Group rides are fun, but solos are what I really love. I’m quite introverted, and that escape from the world where you can live in your own head and see what you are capable of is what drew me to the sport in the first place.
Me too, and I take my mobile to take photos. I used to commute 24 miles a day through London. I live somewhere rural now, so it's just leisure and I'm over 60. But lately my daughter and my niece from the Netherlands has been joining me. Even better.
I do solo ride 100% all the time.. I found solitude in it.. Helps me to be at full awareness & think much better.. And i don’t have to wait nor chase someone.. I had enough social interaction on daily basis through work, hang out, etc.. So when i ride, i love do it solo..
@@marcdaniels9079 True! So many serious faces, borderline scowls sometimes. I just give a nod these days and 2x out of 10 get a nod back. Maybe it's just my area which is snobville.
I ridden solo for years, (58 now) it’s an escape from people, freedom and an your thoughts. So therapeutic, on the moors, in the hills it’s all yours. I understand some people need people, I don’t, never have never will. I’ve trained all over Europe on my own, it’s heaven.
@@darkspeed62 where you let your front wheel overlap the person in front of you's rear wheel. It's frowned upon because if the person in front suddenly has to take evasive move in your direction (left or right) they'll likely slam into your wheel and cause you both to crash.
Solo for me. It gives me the chance to relax, even if my heart rate is about a 145 average. Also, I once read that solo cycling allows you to think of everything and nothing - just about sums it up nicely.
I typically catch groups on my solo rides and usually i pass them without contest, but occasionally there's some wanker who decides he's gonna be a hero (always a 'he' btw). In that case, it's always fun to slowly turn the screw harder and harder until he dies. :)
99% of the time I ride solo, due to work schedules.. one tip to add.. depending on the time of day you ride.. ensure you have lights around you... motorists have a harder time seeing a solo than a group.. rear and front lights...! Always like your videos GCN great job..
Yes lights! get the brights, most obnoxious mega candlewatt flashing lights you can afford. And why just one headlight? I always run at least two, depending on the weather. And the modern usb lamps are not heavy compared to battery lights.
I prefer solo rides for so many reasons - 1. It's meditative, no distractions, no side talks. Just u and ur thoughts. 2. I can ride as per my plan and my schedule, which may not match with others 3. It makes me mentally stronger at the end of the day
I can not get my act together to ride with a group. I ride 95% of the time by myself and I love mulling over life looking at the scenery, is great. Would say, its always amazing when you have a mechanical how many other solo riders stop to help....and always say hello to their riders.
I remember when one person stopped to see if I needed help when I was re-indexing my gears by the side of the road. Lovely guy, said thanks and gave him a wave as I overtook him later on the trail.
Saying 'hi' to other riders is so important. In my local area there are unmarked boundaries where you know fellow cyclists will say hi - or not. I do it, regardless of how close (or over) I am to the rivet - manners don't cost money.
I ride a lot by myself and I find it more relaxing. I can imagine i'm in the tour and try to go flat out up a climb without worrying if i'll get dropped later on in the ride. I find that going solo takes most of the other variables out of riding and is more for the pure enjoyment.
I never started cycling to ride with others. For me it’s about the feeling I get being on a bicycle. I’m happy to share that time if that works from time to time. But happier still when I get to explore on my own too. I have friends who go cycle touring for a week at a time. I love them as people. But the idea of a week of endless silly chat on bicycles sounds aweful to me 😊
Well there's riding in a group and there's bunch riding. I like the harmony of a bunch ride, love riding out with a group and chatting... But for me the joy of riding solo means that inside my head I am beating Rohan Dennis on the flat, outclimbing Ritchie Porte on Willunga hill and outsprinting Caleb Ewan on the last 50 metres before the finish at home. I'm 70 this year, so leave my rainbow dreams alone.
I ride solo almost daily in South Korea. You forgot to mention that when you ride solo, you can turn your ride into a "karaoke ride". You can blast your lungs off to your favorite tunes without annoying anyone.
RIding solo was how I explored my surroundings as a kid. And I think I did everything totally opposite of what you recommended. No map, no spares, no snacks, no plan. Just let the wheels take me wherever I felt like going. Oh, and we´re talking early 80s, a decade before mobile phones started becoming common. Nobody had a clue where I was, or even that I was on a bike ride.
Just like many users, I am subscribed to hundreds of channels on many topics of interest. By far, this is the most entertaining, most useful, most professional channel I came across for a hobby. Well-done GCN Team! We appreciate your efforts.
Love GCN. But I couldn’t disagree more with planning a route. I always cycle alone and the best fun I’ve had is exploring new country roads and scenery with no plan.
With a GPS you can do both, plan a route, but go off route exploring. Then as often happens if your exploration starts to take a bit too far out you can just look down at your head unit and and follow the recalculated route back. It also has the advantage that you can look at your recorded ride and see where you went and include it in future rides. That's how I found out the little 20 km "gravel" trial that i've been riding since I was a kid is actually part of a huge trial network that links to the Trans Pennine Trail.
Capio That wouldn't work around here. Lots of roads just suddenly dead end and then you have to turn around and find another way, which may also dead end.
@@CanItAlready Same here. Maybe not completely dead end but often dead end for cyclists as traffic can get too dangerous all of a sudden without bike paths.
