Biking Alone – Pros and Cons

It Is Only When Travelling Alone That You Get to Meet Yourself – Anonymous

Colosboa Hills - Cuyapo Nueva Ecija

As coronavirus changed the world, it indeed changed everything. Lockdowns, quarantine, work from home, social distancing, and every single step to prevent the spread of coronavirus means one thing – you must avoid the crowd.

Luckily, outdoor activities like running and cycling were allowed. So here we go!

Cycling is a group and a solo activity. Some might prefer to ride in groups while some prefer to ride alone. This gives them the freedom to enjoy the open road without the pressure of being left behind by their group members. But what are the pros and cons of riding alone?

Pros

You Set Your Pace

When you ride alone, you set your own pace. You can stop whenever you want and rest or just keep on riding until you are tired. You don’t have to wait for slower companions or push yourself to avoid being left alone.

More Flexibility

This is one of the reasons why I love doing long rides on my own. I can stop and take pictures whenever I want. Also, I can change or deviate from my original plan whenever the need arises. I can change directions and time frame because I have no one to consider but myself.

You Can Easily Move in Traffic

Since you are cycling alone, you just have to find narrow spaces and pathways to get thru the traffic. This is a bit difficult if you are riding with a team as you need to wait for others before proceeding (to avoid leaving some members behind).

 You Feel No Pressure

Regardless of who you are with, you wouldn’t want to be the one slowing the group down. With this in mind, you might end up struggling, keeping the pace, salvaging your ego. Of course, some say it is okay to be slow, they will definitely wait for you!

This looks like a good spot so
 I stopped and took a snap!

Cons

You Can Limit Yourself

Without challenge or people stay up with, you might end up having the same pace from all of your rides. One of the positive effects of cycling with a group is that you can push yourself to catch up with them, trying to ride faster than the others.

You Don’t Experience Slipstream

Slipstream is when someone moves the air from your direct path. When you are riding with others and they are in front of you, they create slipstream, making it easier for you to move faster. In a team race, they assign certain people to lead the pack, not just to ensure that their pace is consistent but also to take that initial air force.

Who Will Watch Your Back?

The biggest fear of bikers when riding alone is the fact that no one is there to watch their back. What if something happened to your bike or got a flat tire? What if you can’t do simple bike repairs? Of course, you have to be prepared for these things before riding out but sometimes, ‘shit happens’ and it can be bad if you are alone.

Do I Ride Alone?

Yes, I do. Since biking as an outdoor activity was allowed after the strictest lockdowns, cycling became a great way for me to endure the on-going quarantine. It is a great way to pass the time, good for my health, a great way to keep my weight, and a way to meet new friends and visit different places.

A snap from my 2020 year-end ride

To check some of my rides, click here.