One of the reasons I commute by bike is because I can literally have it with me all the time if I want, so if someone I don't want to talk to tries to approach me, I jump on the bike and sprint away.
I almost always ride solo. I am that guy that says "I think I will ride 50 miles today" and then makes a 35 mile route. Then as I go along, I go down some of the side roads to see where they go, sometimes to an intersection, other times to a dead end. Then turn around and go back. This tends to drive other people crazy since they don't know where we are going, and what bike to bring. Because I will ride my gravel bike on just about anything, paved road, gravel roads, trails, fields, it doesn't matter to me. If I have to get off an push occasionally, even that's fine.
I'm going to miss living vicariously through the friendship that your channel always had, where it felt like a bunch of buds in the forest having a good old time, but also completely get the sheer amount of work that goes into every single one of those videos
I'm a solo rider. I like riding whenever I feel like it, time-wise, and I like not worrying about anyone's pace. Added bonus that I get to spontaneous change where I'm going mid ride.
In my 20'a and 30's, group rides were "normal" { just out of the military] and now I'm 75, I am the only person I can get along with! As a teacher surrounded by hundreds of people daily, solitude is earned!
No way! I like your style! In England teachers hang out with other teachers talking about teaching and telling people who aren’t teachers that they’re teachers
Recently came across your channel. I appreciate how hard you work on making the videos interesting and high quality as possible. I hate most peoples ride videos, yours are fabulous. Your voice over, b roll, funny questions and comments, and environment make them interesting. When you started this video I was a little worried that quality would go down without a group but your technique and style shine through! I truly dig what you do, group or no group, camping, tinkering, gear reviews, or studio tours. You are a talented storyteller!
Yes. I struggle with that "curated group "of friends to ride with, and it sounds lovely. Riding alone is also a critical part of my mental health. I wish I knew how to find more friends that ride, but local group rides can be absolutely reckless dick measuring contests. I have nothing to prove, I just love to ride.
I loved your OMTM group ride videos because they were such a beautiful fantasy during COVID lockdowns. I knew in my heart I'd never do anything like that, but they were still inspiring. Sometimes I save the leftover bar and eat it next ride. Or forget and carry it around until it haunts my dreams. Thanks for all the creative and inspiring videos!
This is one of your best videos I think. Group rides are definitely a touchy subject. I live in NYC, and theres 8 million people here nad a very active bike community, so I have the opportunity to join group rides all the time. I also will almost always encounter some other cyclists doing the same route I'm on at the same pace, and almost every time that happens, an impromptu group forms until we break to go our own way. I think riding with friends and finding the group that works for you is the best. If you can somehow ride with a group that is slightly faster than you, I think that's the optimal setup, because itll push you to go a little harder than you would normally do.
I almost always ride solo, but do enjoy an impromptu group ride, but it can be a little awkward if you're not sure if someone is into it initially. If I get passed by someone I almost always pick up the pace to see if I can hang. Thinking about it now makes me excited for warmer weather.
only child (single parent) and an overwhelming amount of time by myself. when i learned to ride a bike (self taught) it open up my eyes to the rest of the world. cycling has given me a lot and taken a lot as well. i couldn't imagine my life without it. 90% solo rider.
I rode mostly single at age 73. Not many group rides for groceries early mornings. Not many pannier carrying riders willing to carry a gallon of milk and a full bag of groceries. I love exploring, stopping and doing what i want. I've returned to spinning lower gears and feeling energized. You've summoned it all up most adequately. Though watching you and Ron tear around reminds me of rides with a good friend in the 1970s. We rode similar bikes, pedaled similar gears and we both enjoyed Fig Newtons. Love the one you're with even if it's being alone. I have half a bar in my saddle bag for the next ride. Waste not want want not.
Mostly solo, or with one friend and the occasional charity event. But it is nice to know there is safety in not being alone sometimes. That said, I miss Ron.
The last group ride I did was a gravel ride about 48 miles, halfway through the ride. The guy that invited me just took off and I didn’t see him until we got back to the car and the end we did a 14 mile an hour pace and he did a 14.5 mile an hour pace, now come on was it really worth it to ride away from your friends like that? Needless to say that was my last group ride as that kind of stuff just doesn’t make sense to me, I have no problems, riding solo, I can hammer when I want, and I can just chill when I want, I love my bikes, and I love riding still to this day at 61 years old!
I’ve become a solo rider out of necessity the past couple of years (avoiding toxic groups, good friends quitting cycling, moving far away to a sparsely populated area, etc). I do enjoy it, though.
I was fortunate to get hooked up with a ride leader who was passionate about teaching safe riding, i.e. calling out road hazards, cars, pulls, eschelons, etc. So now when i ride with my daughter on organized rides i can show her who she's safe to be around and who is to be avoided.
never really cared for group rides until i started riding with the Vancouver (wa) Fixed gear guys. Absolute blast every wednesday. great dudes that love weird adventures, getting really muddy and makin me a better rider.
I too have given up on large group rides but will gladly go out with a few friends that have a similar pace and shared expectations on what type of ride we are doing.