In the age of COVID, riding solo is all I do. But then again, I rode solo before COVID... so now that I think of it, that’s all I’ve done for decades. Additionally, I know exactly what I’m capable of on my own. Solitude and doing my own thing how I want is a beautiful gift.
I love solo riding. Peace, and quiet, alone in nature with my thoughts. It's a great destressor - - I can stop when I want - - and it makes me feel rested when I'm done.
Manon is the new catalyst for GCN :) Keep up the good work Manon and Team GCN! Hoping for more "commuter" videos since other countries are now implementing/encouraging cycling as the new way of normal transpo :)
Some bits to add.... - coming up behind a walker, dog walker, cyclist just say hello or freewheel (if you have a loud free hub) - always say hello in advanced when approaching a horse (just so the horse is aware of you) - if you listen to music just wear one headphone (left side in the uk) and make sure you can easily mute or pause safely - do the lifesaver check (quick look over the right shoulder) when approaching junctions or changing direction - (optional) I tend to pull over when I know cars cannot past or sprint to the closest pull-in
Some people join clubs because they are lonely and that's fair enough but I have people around me alot off the bike so I ride solo because I can go when I want and as fast as I want and where I want and i see it as my time, solo cycling gives me that sense of adventure that I wouldn't get from anything else! 👍😁
Ride solo, no headphones on, listen to the sounds around you and especially that ever increasing voice inside, playing on repeat: "Who the heck made me plan such a freaking long route?" And you, being the one who also answers: "myself". "What was on your mind?" "I have no clue, but now you gotta move on, sleeping in the bush no option, no"
My riding partner and closest friend died tragically last week. Good timing on the video, even though I can’t really see myself going for a ride any time soon. 😔
Rip to your friend. I don't think your friend would want you to stop cycling :) even if it's a short one, I would recommend you go cycling. It'll help the healing process. My best wishes to you
So sorry to hear this, Jan. This might help. “ *When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking.* ” _Sir Arthur Conan Doyle_
Thanks for the informative videos. After 40 years of riding a mountain bike I have just switched to a road bike at age 66. After flying a heavy bomber I am now flying a fighter jet! I haven’t had so much fun since I rode my Lambretta motor scooter nearly 50 years ago! Take care.
For many years i was member of a cycling club in Scotland and went on the Sunday group runs which I enjoyed - great bunch of people and always a cafe stop. The only drawback being either struggling to keep up or waiting for the slow ones at the top of hills depending on which group I rode with. I retired and move to Lincolnshire and only cycle solo now even thought there is club 10 miles away. I love the serenity of riding in a quiet county and in particular in the Wolds. I read an article some time ago that cycling for men is a form of meditation and I fully agree with that. A time be away from people and think.
As the spouse and benefactor of that variety of "meditator" on wheels--it is true, it works, lots of children, been married over 30 years, career great, spouse regularly can do 100 miles in 5 hours and the limbs all look like a dream still at age 54. 5 years --all to the good-- so keep solo riding! Half of the local bike club group riders even look "fit" so solo for at least most seems way to do it best.
Can you believe youtube censor lines came up for the middle part of this post!!!??? As the spouse and benefactor of that variety of "meditator" on wheels-it is true, it works, lots of children, been married over 30 years, career great, spouse regularly can do 100 miles in 5 hours and the limbs all look like a dream still at age 54. 5 years --all to the good- so keep solo riding! Half of the local bike club group riders even look "fit" so solo for at least most seems way to do it best.
I love riding solo, can go at your own pace, as fast as you want. And it's a kind of meditation for me after work and week-ends. It really helps me to be less stressed and feel happier.
I rode my first Century Ride solo last Saturday! 💯 I mostly like solo. I do a weekly 25 mile group ride every Wednesday. Group rides are great for longer distances, as long as the group isn’t overly competitive. When you get a rider with a big ego in the group, then I don’t really want to be a part of that. I already push myself. I don’t need someone else pushing for the sake of their own vanity. Also, solo rides I can listen to audiobooks, etc. So 75% solo rides, 25% group rides. 🙂
Maybe there in your group are just some who are more fit or experienced and hope to help others improve--or don't realize how bad off you are? Why the whiny comments...
I'm not anti-social I'm anti idiot! - Random t-shirt quote Me, some music and the road. I'll acknowledge others with a nod, wave etc. and help those who are stuck. Apart from that happy to go my own way at my own pace.
Thanks to all the advanced riders out there who ever gave me a tow, when they saw I was hopelessly overextended. I get caught out btwn groups and then pummeled by the wind sometimes.
I ride almost exclusively solo. I like the meditation. I like to work on my stats, pace and breathing without talking etc. I like the freedom to make changes, go further if I'm feeling particularly good that day. I did ride with someone once and they were quite a bit slower than me and it was work to ride that slowly. Of course, I could find someone more my speed and I do notice them on STRAVA after I get home and check the flybys but haven't made the connections for the time being, COVID and all. I have to say that I also quite enjoy the struggle of championing a hard ride alone, somewhat like solo sailing across the sea or something. The loneliness of it adds to the sense of accomplishment and grit.
I played volleyball, later badminton and right now at my 40 I am last 8 years in love to cycling of all kinds. Being solo is biggest advantage of that sport. Like today I woke up at 5 a.m. and did 3 hours ride before I went to office (where I am currently sleeping behind computer). But I really appreciate advantage that I don't need to persuade anyone to do that with me , to look for opponent or be scared each saturday morning, that my co-players in volleyball team were partying on friday till late night hours and they will miss our morning match, because they still sleep wasted..... Priceless!
