it's past sunset. Although a CO2 cartridge is lighter than a pump, I'd still bring a pump as the CO2 might leak or inflate your tyre insufficiently, leading to an avoidable disaster.
As a 10 year solo veteran I can say I’ve learned all these lessons on the road, always learn from others tips and mistakes. Allez!
And dont forget to have a wee before you leave.
As a solo only rider, these are great tips. One thing I'd add, learn how to change a flat! I'm shocked how many people I'll encounter that have a kit but have no idea how to change the flat.
Glad you found it helpful! Yes, being able to change a flat tyre is a vital skill
Remember to have your phone or bike computer 100% charged for your ride. Nothing worse than cell going into battery save mode in the first mile of your ride. I've also kept an emergency contact card in pocket in case of bad wreck. Great tips from this video!
Puncture repair kit and pump is essential and 40 years ago is all I'd take more often than not.
But I was young and didn't have money for anything else lol.
Now I take drink , food, money etc if on a longer ride.
I must admit though since discovering slime tyre sealant the puncture worries pretty much disappeared.
I ride solo 99% and always carry almost every tools needed in case of mechanical issues. Chain tool and links, small screwdriver, levers, patch kit, 1 spare tube, Even an electrical pump from aliexpress that have saved my rides a few times. That thing can be set and I'll be off again with a peace of mind knowing its in the correct pressure as when I left home.
Hey how’s the portable electric pump? I’ve been considering one of those
@@dh7314 Gets me to 95psi although I have never tried to the max. You have to make sure its charged every few months as recommended even when not in use. I did not do with mine and as a result the battery flatted faster. I have to charge it before every ride now. That said I will buy it again if mine is dead.
2 spare tubes highly recommended
As someone who got into the sport during COVID, I've never ridden in a group. Is that the next video? Riding solo is awesome.
Same except I went form rail trails/gravel to road riding when clowns closed down the trails spring 2020.
When on rural roads especially, always be aware of any traffic coming from behind, either by listening out and peeking over your shoulder or get a mirror on your handle bars, and then be aware of the overtaking vehicles position and speed. If I see/hear a car coming from behind and there is also one coming against me on a narrow road I tent to pull out a bit to prevent the overtaking car from trying to squeeze past me and then pull in to let them past once the oncoming car is past.
In recent years I am also hyper aware when riding in certain areas (I cycle in Ireland mostly near Dublin) of the potential threat from hooligans tipping me into the ditch when they are passing. There have been quite a few instances of this in recent years on cyclists riding solo in remote locations, so I always spot the overtaking car and if it looks like a bunch of young lads in the car I will eyeball them until they pass. Having your bike/phone stolen is also a risk of riding alone in remote locations and potential thieves are less likely to choose you as a victim if you look like you've already spotted them as it can give you enough time to catch them with a video call. I also feel a lot safer riding very early in the morning as I suspect these kind of idios are not early risers.
i ride solo because i dont have friends
I don't want any friends.
I have friends, still ride solo 😂
I chuckled at all these comments! 🤭
I have friends. They don't cycle. Cycling solo is incredibly therapeutic 🥰
In America almost no one cycles 😢
No friends, no problems 😊
I useally train alone because i dont know how to socialize with other cyclist or even make friends in general hahaha😅
There are no downsides to solo riding, biggest plus is not having to listen to anyone else talking BS🤣 you just you and let the mind wander anywhere it likes 👍
Pacing yourself is important. I've recently done solo 100km ride at 23.7 kmh average and with a group of 3 at 25.7 kmh. Difference doesn't seem much but it translates to about 8km back down the road or 20 minutes additional cycling over a 100km ride. Which is a lot. Most of my solo efforts are just under 24kmh. I pace myself at 24kmh and try to do the first 50 non-stop and factor in a stop or two on the way home.
I prefer riding solo. I know too many cyclists who start depending on the peloton to gain PR's. Solo rides are very fulfilling.
Great video! Before the pandemic group rides were the norm…during the pandemic cycling on my own is the norm. The hardest part for me on cycling on my own is pushing myself to better my fitness. Group rides seem to do that better since you don’t want to be the one riding in the back of a group ride. Struggling to keep up front helps build needed endurance and fitness for sure.