I ride solo probably 99% of the time, mainly due to my schedule, but like some of the points you mentioned are some of my reasons for being solo. I do have a few friends that ride on the road and we try to get together one day a month, some times we plan a route, some times we don't, or better yet, we wing it by taking turns deciding which way to go at each intersection....makes for a fun or unusual ride. What's nice is that none of us are competitive cyclists, we just like to ride for fun, make frequent stops, and aren't afraid to just stop at some random store or if we're lucky, a coffee shop. I typically like riding solo on the mtn bike because I tend to just take random trails or sometimes, I have been known to just do exploratory rides in places that more than likely never see mtn bike riders, I have even gotten lost temporarily. One ride was only 14.5 miles, took nearly 5 hrs, I carried or pushed my bike at least 3 miles of that, but I had a general idea which direction I needed to go. I thoroughly had a fantastic time because the views made me forget that I was in cougar territory and on "trails" that probably weren't really trails. If I had someone with me, they more than likely would have ruined the experience by complaining 😅. Some of my riding buddies say I am not normal 🤪.
Same here, slow or fast. Without the group rides, I'd miss the rich social aspect of cycling, even as an introvert (that's what my solo rides are for)! Maybe I'm just addicted to the feeling of a smoothly rotating paceline, which, IMO, is simply one of the most beautiful feelings anyone can experience! Personally, I feel that many solo riders are terrified of riding in a group, which I can understand as I certainly was in the beginning but it's hugely worth it.
Funnily enough, I've ridden solo (not counting events) most of my riding 'career' because that's just what I did and not enough bike weirdo friends. But lately, I've been curious about joining group rides because I'd like to find one that pushes me a bit (without dropping me). One thing you didn't talk about though is safety when riding solo. So many rides end up in the boonies without cell coverage (even road rides in the hills) that it is important to either go old school (tell a trustworthy person your plans and check in ) and/or modern (app activity tracking and/or satellite communitcatore like an InReach) to make sure you don't end up dieiing in a ditch somewhere.
What got me hooked on your channel was the grouprides almost felt like I was riding with you. Great filming, awesome music and good vibes. You tube needs more Ron Lewis 🥸🙏
I actually got into biking thinking I would enjoy road riding and group rides. But then I got a mountain bike, tried doing group rides, and learned that I enjoy stopping a lot to enjoy just being outside and in the moment. And felt bad that I was just slowing a lot of people down. I'm not really there to break Strava times or be KOM. The only time I do a group ride is if someone else shares the same passion about being "there."
Hey Dustin, your mates are super fun, and I have enjoyed many of your videos where you're fucking about with them on some sick ride. Sorry the love is gone a bit. I got inspired to get into gravel because of you (got my Grizl in 2023 and then did a 4 day insanity gravel group tour in Autumn up the Palouse to Cascade trail). This year gonna do STP. I think you had a huge part in getting me to do all this. Thanks mate. Hope you're doing okay, and this video isn't a sign of something bringing you down.
There's great camaraderie in exploring together and suffering together. There's also something magically exciting about going full gas in a well organized paceline. That said, the main reasons I ride solo are 1) don't have to wait for slower rides or feel bad about holding up faster riders, 2) most group rides near me start in the mornings and I like riding in the afternoons or after work in the evenings, and 3) specific to gravel and MTB, I go into the trails to feel secluded and away from people, so riding in a group on trails feels counterintuitive. As we get older and gain more experience riding, we understand better what we enjoy and what we don't, and it's difficult to find people who enjoy the same things and are available to do those things with you when you want to do them.
I used to commute NYC for work, after much experimentation (including a pair of heated gloves) and many winters I found the best combo by far for keeping hands warm was glove liners plus waterproof mittens.
Solo. I ride an old Fargo and usually can't keep up with the "weekend warriors." I too ride to get a break from people and conversations. It's my meditation. Maybe I'll ride with a friend or two but not with the groups.
Although I'll miss your group ride videos I totally support you going solo more, or with a select small group. I have one person I ride with, or I go alone. I've mostly done things alone till recently because I wanted to go deeper not faster. Like you said, you can just do what you want. I'm a senior these days and with no work, rural living, no wife, riding with someone else is part social, part backup as we're in our seventies now, yeah, it happens. Anyway, " you can go your own way", da da da dit da.
Only child, grew up in the bush, always ridden by myself, love it that way. Riding alone and tinkering with my bikes in the seclusion of the shed is my meditation. I’ll go for rides with my kids that’s all good but I still take any opportunity I get to hit the trails or the road alone.
Love this! Makes me feel better that I’m not the only one that enjoys riding alone. I’m always catching grief when I get home and friends see that I shredded a park without them….
Got back into mtb about ten years ago. I tried it in the 90s and I would spend more time fixing the bike than riding it. So I went deep into street and park bmx for 20 something years. I had a small crew I would ride with here and there but I mainly rode by myself. I could session something for as long as I needed to figure out my lines. I ride mountain bike now by myself, same reasons that most days I like to session a section of trail or a feature till I figure out the lines or it feels right. Some days I just blast. I stop when I want, go where I want. Best days are in fall, bright colors everywhere, air is dry and cool, it’s solitude at it best epic levels.
Nearly 95% solo rider here. Occasionally, I'll ride with the local randonneuring group which does allow me to split off if I wanted. The other group is actually quite massive, We Bike Detroit, with around 200 riders per event. But, that's a slow ride, and mostly about chatting with new people each ride. But for almost all other rides, solo and I love it.
This one was great. Gosh, the disappointment on the gloves was palpable. And you absolutely nail the part about why alone-time just feels right - no planning, no explaining, no worries.
Amen, brother, all of the above. Well, maybe not the filming challenges, but all the rest. Part of it is 1) my innately solitary nature, 2) partly a constrained schedule that doesn't align with others, and the rest is 3) just being slower now, for a variety of reasons, a lack of consistency being primary. I also prefer a select small group of riding companions, but that's been a struggle to get everyone back on track since the pandemic. Retirement beckons, and with it the promise of consistency. I'll see where that leads.