The feeling of freedom when I'm out on my own makes me prefer riding solo. A great way to clear your head and relax. Planning when to ride and how far and making (a part) of the training as hard or easy as you like are side benefits :)
I am a solo rider. After sitting in front of a large screen monitor all day at work, I find solo riding relaxing & peaceful. Especially, since I live in the suburbs in Southern California.
Big fan of riding solo bc it's safer (you pay only attention on the road) and you can get a good workout in a shorter time, but it' nice once in a while to have an easy ride and a catch up with a friend while doing so
If you get hurt after going off the road into the bushes, a cycling buddy will likely get you medical help faster than leaving it up to the local woodchucks.
The ending with Manon making fun of Hank's high pitch mumbling was hilarious! I cant tell if the editors played with the audio; if not Manon managed to make a pretty cool harmony
I always loved riding solo since I purchased my first mtb last year. Its satisfity, peaceful, and fun. There is full of surprising and challenging roads along the way. You will discover beautiful scenery on your own. That is why I always prefer solo. 💚🙂
I love how we unconsciously reference "my parent's home" as "Live at home". Home will always be home even if you move out. That's nice and heartwarming.
Im a lone wolf. I like to decide everything my self, where to go, pace etc. Besides, when you're really in the hurt locker you dont want to listen to jokes anyway
I used to be part of cycling group until I moved home. Don't have anyone to cycle with now but fortunately I like going solo! It allows you to go at your own space and clear your head. I'll happily stop at a pub/café on my own too and get some fuel for the road.
Make use of the long miles to mentally reevaluate certain important chapters of your life. Solo riding clears my head like nothing else and I so often come up with completely new perspectives on events that always seemed to be set in stone up to that point.
I just went on a 57 km solo ride yesterday, and a lot of these tips really came in handy. That point about bringing a cell phone is crucial. I went on a route that was half familiar due to a group ride, but I decided to take a different route on the second half. Having Google Maps/GPS to see where I was was super useful, and I was able to get home in 3 hours. Took a few breaks, stopped for food and snacks, visited a local Uni, and snapped a few pictures. It was a good ride, even though I'm knackered today. Garmin says I need 72 hours recovery, so I've got 53 to go.
74 years young as a solo Electric Mountain bike rider I enjoy being on my own riding on a route I can change at my own pace. Since getting my Electric peddle assist mountain bike I can now enjoy the scenery and get back home not feeling worn out. I have cycled in a group and having leaders who know great routes is a big plus but it always starts to get into a faster pace. Very often the starting time is at 9am but having worked hard all my life I like to get up when I feel like. The groups seldom stop to take a photo and after a few runs the racers want to be the top dog to get to the coffee break. I have to admit I am not a competitive person my cycling has always been to get out into the countryside and enjoy it. I have been a cyclist for most of my life and used to go to work on one of the first mountain bikes to come into the country. The reason being that mountain bikes can take a lot of punishment and have less punctures so that makes the ideal for commuting. I dont subscribe to the latest fashion for wearing head to toe black Lycra as you cant be seen by other road users. Be right wear Bright is a much better option for any cyclist.
Great video - thanks GCN ! One additional difference when riding solo - you are a lot less visible to drivers, so be sure to have a retina-searing tail-light running at all times...
The whole plan your route thing is more of a Europe thing, i think. In the states, there's a lot of square roads. I can literally, just start riding straight towards the wind for a bit, turn twice and head back with the wind.
I’ve recently bought a fairly standard trek commuter bike second hand to use at uni and for fitness, and since coming across gcn I’ve learnt so much! Genuinely considering getting myself a road bike at some point in the far future lol. The community here is brilliant :)
I've riding alone Road, MTB and Gravel bikes for over 20 years, nothing new to me. Doing so, I start when I want, I rest when l want, I finish when l want. Riding solo will never disappoint me or anyone else. It's peaceful and l love it.
I used an old set of ear buds and just cut one half off so I had an ear open. I have some bone conduction headphones now but I'm yet to try them on a ride
@@yannyburger She's absolutely gorgeous! I'll buy her a plane ticket to go on a date with me here in southern California lol. The English accent makes it that much better lol
Because we couldn't believe they were actually serious with the title. What's next, "How to walk in the park by yourself"? It warms my heart to see that most of the people in the comments seem to ride solo. Just more confirmation that the bike "industry" has little idea what they're even talking about, or who their target audience is.
I ride solo most of the time there are things that you can enjoy in solo riding...the peace and reflections that you can have. Group ride are most ideal for enjoyment :) and trusting that they will help you or you can help them whatever happens on the ride :) keep it up GCN !!
I enjoy riding solo with my Garmin Edge. Starting when I want to, stopping when I feel like it, racing with my personal records. Never slowing anybody down, or pushing. Always have a full mobile phone, and an extra power bank just in case, spare tube and a compact air pump, and bring along some money. Riding with friends is nice from time to time, but the best training is when you are solo.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #1 НАЧАЛО ПУТЕШЕСТВИЯ [Новый сезон] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/380Q7gLWGvk/mqdefault.jpg)
Do you prefer riding solo or with a group? Let us know in the comments section below!
both!!