Thanks! 🙌
Good points in this video. However, I completely agree with others that visibility is JOB ONE when riding, especially when solo! The cycling community’s obsession with black clothing is vanity run amok that flies in the face of common sense and safety. What diff does it make if you look ultra slim/trim/cool if the distracted-driver-of-the-hour (or quarter hour?) doesn’t see you until it’s too late to avoid a collision?
I prefer solo. My own pace and go where and when I want. And peacefully enjoying the scenery and not worry about if I’m speaking too much or too little.
In my teens and twenties I was an avid cyclist on my circa 1985 Bianchi. A couple hundred miles weekly almost exclusively solo and occasionally with a small group. Saddle bag was always packed for emergency repairs ... and of course no cell phone so it was either that or prepare for a lot of walking. These days I have a recently diagnosed heart issue and do have concerns with riding solo in the unlikely event I have a medical emergency.
Besides dressing for weather, dress for effort. If you plan for a recovery ride, or a low zone two ride, you'll need to wear more than if you are going to do a three hour tempo ride.
I'm almost exclusively a solo rider (and ride a Pinarello same color scheme as yours!). Thanks much for these tips!
check the wind direction when you plan your route, so that you've got a tail wind on the way home.
put water in your bottle. you can use it to cool yourself if it's a hot day, you can use it to help wash your hands if you have a mechanical, or wash out a wound if you come off.
take a clean hanky or cotton square scarf in your jersey pocket, useful for keeping the sun off your neck or head, use as a bandage or you might want to blow your nose.
take some emergency money
make sure your phone is charged
I am a seasoned rider but Hank always generates new enthusiasm, even for an old dog( 71 years) like me.
Make sure that pocket multi-tool is a high-end one: which includes a chain rivet extractor. A popped chain rivet is fixable with, and a curse without. A stainless steel flask for hot caffeinated drinks is good too.
Great tips! A couple other ideas: a spare tire (ok make that a tyre), sunglasses with interchangeable lens in a protected case, sunscreen, insect repellent, ear buds (like a Beats Fit Pro) using transparency mode so you can listen to podcasts or music, universal adjustment tool to go with your puncture kit, small backpack.
No, don't plan a route- solo rides are to explore and get a little lost. It's a nice change from the finely plotted and over-planned group rides. *However, have a clue to where you're going and make sure your electronics are all charged up :)
Great tips that I am going to incorporate into my cycling. Here in Arizona the HEAT is coming, oh my, the HEAT is coming and hydration is so important but I need to put more emphasis on nutrition while riding. Thank you for the tips.
I can carry clothes, tools for every mechanical I can think of aside from a broken weld, but the thing I struggle with the most is carrying enough fluids. Certain areas of Canada (and I'm sure other countries that tend to be rather vast) as you toddle further away from civilization it's pretty sparse as far as opportunities to refill a bottle. A five or six hour ride is dodgy.
I recently just bought bigger bottles for exactly that reason, especially with another possibly brutal summer coming!
What area of Canada are you in that doesn't have a place to refill your water bottles within 40km? If you're out in the wilderness (Yellowknife to Behchokǫ̀ is a pretty good example) you take a filter bottle like a Life Straw or Sawyer. Anywhere else there's gas stations every 20km... there's some pretty arid country around Kamloops I guess, but even around Drumheller there's a gas station within 60km no matter which direction you go, and it doesn't get much more desolate than that! Fresh water should definitely not be what stops you in the country with literally the most fresh water on the planet!
Fellow Canadian in a city near nothing. I run 2x 2L Zefal Magnum bottles, For longer rides I have put a 750ml bottle in the back middle jersey pocket which is not the most comfortable especially if you leave the saddle but gets you an extra hour or so. I've also looked at adding a saddle mounted bottle cage but am unsure If I want to look like a triathlete, also that's where my tools go.
Agree with others about life straws or other filtered bottles, adding bags to your bike, or even wearing a backpack with a water bladder or extra bottles inside.
@@wilfdarr Northern Alberta - the further north you go the further apart things get, but you're probably already aware. Especially if you want to avoid the busy highways. The water filter idea has me thinking though...
I mostly ride solo and my top priority is a good audiobook to listen to, it's also what makes me want to ride. and yeah, I definitely hear everything around me with earphones, plus try to avoid roads and prefer bike tracks (On my mountainbike or more recently trekking bike)
Thanks Hank...hmm. Speaking of gadgets , how about lights ? I never ride on the road without at least a white in front red at back . BUT ...I recently got a Garmin Varia..rear light radar combo ! Even better , for me , as I am OAF and SAF.!!..Peace
I always ride with 2 tubes, tire irons, and a C02 inflator with 2 large c02 cartridges (and yes, I've had 2 flats on a ride before.)