Great video! I agree with everything you said, but I think cycling in a group is safer in case of an accident, mechanical problem... i keep doing group rides in some cases
DK you've got some of the top cycling content on the tubes...thanks for that. For me variety is the spice of life...I like all of it. Big events are cool a couple times a year. If you can find a good group ride...love it, so much fun and comradery. But like you said...the wrong group...yeah I'm out. Love riding with my wife and or a couple of friends. And solo can just release you..let it all out.
Love the vids! Thanks for the knowledge and content. Watching you blast thru the woods by yourself, I wonder if you ever come across a grizzly or some other big wildlife?
I have the same issue as you Dustin, I am constantly stopping to set up shots and then getting enthused and excited about the shots I've set up, no one else should have to endure that!!!!
Yeah, I stopped going to my club rides because it wasn't safe anymore. With new people coming in and riders I'm not familiar with their riding style, it just made it too sketchy, when all I want to do is ride. I started going solo again and loving the freedom of just going, not worrying about others, and having peace to myself. I don't have to hear others' stupid comments, I don't have to try and keep up or wait for others, I just go. I think it's best to go and have 1 or two other people to ride with that you know really well, but solo is pretty liberating and that's the feeling I want when riding....freedom.
i've been cycling for just 3 years, and it's been 90% alone. i discovered and fell in love with it that way, and when i started to try and join group rides, at first im really excited, but then its just that: chasing all day with my tongue out and feeling miserable or wait constantly. i love showing new places to friends though, and try to create routes for that purpose.
There’s room in the world for both. I will say I get flats almost infinitely more often on group road rides than when I’m riding by myself. I also have a history of injuring myself on MTB group rides, where I’ve only toppled at zero mph a few times when riding by myself.
Overall I believe I get where you are at. I followed the same path with motorcycle group rides, and now mostly ride alone or with a small select group. I LOVE your videos with Ron, and co. so I hope we still see more of those. I don't have a cool group of friends like that to cycle with, so I get my group ride fun vicariously through you. I enjoy the personal battle cycling alone, pushing my envelope, being 'out there alone'; but at times I also enjoy the social of sharing the experience with others - there's no rule that says we can't enjoy both.
Always been a solo rider. Could imagine riding with a friend, but not in a group. I walk my dogs alone, I run alone, I ride alone. Wouldn‘t have it any other way!
having a small squad (1-2 solid ridebros) was perfect for me. big group rides might be fun, but most of the time it is dragging on both ends (people can't go as fast or as slow as they want) Riding with 1 or 2 bros that does shit that you also like is the best most of the time, at least for me.
I always envied you guys going out together on your group rides as I nearly always ride on my own, but as you point out, you are your own best partner.
I never get to do group rides cause I live in a very remote rural community. I lived vicariously through your group ride films. I loved them and appreciate your production work. Can you at least do a few rides. I MISS THEM.
Solo rider. Carless, so I ride everywhere in my city and ride exclusively fixed. I hate organized rides… did that for over a decade in the woods. I’m over 50 and pretty beat up so I get enough thrills in the city riding fixed and always prefer the ability to ride wherever I want whenever I want. Best way to experience your own city imo.
All of your points make sense and I do love a good solo ride, but man, group rides are the best. It's how i've met most of my friends in the city I live, and how i have learned how capable I am on a bike!
Been a solo rider since I started riding in 2008. Only been on group rides a handful of times. I’m an introvert so getting out on the bike and away from people is right up my alley haha. But in those few group rides I did do, found myself pushing my limits more.
I regularly think about this watching cycling videos. Every time you ride by the camera, you have to place it, ride past it, and ride back to pick it up.
I like both but they bring different things to the party. Group rides are fun for the social aspect and helping push along where I'd normally tire out and call it day. But there's less quiet time, fewer impulsive decisions, and I just don't always enjoy it as much. I ride to get away from everything like 70% of the time, so group riding is a bit antithesis to that. And I'll admit there's an upper limit to what makes a group ride fun. MTB if it's larger than like 10 people it gets annoying to keep a good pace. Gravel/road up that number to like 15-20ish before it becomes super splintered.
I cycle alone almost exclusively, 1. my ride is for me. 2. I wana ride at the speed I want to when I want to. 3. group rides often times can have that abrasive person.
In regards to not getting cold hands when riding, I took a pointer off Nick the Mechanic from Cade Media who basically said instead of paying ridiculous amounts for heated glove / bicycle specific thermal gloves. You can get freezer / cold storage gloves for way cheaper and they're usually quite water resistant with good grip and insulated on the inside. Have yet to try some but will come the winter months here in Australia
Started riding to spend time with a new GF. That dropped off until recently when we started to go out with a small group ride of about 10+ entry level riders. Felt that the group ride always went to slow. Now I'm going on regular individual rides and enjoy that I can ride at my own pace without feeling like I have to keep track of where everyone in the group is. Gotta say solo is nice for pacing, but I still will make time to ride with friends and fam to keep those relationships healthy.
Dustin, Solo mostly because I can leave at 10am or 5pm - I like to lollygag, meditate at the top of mountain bike rides, go my own pace. I also ride with small group but I never race with them- people are not as good at lollygagging as me. Thanks for the vid DK! Good stuff as usual- more art videos please. Cheers, Steve aka The Talking Fly
This reminded me of an old Dave Chappelle show with Rick James "I didn't put my boots on his couch.....well heck yes I put my puts on his couch" Love the videos! Follow what your passion is and sounds like that is doing larger videos with bigger rides!