All fun and games until they push out 700w and you’re there on your mtb
Global Cycling Network both! Efficient exercise alone .. then for fun and pleasure in a group
Group when I need a *tow to get a KOM* , please! _Solo when it's my turn to buy the cake at the cafe stop_
I have noone to ride with lol
I ride solo most of the time because I'm too slow for the road cycle groups, and too fast for my family!
The struggles real 😎
How do you “forget your saddle bag” did you forget your bike as well?
Don’t plan a route, make it up as you go, it’s more fun
I feel you
@@cumbrianrider8903 I could see it happen if you have too many bikes and only one bag. 1st world problems really. :D
GCN - You should try a solo ride!
Me - Literally 95% of my rides already are solo 😐
Yea I only ride solo atm I did not like the riding schedual my local clubs had they where strange
Me... 99% of my ride are solo~
Stop peeping at my life !
Same bro same... Tho solo rides rooock
Me - 100% of my rides are solo
Group rides are fun, but solos are what I really love. I’m quite introverted, and that escape from the world where you can live in your own head and see what you are capable of is what drew me to the sport in the first place.
Well said!
Me too! It's just me and my mind... so peacefull :)
On a solo ride no one judges you.
Not even me = )
same here ☺️
I ride solo a lot as I find it extremely therapeutic, it gives me time to focus.
I'm a designer and getting out on my bike solo gives me a chance to problem solve with less distractions.
Me too, and I take my mobile to take photos. I used to commute 24 miles a day through London. I live somewhere rural now, so it's just leisure and I'm over 60. But lately my daughter and my niece from the Netherlands has been joining me. Even better.
I totally agree with you.
You merely adopted the solo ride. I was born with it, molded by it. I haven't had a group ride until this day.
OMG I never thouth a Dark Knight reference could make me laugh so hard 🤣🤣🤣
But then they were nothing to me but annoying
Say it with the BANE MASK 😷 💭
@@brianmessemer2973 Tell me about Bane, why does he wear the mask? (Proof that Covid-19 was developed by the League of Shadows?) 😆
Best comment yet 😂
I like Solo, it gives me a chance to clear my head and recharge my batteries.
This is the main reason I ride solo most of the time. It reduces stress and gives me time to clear my head.
Have you tried a 12 volt battery? Much better upgrade from your usual 9 volt.
"There's nothing wrong with stopping at a cafe on your own"... I didn't think there was until you said that! 🤣
Manon is a great addition to the GCN team.
Nice legs too!
Isnt she just divine
@@ronbell7920 I was thinking this. I wonder how old she is.
Cute as a button! She looks like she could be Alan Rickman's daugther :D
@@finmac5548 she's engaged too so these people are just weird
I do solo ride 100% all the time..
I found solitude in it..
Helps me to be at full awareness & think much better..
And i don’t have to wait nor chase someone..
I had enough social interaction on daily basis through work, hang out, etc..
So when i ride, i love do it solo..
I only ride solo, but I wave enthusiastic hellos to everyone!
Me too but fewer and fewer people wave back sadly !
@@marcdaniels9079 True! So many serious faces, borderline scowls sometimes. I just give a nod these days and 2x out of 10 get a nod back. Maybe it's just my area which is snobville.
Same! I am pretty new to cycling and wish more people waved back, gives me a nice boost on my rides
Ha ha. Try it on a trike! At least I get 100% return on waves. :)
Same for me...
I ridden solo for years, (58 now) it’s an escape from people, freedom and an your thoughts. So therapeutic, on the moors, in the hills it’s all yours. I understand some people need people, I don’t, never have never will. I’ve trained all over Europe on my own, it’s heaven.
Solo positives: No Hanks making jokes, taking group selfies, half-wheeling...
I ride sole about 30km everyday.
@@conglyhuynhcongly9939 How do the sole feel about that?
Clemens, was machst du denn hier? Kenne dich seit einigen Jahren. Fährst du Rennrad?
What is half-wheeling?
@@darkspeed62 where you let your front wheel overlap the person in front of you's rear wheel. It's frowned upon because if the person in front suddenly has to take evasive move in your direction (left or right) they'll likely slam into your wheel and cause you both to crash.
Why ride in group and talk to other people when I can ride solo and talk to the voices?
That’s deep
@@reshal916 for real
I hear voices in my head
Am totally with this! Time alone to let some of the monsters loose!
I ride solo because when there are other people around, the voices don't talk back.
I'm glad GCN recruited Mannon, she's funny :)
And cute.
@@darkspeed62 neither of these comments are true
@@darkspeed62 definitely would
And she presents things in fun and informative way, and she is cute
I thought she was Gal Gadot initially
Hank seems like the type of guy where he goes out solo, but when he finds someone else he takes their wheel and makes a new friend.
Haha - you're not wrong!
Solo for me. It gives me the chance to relax, even if my heart rate is about a 145 average. Also, I once read that solo cycling allows you to think of everything and nothing - just about sums it up nicely.
Here's a tip, don't overtake a group ride unless you want the ego maniacs of the group to be on your case for the next 4 miles
Happened today, I was going home and overtake a group. they chase me immediately and gave up on a few kilometers.