Each year I buy a new puncture repair kit, a cheap one for 50 crowns (2 euros) does the job so as the glue is always in good condition. It's always in my saddle bag and so is a spare tube and levers so no risk of forgetting this essential stuff. Appart from a pump and food and water that's pretty much it. I ride light. I don't take a jacket, as for rides in my area, I don't need it. I don't take any multitools, never needed it. I read that some of you have difficulties to refill bottles which is a must for me on longer rides and when it's hot. In my area it's easy to refill, I do it usually in shops at petrol stations. I always take my ID, some cash and of course my mobile (no need to take a payment card anymore).
Sadly, here in the US, there are a number of places where riding solo is really quite dangerous because not only are there no bike routes or lanes, but many truck and car drivers are hostile to bike riders. I can't tell you how many times I've been forced onto the gravel or up onto curbs by drivers who see me as a nuisance. I still go out though because I love riding : ).
In an ideal world you could force-push the fuck out of them, but since it's not an option please be extra careful. Don't you have routes around where you can avoid traffic?
When checking the weather I also like to check windspeed and direction. Usually I like to head into the wind at the start of the ride and then sail my way home with the wind behind me.
One very important thing even if you are using a Live Track app: Let someone know where you are going and when you will be back. This way if you don't show up on time they can send out the posse for you.
I live in Norway and always ride alone, some of the reason is it's hard also to find someone to ride with who have the time for it when I have and also are at the same physical level, but also because I enjoy it for other reasons. Roughly my rides are made up of 70% gravel, 20% asphalt and 10% trail. I see none of you wear backpacks, I almost do on every ride. A small 9liter Osprey is enough space for extra clothing(rainjacket and shoecovers), first aid kit since I am for hours in non populated areas on gravel(these roads are not open to regualr car traffic so there is not much help to get by someone passing by if you get injured), food and maybe some coffe or an energy drink. Or sometimes I bring a very small kettle so I can make a fire by one of the beautiful lakes I'm passing and make coffe there. I take the time to stop and enjoy nature and relaxe, take some pictures and not only ride hard all the time. And of course a saddle bag with tools needed for fixing a broken chain,a spare gear wire, a tube and repair kit in case of punctures.
And in all my backpacks are a little box with waterproof matches! To be able to make a fire can one day be crucial in a cold country like Norway🙂
I've ridden in a group, it's nice to have the positive reinforcement and company for some parts of the rides, but having fixed routes, keeping the average (slow) pace of the group, and the 20~30 minutes stops in the middle of the rides for essentially the exact same photos on the same places every week was mood-killing!
Riding solo since then, and I now chose my routes, cutting it short for when I go overboard with the effort and pace in the beginning, not making stops if I don't feel like, and best of all, starting and ending whenever I feel like - group rides used to start in a set time, but there was always those that arrived late, so it always started more like "set time +15-20 minutes"...
My tips for riding solo: tools for a quick puncture fix or mid-ride adjustment, planned route and be communicable (charge your phone before leaving!). I had two punctures while riding solo, and on the last one, I haven't noticed that my air-pump was damaged. Changed the inner tube but couldn't inflate it, so what should be the last 10 minutes of a ride turned out into a 30 minute walk (good-bye cleats)
ALSO: Don't bother with a bike computer/head unit! They can be quite expensive, and unless you're pairing powermeters and other techs to it, your smart things (phone or watch) can do it perfectly fine. I use an Apple Watch to track my rides, and the GPS works as fine as the Garmin units a couple of friends have (both smartwatches and headunits). Plus, it also tracks my heartrate, without having to use a cheststrap.
And before anyone says the smartwatches are as expensive as the headunits, I previouly used an Amazfit Bip with GPS to do the same, which I had paid about $40 for. Only bought the new Watch because it fell during a ride, and when i noticed and rode back to try to find, it was already gone.... :(
Buy some clear covers keep them on you they come in handy… that way if you ride with your wife a lot like I do you can walk around all the shops no worries… well maybe the covers aren’t such a good idea lol
Always carry your drivers license or ID with contact info just in case you get in an accident. They can identify you if you’re non responsive, and contact your loved ones.