I've never been on a proper group ride yet so I don't have much to compare to. I love solo riding but getting out with a few buddies is always a hoot. Have you ever considered trying the Polar Roll up in Marquette in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan? Great video! Thank you for sharing.
Absolutely true. I'm too slow for the big guns, and too fast for the cap guns. Still working towards hanging with the fast guys, but, alas, 90% solo. Still love all of it.
Enjoyed the video. A lot of solo rides. Group rides only with friends of similar capabilities. Even though I average about 5,000 miles a year, being with friends has a special value, safety, bonus. I go through periods when my asthma becomes unpredictable and my friends have saved the day for me several times. ❤
I mostly ride alone , I find it more enjoyable , I get to session features and not feel rushed . But some of my memorable rides were with a bunch of great mates . Some of my worst rides are also with other less compatible fellers . But there is safety in numbers
I rode ragbrai with three of my boys last year… along with a few thousand more people… We rode together for a while.. but we found at some point it was easier to ride our own paces. One day I took a spur trail. Stopped and bought and enjoyed a Haagen das ice cream bar I would have missed had I stayed in the “route”. Then I made it to that long Iowa bridge that was off route. Then continued off route through an unexplored small farm town.. finally reconnecting with the route and then my kids. I love solo rides! Plus, yes, easier to film your adventures when you are solo!
I've ridden with two groups. One in Yreka, CA and the other in Hermiston, OR. When I ride with either group, I'm just there to chill, maybe see new trails and get tips from the locals. I live in Salem, OR, when I ride in the area, I'm either alone (mostly) or with one, maybe two friends. I have no desire to get on a group ride in my area.
I’m primarily a solo rider, but enjoy small group rides with (as you said) a curated group… particularly for the post ride stop. I find that I push myself harder when solo as opposed to group riding, which are often a bit less intense; but good for finding different routes.
I enjoy both. I’ll do group rides with people faster than me to help myself get faster. I like solo rides when I want to session features / film or just to be alone. Like you I also have a small group that I prefer to ride with. We all help each other when getting ready for a big race and just talk about life.
Me too. Birds of a feather fly solo. I have never liked groups unless I am doing a century ride and I feel like sitting in someone I don’t knows draft for a long time and pop out front on the downhill. Yeah. I’m that guy
Also an only child solo rider for the same reasons you mentioned. Past group MTB rides with pro level rider friends was usually too over the top for me. Current four person MTB rides are ok, too many chat breaks tho, but I still like exploring by myself at whatever pace I feel like, and stopping to take photos of whatever, wherever, whenever.
I am a huge fan for solo. As you said, it is therapeutic. I also have a small group of riders (2 riders) that I am comfortable doing a ride at anytime. Group rides are tough. Although I do enjoy the after ride hang. Talking with folks at a bar or parking lot about the ride is a lot of fun.
🦉 We gotta stick together: bit.ly/Subscribe_to_EBD
Solo rider. I cycle to get away from people and not have to talk
🤣 I can relate to this so much.
Same
I agree wholeheartedly
One of the reasons I commute by bike is because I can literally have it with me all the time if I want, so if someone I don't want to talk to tries to approach me, I jump on the bike and sprint away.
@@Rose_Butterfly98 note to self for the next wedding I have to attend
I almost always ride solo. I am that guy that says "I think I will ride 50 miles today" and then makes a 35 mile route. Then as I go along, I go down some of the side roads to see where they go, sometimes to an intersection, other times to a dead end. Then turn around and go back. This tends to drive other people crazy since they don't know where we are going, and what bike to bring. Because I will ride my gravel bike on just about anything, paved road, gravel roads, trails, fields, it doesn't matter to me. If I have to get off an push occasionally, even that's fine.
Exactly this 👏
YES!
thats why no one wants to ride with me any longer
too many shortcuts faild, too many new roads fails etc
ADD and I love it! Adventures unknown!
The only thing I would add with those random improvised side tracks is make sure you have enough water.
Riding alone is my "me" time and I only sacrifice that if one of my kids wants to join me. Keep doing your thang, DK!
I'm going to miss living vicariously through the friendship that your channel always had, where it felt like a bunch of buds in the forest having a good old time, but also completely get the sheer amount of work that goes into every single one of those videos
I think he will still be doing that. He said "alone or with close friends is preferred" for the videography
I'm a solo rider. I like riding whenever I feel like it, time-wise, and I like not worrying about anyone's pace. Added bonus that I get to spontaneous change where I'm going mid ride.
In my 20'a and 30's, group rides were "normal" { just out of the military] and now I'm 75, I am the only person I can get along with! As a teacher surrounded by hundreds of people daily, solitude is earned!
Same here, as a retire from the military I find myself riding by myself all the time and loving it.
Ya people either don't like me or I don't like them Lol .but I'm taking it up with God because it seems wrong 😅
No way! I like your style! In England teachers hang out with other teachers talking about teaching and telling people who aren’t teachers that they’re teachers
You and Ron are the best! Ron is very funny so I hope you drag him along sometimes.
I find the solo ride zen and meditative, my therapy 🚴✨✨
Mind body soul!