Yea I had a few ego manics who sprinted away from me as soon as I got close again
I typically catch groups on my solo rides and usually i pass them without contest, but occasionally there's some wanker who decides he's gonna be a hero (always a 'he' btw). In that case, it's always fun to slowly turn the screw harder and harder until he dies. :)
Unless it’s up hill and you are a good claimer
@@ghostBCH the key to overtaking a group is picking your spot. :)
99% of the time I ride solo, due to work schedules.. one tip to add.. depending on the time of day you ride.. ensure you have lights around you... motorists have a harder time seeing a solo than a group.. rear and front lights...! Always like your videos GCN great job..
Yes lights! get the brights, most obnoxious mega candlewatt flashing lights you can afford. And why just one headlight? I always run at least two, depending on the weather. And the modern usb lamps are not heavy compared to battery lights.
I prefer solo rides for so many reasons - 1. It's meditative, no distractions, no side talks. Just u and ur thoughts.
2. I can ride as per my plan and my schedule, which may not match with others
3. It makes me mentally stronger at the end of the day
0:34 Manon's smile is so adorable!!
I can not get my act together to ride with a group. I ride 95% of the time by myself and I love mulling over life looking at the scenery, is great. Would say, its always amazing when you have a mechanical how many other solo riders stop to help....and always say hello to their riders.
There can a lovely camaraderie within solo riders when there is a problem on a ride
True that. I always offer help to other riders who’ve had a puncture etc.
I remember when one person stopped to see if I needed help when I was re-indexing my gears by the side of the road. Lovely guy, said thanks and gave him a wave as I overtook him later on the trail.
Saying 'hi' to other riders is so important. In my local area there are unmarked boundaries where you know fellow cyclists will say hi - or not. I do it, regardless of how close (or over) I am to the rivet - manners don't cost money.
I agree with this. I've seen other riders out who always ask if I'm ok when I'm fixing a puncture, or even just having a gel.
I ride a lot by myself and I find it more relaxing. I can imagine i'm in the tour and try to go flat out up a climb without worrying if i'll get dropped later on in the ride. I find that going solo takes most of the other variables out of riding and is more for the pure enjoyment.
I never started cycling to ride with others. For me it’s about the feeling I get being on a bicycle. I’m happy to share that time if that works from time to time. But happier still when I get to explore on my own too.
I have friends who go cycle touring for a week at a time. I love them as people. But the idea of a week of endless silly chat on bicycles sounds aweful to me 😊
Agreed
It’s not because you ride with people that you have to talk to them 😉 I usually travel with a friend but we barely talk while riding
And serious chat is worse, very distracting.
Well there's riding in a group and there's bunch riding. I like the harmony of a bunch ride, love riding out with a group and chatting...
But for me the joy of riding solo means that inside my head I am beating Rohan Dennis on the flat, outclimbing Ritchie Porte on Willunga hill and outsprinting Caleb Ewan on the last 50 metres before the finish at home.
I'm 70 this year, so leave my rainbow dreams alone.
I ride solo almost daily in South Korea. You forgot to mention that when you ride solo, you can turn your ride into a "karaoke ride". You can blast your lungs off to your favorite tunes without annoying anyone.
Maybe on the downhills. Too busy breathing going up haha 👍
@@sakotodan It's where he lives.
sakotodan lol are you serious. You must be bored 😐
@@sakotodan relax man.
Not the best advice, I’d say. Riding through the countryside I already eat more insects than I actually like...
3:20
Hank: "that makes me sound like I live at home."
Me: "where else would you live?"
😂😂 At the GCN studio!! Maybe? No?
He didn't say that..
He meant to say it sounds like he still lives with his mom
I'd live with my parents if they lived in the house Hank shows us in his meet the presenter video!
RIding solo was how I explored my surroundings as a kid. And I think I did everything totally opposite of what you recommended. No map, no spares, no snacks, no plan. Just let the wheels take me wherever I felt like going. Oh, and we´re talking early 80s, a decade before mobile phones started becoming common. Nobody had a clue where I was, or even that I was on a bike ride.
Just like many users, I am subscribed to hundreds of channels on many topics of interest. By far, this is the most entertaining, most useful, most professional channel I came across for a hobby. Well-done GCN Team! We appreciate your efforts.
Long rides 100% Solo! And when I do decide to join a group it is just a confirmation of my reasons to go solo again.
indeed. the only reason to go in a group if you really wanna flog it and use each others windshadow.
Love GCN. But I couldn’t disagree more with planning a route. I always cycle alone and the best fun I’ve had is exploring new country roads and scenery with no plan.
With a GPS you can do both, plan a route, but go off route exploring. Then as often happens if your exploration starts to take a bit too far out you can just look down at your head unit and and follow the recalculated route back. It also has the advantage that you can look at your recorded ride and see where you went and include it in future rides. That's how I found out the little 20 km "gravel" trial that i've been riding since I was a kid is actually part of a huge trial network that links to the Trans Pennine Trail.
Capio That wouldn't work around here. Lots of roads just suddenly dead end and then you have to turn around and find another way, which may also dead end.
CSharp you live in a maze? 😂
Mbal 40 It feels like it sometimes. LOL
@@CanItAlready Same here. Maybe not completely dead end but often dead end for cyclists as traffic can get too dangerous all of a sudden without bike paths.
In the age of COVID, riding solo is all I do. But then again, I rode solo before COVID... so now that I think of it, that’s all I’ve done for decades. Additionally, I know exactly what I’m capable of on my own. Solitude and doing my own thing how I want is a beautiful gift.