I would like to add taking a bandage for minor cuts, very thin plastic gloves or paper towel/wet-wipe for tire changes, and a small battery charger and USB wire for your phone or lights. As a backup, I even have a light that can be used to charge a phone.
I find a compact bike pump or gas cylinders w adapter pretty handy to take along -and- some sticky tube patches for the old schoolers when i run out of tubes
Riding solo is incredibly therapeutic.
Didn't need a video to remind me what to take though... Been doing all this for years and years.
GOOOOD TO SEE YOU HANK!!!!! I MISS YOU
I ride solo over 95% of the time , It’s just the best being out there on the Trails or Streets through neighborhoods and just explore and go places you can never see in a car
Hi GCN.....over the years of watching the channel I haven't once seen you promote AUDAX rides.
Please do a future video on them - I also watch Katie Kookaburra for content on them and started participating in 2020 - they are awesome/challenging/cheap and local in the UK......you could do a 400km on the Eurobike to show access to anyone - LOL
Most of those tips applied to any ride not just solo rides. But i agree solo riding is so much more enjoyable than riding in a group...or at least safer.
I always carry a spare tube and a patch kit. I've had more than one flat one a ride. The kit just provides more redundancy.
This time of year sux, I get a great tail-wind out which gets me to ride farther until I turn around to head home, then its a MASSIVE head-wind the whole way home. The only "Wind" worst than a head wind is your buddy ahead of you breaking wind.
Thanks Hank! Great tips! I basically only ride alone and miss group rides or rides with friends - just too hard to plan those lately. My tip is to try to explore new routes without the bike computer and see if you can find your way back home. (Still having the computer though)
I ride solo as well, and i do plan a route but usually a deviate from that. another thing i use is windy, which is a website that show you the wind directions so i plan my route on that.
One of the best things about riding a bike is to get away from mobile phones. Fabulous.
Be sure to have ID. If something horrible does happen, help those who will help you. A Road ID is a GREAT accessory to any biking gear, also be sure your Medical ID on your phone is up-to-date and able to be accessed if the phone is locked. I keep and old drives license in my jersey pocket along with a whistle, if I end up over a bank, I can blow that whistle louder and longer than I can yell. Enjoy the ride.
I like to have some sort of a goal, like getting a PB on a Strava segment or to explore somewhere new. And then… just enjoy the peace and quiet!
Some more great tips from GCN. I ride solo most of the time. If I’m in a group I usually get dropped in less than a mile. I’m older and club rides just blaze along. my avg speed 13-15. Thanks for others tips.
That sounds great! As long as you enjoy your riding that’s all that matters :)
Glad you enjoyed it, Reid!
I definitely learned a few of these tips the hard way. Got a minor medical emergency on my last ride from just exerting myself too hard. Luckily I had an experienced cyclist with me, I would've been screwed if I rode that hard solo.
I have to ride solo for I am approaching 80 years old .. riders are gone.
Have a musette bag handy in a pocket. Restrap do one that can fold down pretty small. It's handy to have if possibly you've worn too many layers, but don't have space in your pockets to stash them. Or just to have a bag incase you want to carry an extra bottle or food from the shop if you know the next leg is going to be a bit longer and limited in places to refill and refuel.
Nice tips! thank you for all these tips!!
I ride solo 80% if the time by choice. One thing you missed that you should always take with you the cue sheet the first time you ride a route because your device can malfunction leaving you in the lurch.
Yes, and take an umbrella just in case your raincoat begins to haemorrhage.
i was climbing like a boss the other day in honor of you hank ! i remember seeing how dam cool you look when attacking a hill, badass bro !
I carry a tiny zip lock bag with dish detergent in my saddle bag. It makes it so much easier to get tires back on rims after a flat. And I can clean my hands with it when I'm done.
Sometimes dont plan a ride, aim to get lost! Best rides and discoveries ever!
Solo rides are good but it's also good to not neglect having group rides in your riding routines as well. I find people who tend to ride solo all the time that come out to group rides can be quite sketchy as they lack proper group ride etiquette.
I tend to do solo rides more if I'm doing a structured workout, or if I just want an easy day on the bike.
I ride solo most of the time. I would add bring a small first aid kit, electrolytes when riding in hot weather, and don’t push your limits. That’s when accidents happen and you don’t want to get injured or ill in the middle of nowhere solo.
Soooo glad I watched this.
I roll the dice. I have to carry a spare tube. Thank you.