Yes! Exactly this! Mindfullnes (or mind-emptyness, which is even better 😉) on 2 wheels! 🙏🏽😎
Recently came across your channel. I appreciate how hard you work on making the videos interesting and high quality as possible. I hate most peoples ride videos, yours are fabulous. Your voice over, b roll, funny questions and comments, and environment make them interesting. When you started this video I was a little worried that quality would go down without a group but your technique and style shine through! I truly dig what you do, group or no group, camping, tinkering, gear reviews, or studio tours. You are a talented storyteller!
Yes. I struggle with that "curated group "of friends to ride with, and it sounds lovely. Riding alone is also a critical part of my mental health. I wish I knew how to find more friends that ride, but local group rides can be absolutely reckless dick measuring contests. I have nothing to prove, I just love to ride.
I loved your OMTM group ride videos because they were such a beautiful fantasy during COVID lockdowns. I knew in my heart I'd never do anything like that, but they were still inspiring.
Sometimes I save the leftover bar and eat it next ride. Or forget and carry it around until it haunts my dreams.
Thanks for all the creative and inspiring videos!
This is one of your best videos I think. Group rides are definitely a touchy subject. I live in NYC, and theres 8 million people here nad a very active bike community, so I have the opportunity to join group rides all the time. I also will almost always encounter some other cyclists doing the same route I'm on at the same pace, and almost every time that happens, an impromptu group forms until we break to go our own way. I think riding with friends and finding the group that works for you is the best. If you can somehow ride with a group that is slightly faster than you, I think that's the optimal setup, because itll push you to go a little harder than you would normally do.
I almost always ride solo, but do enjoy an impromptu group ride, but it can be a little awkward if you're not sure if someone is into it initially. If I get passed by someone I almost always pick up the pace to see if I can hang. Thinking about it now makes me excited for warmer weather.
only child (single parent) and an overwhelming amount of time by myself. when i learned to ride a bike (self taught) it open up my eyes to the rest of the world. cycling has given me a lot and taken a lot as well. i couldn't imagine my life without it. 90% solo rider.
I rode mostly single at age 73. Not many group rides for groceries early mornings. Not many pannier carrying riders willing to carry a gallon of milk and a full bag of groceries.
I love exploring, stopping and doing what i want. I've returned to spinning lower gears and feeling energized.
You've summoned it all up most adequately. Though watching you and Ron tear around reminds me of rides with a good friend in the 1970s. We rode similar bikes, pedaled similar gears and we both enjoyed Fig Newtons.
Love the one you're with even if it's being alone.
I have half a bar in my saddle bag for the next ride. Waste not want want not.
Mostly solo, or with one friend and the occasional charity event. But it is nice to know there is safety in not being alone sometimes. That said, I miss Ron.
The last group ride I did was a gravel ride about 48 miles, halfway through the ride. The guy that invited me just took off and I didn’t see him until we got back to the car and the end we did a 14 mile an hour pace and he did a 14.5 mile an hour pace, now come on was it really worth it to ride away from your friends like that? Needless to say that was my last group ride as that kind of stuff just doesn’t make sense to me, I have no problems, riding solo, I can hammer when I want, and I can just chill when I want, I love my bikes, and I love riding still to this day at 61 years old!
I’ve become a solo rider out of necessity the past couple of years (avoiding toxic groups, good friends quitting cycling, moving far away to a sparsely populated area, etc). I do enjoy it, though.
Solo. Except for 1 guy sometimes. So, Brolo.
Brolo...🤣
I will definitely add Brolo to my language 😂😂
Yes...Brolo!
Another Brolo here!
Im most of the time solo, which I really enjoy. Me time.
I was fortunate to get hooked up with a ride leader who was passionate about teaching safe riding, i.e. calling out road hazards, cars, pulls, eschelons, etc. So now when i ride with my daughter on organized rides i can show her who she's safe to be around and who is to be avoided.
Ive always rode alone,helps clear my mind
never really cared for group rides until i started riding with the Vancouver (wa) Fixed gear guys. Absolute blast every wednesday. great dudes that love weird adventures, getting really muddy and makin me a better rider.
I too have given up on large group rides but will gladly go out with a few friends that have a similar pace and shared expectations on what type of ride we are doing.
Same, group of less than 5 is best for me, for road cycling it is also way safer
I ride solo probably 99% of the time, mainly due to my schedule, but like some of the points you mentioned are some of my reasons for being solo. I do have a few friends that ride on the road and we try to get together one day a month, some times we plan a route, some times we don't, or better yet, we wing it by taking turns deciding which way to go at each intersection....makes for a fun or unusual ride. What's nice is that none of us are competitive cyclists, we just like to ride for fun, make frequent stops, and aren't afraid to just stop at some random store or if we're lucky, a coffee shop.
I typically like riding solo on the mtn bike because I tend to just take random trails or sometimes, I have been known to just do exploratory rides in places that more than likely never see mtn bike riders, I have even gotten lost temporarily. One ride was only 14.5 miles, took nearly 5 hrs, I carried or pushed my bike at least 3 miles of that, but I had a general idea which direction I needed to go. I thoroughly had a fantastic time because the views made me forget that I was in cougar territory and on "trails" that probably weren't really trails. If I had someone with me, they more than likely would have ruined the experience by complaining 😅. Some of my riding buddies say I am not normal 🤪.
Riding bikes for me is 60 percent social. I love riding with people. Slow or fast. No breaks....lots of breaks. All good.