I love solo riding. Peace, and quiet, alone in nature with my thoughts. It's a great destressor - - I can stop when I want - - and it makes me feel rested when I'm done.
Manon is the new catalyst for GCN :) Keep up the good work Manon and Team GCN!
Hoping for more "commuter" videos since other countries are now implementing/encouraging cycling as the new way of normal transpo :)
Some bits to add....
- coming up behind a walker, dog walker, cyclist just say hello or freewheel (if you have a loud free hub)
- always say hello in advanced when approaching a horse (just so the horse is aware of you)
- if you listen to music just wear one headphone (left side in the uk) and make sure you can easily mute or pause safely
- do the lifesaver check (quick look over the right shoulder) when approaching junctions or changing direction
- (optional) I tend to pull over when I know cars cannot past or sprint to the closest pull-in
Those are all very reasonable ideas and I am glad that I already do as you suggest :)
I have a bell on my bike. It’s something that everyone recognizes comes from a bike.
Yup and dont ring your bell it can freak horses out.
Some people join clubs because they are lonely and that's fair enough but I have people around me alot off the bike so I ride solo because I can go when I want and as fast as I want and where I want and i see it as my time, solo cycling gives me that sense of adventure that I wouldn't get from anything else! 👍😁
Ride solo, no headphones on, listen to the sounds around you and especially that ever increasing voice inside, playing on repeat: "Who the heck made me plan such a freaking long route?" And you, being the one who also answers: "myself". "What was on your mind?" "I have no clue, but now you gotta move on, sleeping in the bush no option, no"
My riding partner and closest friend died tragically last week. Good timing on the video, even though I can’t really see myself going for a ride any time soon. 😔
Rip to your friend. I don't think your friend would want you to stop cycling :) even if it's a short one, I would recommend you go cycling. It'll help the healing process.
My best wishes to you
So sorry to hear this, Jan. This might help. “ *When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking.* ”
_Sir Arthur Conan Doyle_
Sorry for your loss, Jan....
Rest in peace. Very sorry to hear it. Hopefully one day you will embrace riding again.
Sorry to hear. RIP to your pal
the way he flopped his phone around so flippantly while riding gave me anxiety
i was thinking the exact same thing!
And without a case!
Thanks for the informative videos. After 40 years of riding a mountain bike I have just switched to a road bike at age 66. After flying a heavy bomber I am now flying a fighter jet! I haven’t had so much fun since I rode my Lambretta motor scooter nearly 50 years ago! Take care.
I don't have friends so I ride alone 90% of the time.
Join a local club and you'll find some friends for life :-)
This is a reasonable reason
Good for you..
You’ll found solitude in it..
Don’t have to wait nor chase someone
We are two
@@hendipray1016 Exactly. That's what I like about riding alone.
Hank Solo.
HAHAHA Brilliant!
To be fair, Hank probably could make the Kessel run in less than 12 parsecs.
@@gcn Bravo GCN team! Stunning comment. haha! I'll be his Chewie!
@@gcn Who was the writer of that comment?
For many years i was member of a cycling club in Scotland and went on the Sunday group runs which I enjoyed - great bunch of people and always a cafe stop. The only drawback being either struggling to keep up or waiting for the slow ones at the top of hills depending on which group I rode with. I retired and move to Lincolnshire and only cycle solo now even thought there is club 10 miles away. I love the serenity of riding in a quiet county and in particular in the Wolds. I read an article some time ago that cycling for men is a form of meditation and I fully agree with that. A time be away from people and think.
As the spouse and benefactor of that variety of "meditator" on wheels--it is true, it works, lots of children, been married over 30 years, career great, spouse regularly can do 100 miles in 5 hours and the limbs all look like a dream still at age 54. 5 years --all to the good-- so keep solo riding! Half of the local bike club group riders even look "fit" so solo for at least most seems way to do it best.
Can you believe youtube censor lines came up for the middle part of this post!!!??? As the spouse and benefactor of that variety of "meditator" on wheels-it is true, it works, lots of children, been married over 30 years, career great, spouse regularly can do 100 miles in 5 hours and the limbs all look like a dream still at age 54. 5 years --all to the good- so keep solo riding! Half of the local bike club group riders even look "fit" so solo for at least most seems way to do it best.
and again!
I love riding solo, can go at your own pace, as fast as you want. And it's a kind of meditation for me after work and week-ends. It really helps me to be less stressed and feel happier.
I rode my first Century Ride solo last Saturday! 💯 I mostly like solo. I do a weekly 25 mile group ride every Wednesday. Group rides are great for longer distances, as long as the group isn’t overly competitive. When you get a rider with a big ego in the group, then I don’t really want to be a part of that. I already push myself. I don’t need someone else pushing for the sake of their own vanity. Also, solo rides I can listen to audiobooks, etc. So 75% solo rides, 25% group rides. 🙂
gefloigle I did my first century two weeks ago! 💯 Also solo, it was relaxing.
@@JanStrojil Yay! Well done! 👏👏
Maybe there in your group are just some who are more fit or experienced and hope to help others improve--or don't realize how bad off you are? Why the whiny comments...
"So if you need to stop
you can get something from a shop
and if it's a nice day
why not stop at a cafe"
Straight BARS from Manon!
MC Manon
I commute 17 hours a week, by bike. Riding solo. I like both presenters, but am a big fan of Manon. Her charm takes GCN to the next level.
