Cycling is a great form of exercise. Not only can it be varied in intensity, making it ideal for different fitness levels, but it can also be used as a mode of transport to get from one place to another. Cycling also has a range of benefits for both physical and mental health.
All this makes bike riding perfect for anyone who is looking to get in shape or take up an active hobby for the new year. Cycling is also one of the few sports that can be done solo or with others. So just what are the pros and cons of biking by yourself vs in a group?
The Pros and Cons of Riding Alone
Cycling alone puts you fully in the driving – or riding – seat. You’re in charge of when and where you go, allowing you to tailor the distance and pace to your abilities and how you’re feeling on the day.
On the flip side, some of the advantages of riding solo can quickly become drawbacks. If you’re the one who decides how far you cycle and how fast, what happens if you lack motivation or confidence? Without anyone else to keep you accountable, it can be all too tempting to take the easy route or cut your ride short.
Depending on your personality, you may also find biking alone to be boring or lonely, and depending on where you cycle, there could also be safety concerns around biking solo.
The Pros And Cons Of Group Rides
Group rides are an excellent way to stay active and improve your cycling skills, as well as meet and get to know other cyclists. This can do wonders for your mental health and help to create a thriving social circle around your new-found hobby.
There are all kinds of cycling groups available, depending on your skill level, how often you want to ride, and how far afield you’re willing to go. From local groups that meet for a weekly ride to organised bike tours in Europe that enable you to see the world with your fellow cyclists.
Group rides can encourage you to vary your usual cycling routes and to push yourself outside of your comfort zone, which can have great results for your fitness and cycling abilities.
There can be downsides to biking as a group, however. You may find it difficult to find a group whose meeting times and ethos suit your own, and if your abilities don’t quite match those of the wider group, you could find yourself either growing frustrated and impatient or falling behind and struggling to keep up with the pace.
Conclusion
One of the many fantastic things about biking is that it can be enjoyed alone or with others, and whether or not you choose to ride solo or as part of a group is an entirely personal choice. Many cyclists opt for a mix of both, riding alone at times, and joining group rides at others.