Same here, slow or fast. Without the group rides, I'd miss the rich social aspect of cycling, even as an introvert (that's what my solo rides are for)! Maybe I'm just addicted to the feeling of a smoothly rotating paceline, which, IMO, is simply one of the most beautiful feelings anyone can experience! Personally, I feel that many solo riders are terrified of riding in a group, which I can understand as I certainly was in the beginning but it's hugely worth it.
Funnily enough, I've ridden solo (not counting events) most of my riding 'career' because that's just what I did and not enough bike weirdo friends. But lately, I've been curious about joining group rides because I'd like to find one that pushes me a bit (without dropping me).
One thing you didn't talk about though is safety when riding solo. So many rides end up in the boonies without cell coverage (even road rides in the hills) that it is important to either go old school (tell a trustworthy person your plans and check in ) and/or modern (app activity tracking and/or satellite communitcatore like an InReach) to make sure you don't end up dieiing in a ditch somewhere.
We miss Ron. Is a group = you & Ron? I think not🥸
Don't be a safety nerd.
@@felicetanka hey, I'll be any kinda nerd I want 🙂🤣
@@markwatson6757
An army of Ron!
Solo, for all the same reasons you gave. Plus, it's the only time I can hear myself think. Solitude is a magical thing.
Still lovin the videos. Never a dull moment and learning something new every time
Right there with you. 98% solo with the occasional curated yet small group is my jam. Love the channel.
🤜❤️🤛
Good points. Nice inception effect. Excellent edit!
Exactly the same for me when it comes to adventure motorcycle rides. Compromising stinks. Sometimes one good buddy can be fun though.
- Tim
What got me hooked on your channel was the grouprides almost felt like I was riding with you. Great filming, awesome music and good vibes. You tube needs more Ron Lewis 🥸🙏
I actually got into biking thinking I would enjoy road riding and group rides. But then I got a mountain bike, tried doing group rides, and learned that I enjoy stopping a lot to enjoy just being outside and in the moment. And felt bad that I was just slowing a lot of people down. I'm not really there to break Strava times or be KOM. The only time I do a group ride is if someone else shares the same passion about being "there."
Absolutely the reason I ride as well. Thought I was the only one. 😂 Enjoying the moment and being out with nothing to prove.
Hey Dustin, your mates are super fun, and I have enjoyed many of your videos where you're fucking about with them on some sick ride. Sorry the love is gone a bit. I got inspired to get into gravel because of you (got my Grizl in 2023 and then did a 4 day insanity gravel group tour in Autumn up the Palouse to Cascade trail). This year gonna do STP. I think you had a huge part in getting me to do all this. Thanks mate. Hope you're doing okay, and this video isn't a sign of something bringing you down.
There's great camaraderie in exploring together and suffering together. There's also something magically exciting about going full gas in a well organized paceline. That said, the main reasons I ride solo are 1) don't have to wait for slower rides or feel bad about holding up faster riders, 2) most group rides near me start in the mornings and I like riding in the afternoons or after work in the evenings, and 3) specific to gravel and MTB, I go into the trails to feel secluded and away from people, so riding in a group on trails feels counterintuitive. As we get older and gain more experience riding, we understand better what we enjoy and what we don't, and it's difficult to find people who enjoy the same things and are available to do those things with you when you want to do them.
I usually finish the tidbit in the wrapper, love to ride solo and with select groups. Large organized rides are great motivators for training!
I used to commute NYC for work, after much experimentation (including a pair of heated gloves) and many winters I found the best combo by far for keeping hands warm was glove liners plus waterproof mittens.
Solo. I ride an old Fargo and usually can't keep up with the "weekend warriors." I too ride to get a break from people and conversations. It's my meditation. Maybe I'll ride with a friend or two but not with the groups.
LOL...maybe it's a Fargo thing?...me too.
Although I'll miss your group ride videos I totally support you going solo more, or with a select small group. I have one person I ride with, or I go alone. I've mostly done things alone till recently because I wanted to go deeper not faster. Like you said, you can just do what you want. I'm a senior these days and with no work, rural living, no wife, riding with someone else is part social, part backup as we're in our seventies now, yeah, it happens. Anyway, " you can go your own way", da da da dit da.
Love this
Only child, grew up in the bush, always ridden by myself, love it that way. Riding alone and tinkering with my bikes in the seclusion of the shed is my meditation. I’ll go for rides with my kids that’s all good but I still take any opportunity I get to hit the trails or the road alone.
Love this! Makes me feel better that I’m not the only one that enjoys riding alone. I’m always catching grief when I get home and friends see that I shredded a park without them….
Got back into mtb about ten years ago. I tried it in the 90s and I would spend more time fixing the bike than riding it. So I went deep into street and park bmx for 20 something years. I had a small crew I would ride with here and there but I mainly rode by myself. I could session something for as long as I needed to figure out my lines. I ride mountain bike now by myself, same reasons that most days I like to session a section of trail or a feature till I figure out the lines or it feels right. Some days I just blast. I stop when I want, go where I want. Best days are in fall, bright colors everywhere, air is dry and cool, it’s solitude at it best epic levels.
Nearly 95% solo rider here. Occasionally, I'll ride with the local randonneuring group which does allow me to split off if I wanted. The other group is actually quite massive, We Bike Detroit, with around 200 riders per event. But, that's a slow ride, and mostly about chatting with new people each ride.
But for almost all other rides, solo and I love it.
Oh you know I’m always racing ahead and then playing catch up game! 😜📸
I guess this build character!?