I ride solo all the time. Not many people ride when I do. It clears your mind. I love it.
GCN acting like I have loved ones
I only ride solo; seeing groups ride by only reinforces my love of solo riding. Their constant chatter drives me bonkers! It’s like a moving henhouse!
It is encouraging to see women giving advice for cycling. I am a most of the time I see guys giving cycling advice.
I’m an antisocial bastard so this suits me fine
Ditto.
Yep
I'm not anti-social I'm anti idiot!
- Random t-shirt quote
Me, some music and the road. I'll acknowledge others with a nod, wave etc. and help those who are stuck. Apart from that happy to go my own way at my own pace.
Same here! Do you want to not ride with me?
Me too. Can we ride together separately?
How to ride solo? Get dropped or just half wheel easy!
HA that's me!
Why is half wheeling so annoying? I dont see anything wrong with it. Can someone pls explain?
We're not sure half wheeling counts!
What is half wheeling?
@@engineergaming4295
I looked up what half wheeling means.
It's when a unicyclist crashes and needs to ride the broken thing home.
I like to ride in a *Group when I need a tow to get a KOM* ! Solo when it's my turn to buy the cake at the cafe stop
Good thinking! Best of both worlds!
Lol... cheeky.
@@ocubex Haha! Cheap Cafe and KOMs... Perfect haha
Thanks to all the advanced riders out there who ever gave me a tow, when they saw I was hopelessly overextended. I get caught out btwn groups and then pummeled by the wind sometimes.
renegadetenor this is good to hear. Keep at it and you’ll be towing someone that needs some help one day soon 👍👍👍
I prefer riding solo. Your comments are spot on.
the GCN Dynamic duo! Love these two together!
Love solo riding...and ALWAYS carry some ID! :)
0:33 ohh... Cute Manon..
I ride almost exclusively solo. I like the meditation. I like to work on my stats, pace and breathing without talking etc. I like the freedom to make changes, go further if I'm feeling particularly good that day. I did ride with someone once and they were quite a bit slower than me and it was work to ride that slowly. Of course, I could find someone more my speed and I do notice them on STRAVA after I get home and check the flybys but haven't made the connections for the time being, COVID and all. I have to say that I also quite enjoy the struggle of championing a hard ride alone, somewhat like solo sailing across the sea or something. The loneliness of it adds to the sense of accomplishment and grit.
I played volleyball, later badminton and right now at my 40 I am last 8 years in love to cycling of all kinds. Being solo is biggest advantage of that sport. Like today I woke up at 5 a.m. and did 3 hours ride before I went to office (where I am currently sleeping behind computer). But I really appreciate advantage that I don't need to persuade anyone to do that with me , to look for opponent or be scared each saturday morning, that my co-players in volleyball team were partying on friday till late night hours and they will miss our morning match, because they still sleep wasted..... Priceless!
The feeling of freedom when I'm out on my own makes me prefer riding solo. A great way to clear your head and relax. Planning when to ride and how far and making (a part) of the training as hard or easy as you like are side benefits :)
And you can make your OWN decision on which coffee stop you want to go to!
I have to know what made Manon laugh when she was thumbing for a lift....
Always solo for me. Set my own pace, my own route, my own schedule. No music, no chatting, just time to think (or not) and enjoy the ride.
I am a solo rider. After sitting in front of a large screen monitor all day at work, I find solo riding relaxing & peaceful. Especially, since I live in the suburbs in Southern California.
I love living life on the edge, I ride solo without spares, pump or tools. I just bring my phone so i can call uber
Me too..
Same with me. I also am not able to repair anything since I find that annoying and unnecessary
Big man
Ditto for me.
Big fan of riding solo bc it's safer (you pay only attention on the road) and you can get a good workout in a shorter time, but it' nice once in a while to have an easy ride and a catch up with a friend while doing so
If you get hurt after going off the road into the bushes, a cycling buddy will likely get you medical help faster than leaving it up to the local woodchucks.
Completely agree. Things are so much simpler on a solo... No logistics... No bs. Bit I do love a good social to the pub 😀
The ending with Manon making fun of Hank's high pitch mumbling was hilarious! I cant tell if the editors played with the audio; if not Manon managed to make a pretty cool harmony
I always loved riding solo since I purchased my first mtb last year. Its satisfity, peaceful, and fun. There is full of surprising and challenging roads along the way. You will discover beautiful scenery on your own. That is why I always prefer solo. 💚🙂
I love how we unconsciously reference "my parent's home" as "Live at home". Home will always be home even if you move out. That's nice and heartwarming.
Im a lone wolf. I like to decide everything my self, where to go, pace etc. Besides, when you're really in the hurt locker you dont want to listen to jokes anyway
Nothing like a solo century. So rewarding
I used to be part of cycling group until I moved home. Don't have anyone to cycle with now but fortunately I like going solo! It allows you to go at your own space and clear your head. I'll happily stop at a pub/café on my own too and get some fuel for the road.
100% solo, it's a break from er..people
Make use of the long miles to mentally reevaluate certain important chapters of your life. Solo riding clears my head like nothing else and I so often come up with completely new perspectives on events that always seemed to be set in stone up to that point.
Yes, it's good for thinking. Mowing the lawn can be like that. Mankind has to zone.
I’ve always carried an extra master chain link. Saved two people’s vacations by packing them. Fun video guys, Thanks!