@@EverythingsBeenDone always hopeful it builds character + a decent photo 😂
This one was great. Gosh, the disappointment on the gloves was palpable. And you absolutely nail the part about why alone-time just feels right - no planning, no explaining, no worries.
Yeh...The older I get the most solo rides I love, or just couple of really close friends with same mindset ( like Ron! ) ....Nice Video and landscape!
Spot on. Sometimes its just better solo. Plus once again tip of cap for gear review thats not fluff.
Group rides are a means of conveyance to the post ride noms and hangs.
"Lets get this group ride out of the way so we can hang out already"....🤣
Amen, brother, all of the above. Well, maybe not the filming challenges, but all the rest. Part of it is 1) my innately solitary nature, 2) partly a constrained schedule that doesn't align with others, and the rest is 3) just being slower now, for a variety of reasons, a lack of consistency being primary. I also prefer a select small group of riding companions, but that's been a struggle to get everyone back on track since the pandemic. Retirement beckons, and with it the promise of consistency. I'll see where that leads.
Great video! I agree with everything you said, but I think cycling in a group is safer in case of an accident, mechanical problem... i keep doing group rides in some cases
I agree on the safety side of things!
especially for mountain/gravel rides. 20 miles out is not a good place to have a serious injury.
DK you've got some of the top cycling content on the tubes...thanks for that. For me variety is the spice of life...I like all of it. Big events are cool a couple times a year. If you can find a good group ride...love it, so much fun and comradery. But like you said...the wrong group...yeah I'm out. Love riding with my wife and or a couple of friends. And solo can just release you..let it all out.
All of this YES!!
I know a little about shooting video for work and I get exhausted thinking about the amount of work that goes into your amazing group ride vids.
Love the vids! Thanks for the knowledge and content. Watching you blast thru the woods by yourself, I wonder if you ever come across a grizzly or some other big wildlife?
Solo Lunch Rider for those daily workouts here. Whatever you do, enjoy your ride Player!
I have the same issue as you Dustin, I am constantly stopping to set up shots and then getting enthused and excited about the shots I've set up, no one else should have to endure that!!!!
Yeah, I stopped going to my club rides because it wasn't safe anymore. With new people coming in and riders I'm not familiar with their riding style, it just made it too sketchy, when all I want to do is ride. I started going solo again and loving the freedom of just going, not worrying about others, and having peace to myself. I don't have to hear others' stupid comments, I don't have to try and keep up or wait for others, I just go. I think it's best to go and have 1 or two other people to ride with that you know really well, but solo is pretty liberating and that's the feeling I want when riding....freedom.
i've been cycling for just 3 years, and it's been 90% alone. i discovered and fell in love with it that way, and when i started to try and join group rides, at first im really excited, but then its just that: chasing all day with my tongue out and feeling miserable or wait constantly. i love showing new places to friends though, and try to create routes for that purpose.
have you thought about leading a group ride that's at your pace?
There’s room in the world for both. I will say I get flats almost infinitely more often on group road rides than when I’m riding by myself. I also have a history of injuring myself on MTB group rides, where I’ve only toppled at zero mph a few times when riding by myself.
Overall I believe I get where you are at. I followed the same path with motorcycle group rides, and now mostly ride alone or with a small select group. I LOVE your videos with Ron, and co. so I hope we still see more of those. I don't have a cool group of friends like that to cycle with, so I get my group ride fun vicariously through you. I enjoy the personal battle cycling alone, pushing my envelope, being 'out there alone'; but at times I also enjoy the social of sharing the experience with others - there's no rule that says we can't enjoy both.
Always been a solo rider. Could imagine riding with a friend, but not in a group. I walk my dogs alone, I run alone, I ride alone. Wouldn‘t have it any other way!
So many valid points. My thoughts exactly. Thank you. 😊
having a small squad (1-2 solid ridebros) was perfect for me. big group rides might be fun, but most of the time it is dragging on both ends (people can't go as fast or as slow as they want) Riding with 1 or 2 bros that does shit that you also like is the best most of the time, at least for me.
I always envied you guys going out together on your group rides as I nearly always ride on my own, but as you point out, you are your own best partner.
I never get to do group rides cause I live in a very remote rural community. I lived vicariously through your group ride films. I loved them and appreciate your production work. Can you at least do a few rides. I MISS THEM.
Solo rider. Carless, so I ride everywhere in my city and ride exclusively fixed. I hate organized rides… did that for over a decade in the woods. I’m over 50 and pretty beat up so I get enough thrills in the city riding fixed and always prefer the ability to ride wherever I want whenever I want. Best way to experience your own city imo.
Solo, but would like the occasional small group.
I took an ebike to a gravel ride and the condescension was palpable 😂
All of your points make sense and I do love a good solo ride, but man, group rides are the best. It's how i've met most of my friends in the city I live, and how i have learned how capable I am on a bike!
Excellent video and glove review. I considered those. Thanks!
Very surprised and excited to see this Bicycle Law cameo
This is so rad to see!
Been a solo rider since I started riding in 2008. Only been on group rides a handful of times. I’m an introvert so getting out on the bike and away from people is right up my alley haha. But in those few group rides I did do, found myself pushing my limits more.
I regularly think about this watching cycling videos. Every time you ride by the camera, you have to place it, ride past it, and ride back to pick it up.
For that reason alone, I could never, ever be a content creator. I just like to ride... I love group rides! (as well as solo rides)
Love both group and solo rides
I like both but they bring different things to the party. Group rides are fun for the social aspect and helping push along where I'd normally tire out and call it day. But there's less quiet time, fewer impulsive decisions, and I just don't always enjoy it as much. I ride to get away from everything like 70% of the time, so group riding is a bit antithesis to that.