I think I come here for the humor and the 24k gold information!! Thanks guys! Lol 😉😁👍🏾
I thought I was an endangered specie, but seems the vast majority here rides solo. Me 99% solo.
best outro ever
The two of them have a great chemestry as presenters
@@cesarcardozo6551 Which is what makes gcn special, THE PRESENTERS,
I just went on a 57 km solo ride yesterday, and a lot of these tips really came in handy. That point about bringing a cell phone is crucial. I went on a route that was half familiar due to a group ride, but I decided to take a different route on the second half. Having Google Maps/GPS to see where I was was super useful, and I was able to get home in 3 hours. Took a few breaks, stopped for food and snacks, visited a local Uni, and snapped a few pictures. It was a good ride, even though I'm knackered today. Garmin says I need 72 hours recovery, so I've got 53 to go.
74 years young as a solo Electric Mountain bike rider I enjoy being on my own riding on a route I can change at my own pace. Since getting my Electric peddle assist mountain bike I can now enjoy the scenery and get back home not feeling worn out. I have cycled in a group and having leaders who know great routes is a big plus but it always starts to get into a faster pace. Very often the starting time is at 9am but having worked hard all my life I like to get up when I feel like. The groups seldom stop to take a photo and after a few runs the racers want to be the top dog to get to the coffee break. I have to admit I am not a competitive person my cycling has always been to get out into the countryside and enjoy it. I have been a cyclist for most of my life and used to go to work on one of the first mountain bikes to come into the country. The reason being that mountain bikes can take a lot of punishment and have less punctures so that makes the ideal for commuting. I dont subscribe to the latest fashion for wearing head to toe black Lycra as you cant be seen by other road users. Be right wear Bright is a much better option for any cyclist.
Great video - thanks GCN ! One additional difference when riding solo - you are a lot less visible to drivers, so be sure to have a retina-searing tail-light running at all times...
Haha quite poetic a description of a tail-light, but valuable advice indeed.
Be right wear Bright.
The whole plan your route thing is more of a Europe thing, i think. In the states, there's a lot of square roads. I can literally, just start riding straight towards the wind for a bit, turn twice and head back with the wind.
I like riding Solo and with a group! Both have their advantages and disadvantages......But both are fun....
I’ve recently bought a fairly standard trek commuter bike second hand to use at uni and for fitness, and since coming across gcn I’ve learnt so much! Genuinely considering getting myself a road bike at some point in the far future lol. The community here is brilliant :)
Solo riding for me, someone always laughs at my jokes when I ride solo
Have a nice day random person scrolling down the comments.
Спасибо,братан
Thank you. You too.
Back atcha!
Same to you!
thank you, yo're a nice person
Always ready ready for solo ride, bring Spare tube, mini pump, multi tool, even "missing link" if my chain break
I've riding alone Road, MTB and Gravel bikes for over 20 years, nothing new to me. Doing so, I start when I want, I rest when l want, I finish when l want. Riding solo will never disappoint me or anyone else. It's peaceful and l love it.
Riding solo I can listen to my Spotify through my earbuds.
Not a good idea at all on public roads
Stay safe!
I used an old set of ear buds and just cut one half off so I had an ear open. I have some bone conduction headphones now but I'm yet to try them on a ride
Stop and admire the views says Manon. 'Sheep' she cried, 'sheep!' Well, she is Welsh, what else would you expect?
I was too busy admiring Manon xD
@@Silidons91 she is a cutie ain't she?
Ah so what. Whenever I ride by a herd of cows I say Moo. Just saying hi to the locals. Is the polite thing to do.
@@yannyburger She's absolutely gorgeous! I'll buy her a plane ticket to go on a date with me here in southern California lol. The English accent makes it that much better lol
@@Silidons91 Welsh accent!
Loved the new jerseys! It's also
nice to see lots of green scenery.
Riding both ways with a good balance looks just right for me!
They’re a good pair these two!
Many of the comments are from people who mostly ride solo, me included. So why did we watch this video?
Because we couldn't believe they were actually serious with the title.
What's next, "How to walk in the park by yourself"?
It warms my heart to see that most of the people in the comments seem to ride solo. Just more confirmation that the bike "industry" has little idea what they're even talking about, or who their target audience is.
Because we don't have any friends to talk it through with obviously!
we're desperately in denial about being a part of the main GCN target demographic.
3:40 Shop and stop. Day and café. Nice rhyme.
I ride solo most of the time there are things that you can enjoy in solo riding...the peace and reflections that you can have. Group ride are most ideal for enjoyment :) and trusting that they will help you or you can help them whatever happens on the ride :) keep it up GCN !!
Cheers Frederico
Other things I carry on my long rides alone: mini first aid kit, tiny bottle of sunscreen, mask/hand sanitizer (thanks 2020)
On steep descents involving kamikaze possums, remember: please scream inside your heart.
"when your on your own, your on your own, you're relying on yourself..." - 2020
I actually really enjoyed yeh last 30second when you were just talking and having fun, more please!
I enjoy riding solo with my Garmin Edge. Starting when I want to, stopping when I feel like it, racing with my personal records. Never slowing anybody down, or pushing. Always have a full mobile phone, and an extra power bank just in case, spare tube and a compact air pump, and bring along some money. Riding with friends is nice from time to time, but the best training is when you are solo.