And I'll admit there's an upper limit to what makes a group ride fun. MTB if it's larger than like 10 people it gets annoying to keep a good pace. Gravel/road up that number to like 15-20ish before it becomes super splintered.
I cycle alone almost exclusively, 1. my ride is for me. 2. I wana ride at the speed I want to when I want to. 3. group rides often times can have that abrasive person.
In regards to not getting cold hands when riding, I took a pointer off Nick the Mechanic from Cade Media who basically said instead of paying ridiculous amounts for heated glove / bicycle specific thermal gloves. You can get freezer / cold storage gloves for way cheaper and they're usually quite water resistant with good grip and insulated on the inside. Have yet to try some but will come the winter months here in Australia
Started riding to spend time with a new GF. That dropped off until recently when we started to go out with a small group ride of about 10+ entry level riders. Felt that the group ride always went to slow. Now I'm going on regular individual rides and enjoy that I can ride at my own pace without feeling like I have to keep track of where everyone in the group is. Gotta say solo is nice for pacing, but I still will make time to ride with friends and fam to keep those relationships healthy.
This was spot on!
I’ve tried to stop being a solo rider, but I just love my alone time.
Dustin,
Solo mostly because I can leave at 10am or 5pm -
I like to lollygag, meditate at the top of mountain bike rides, go my own pace.
I also ride with small group but I never race with them-
people are not as good at lollygagging as me.
Thanks for the vid DK!
Good stuff as usual-
more art videos please.
Cheers, Steve aka The Talking Fly
Dustin is leaving the groupie life to enter the center stage! 🎉
You’ve got to continue riding with Ron; he’s the best!
This reminded me of an old Dave Chappelle show with Rick James "I didn't put my boots on his couch.....well heck yes I put my puts on his couch"
Love the videos! Follow what your passion is and sounds like that is doing larger videos with bigger rides!
I've never been on a proper group ride yet so I don't have much to compare to. I love solo riding but getting out with a few buddies is always a hoot. Have you ever considered trying the Polar Roll up in Marquette in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan? Great video! Thank you for sharing.
Ive mostly done solo rides, but when I finally find a welcoming and laid back bike community it's the best thing
Absolutely true. I'm too slow for the big guns, and too fast for the cap guns. Still working towards hanging with the fast guys, but, alas, 90% solo. Still love all of it.
"cap guns" 🤣😂
Yeah I’m a 9mm rider too. It seems to be a hard level to find other riders who are keen.
Enjoyed the video. A lot of solo rides. Group rides only with friends of similar capabilities. Even though I average about 5,000 miles a year, being with friends has a special value, safety, bonus. I go through periods when my asthma becomes unpredictable and my friends have saved the day for me several times. ❤
I mostly ride alone , I find it more enjoyable , I get to session features and not feel rushed .
But some of my memorable rides were with a bunch of great mates .
Some of my worst rides are also with other less compatible fellers .
But there is safety in numbers
"One of the only times I feel the most confortable with myself".
I can relate to that!
I rode ragbrai with three of my boys last year… along with a few thousand more people…
We rode together for a while.. but we found at some point it was easier to ride our own paces.
One day I took a spur trail. Stopped and bought and enjoyed a Haagen das ice cream bar I would have missed had I stayed in the “route”. Then I made it to that long Iowa bridge that was off route. Then continued off route through an unexplored small farm town.. finally reconnecting with the route and then my kids.
I love solo rides! Plus, yes, easier to film your adventures when you are solo!
I've ridden with two groups. One in Yreka, CA and the other in Hermiston, OR. When I ride with either group, I'm just there to chill, maybe see new trails and get tips from the locals. I live in Salem, OR, when I ride in the area, I'm either alone (mostly) or with one, maybe two friends. I have no desire to get on a group ride in my area.
I love solo touring/bikepacking
I’m primarily a solo rider, but enjoy small group rides with (as you said) a curated group… particularly for the post ride stop. I find that I push myself harder when solo as opposed to group riding, which are often a bit less intense; but good for finding different routes.
I enjoy both. I’ll do group rides with people faster than me to help myself get faster. I like solo rides when I want to session features / film or just to be alone. Like you I also have a small group that I prefer to ride with. We all help each other when getting ready for a big race and just talk about life.
Me too. Birds of a feather fly solo. I have never liked groups unless I am doing a century ride and I feel like sitting in someone I don’t knows draft for a long time and pop out front on the downhill. Yeah. I’m that guy
🤣🤫
Your reasons really resonate with me other than the video reasons. I often ride alone.
I've been using and riding in Volt Heat heated gloves for years... game changers. They work incredibly.
I always ride alone for many of the reasons you mentioned and a lot of that applies to why I drink alone!!!!
As a fellow only child, I feel this so deeply!
Also an only child solo rider for the same reasons you mentioned. Past group MTB rides with pro level rider friends was usually too over the top for me. Current four person MTB rides are ok, too many chat breaks tho, but I still like exploring by myself at whatever pace I feel like, and stopping to take photos of whatever, wherever, whenever.
I am a huge fan for solo. As you said, it is therapeutic. I also have a small group of riders (2 riders) that I am comfortable doing a ride at anytime. Group rides are tough. Although I do enjoy the after ride hang. Talking with folks at a bar or parking lot about the ride is a lot of fun.
Well said!