|   Anyone have arguments for biking alone? | pluto
May 19, 2002 12:34 PM | | My parents won't let me mountain bike alone anymore (Since I got a concussion in a freak accident , yes I had a helmet on). Anyone have good arguments/ statistics/ or strategies to convince them that it is safe to bike alone?
I can't stand having to be primarily a roadie. |
| "Freak" accident? | Chester
May 19, 2002 12:43 PM | | Tell us the details of your accident, and why you consider it a "freak" accident. Perhaps your parents don't think it was such a unusual event and that you might repeat it.
Do you bike on well traveled trails, or ones where only 2 or 3 people ride by each day?
Chester |
| Biking alone.................. | Mike T.
May 19, 2002 12:55 PM | | .....especially mountainbiking off the beaten track is a risk even though it's a good risk (usually) and one that is taken (by most people) frequently. After all, how many rides do we go on that we are thankful we had another person along and that our survival depened on that person?
But, it has to be a concern. During times of heavy blood loss or hypothermia an extra person(s) would make the difference between survival and no survival.
I myself was knocked out cold on one 8pm ride (in the bush) and woke up 90 minutes later in the emergency ward with my bike buddies and saviors (not to mention wife & doctors) standing over me. Another time while completely alone I came this close to losing an eye and had to ride 5 miles home using just the other one.
So your parent's concern is valid and all the cellphones in the world won't dial them if you can't push the buttons. But on the other hand, life itself is a gamble.
This being said, I always leave a flight plan and an estimated time of return when I'm mountainbiking alone plus I wear I.D. around my neck along with a whistle (I can blow it longer and louder than I can shout). |
| whistle | heloise
May 19, 2002 6:39 PM | | Interesting that you mention the whistle. I "always" carry one. Olde-skool backpacker tip. Surprised that more mtbers haven't caught on. "Three short blasts" my daddy taught me. Useful even when your cell-phone is kaput. |
| Aren't there any groups that ride in your area? | Applejuice
May 19, 2002 1:02 PM | | Your parents, as parents, will always worry about you. However, since you suffered a concussion (despite wearing a helmet), they are even more concerned. I would be, too. That's a very serious accident, especially since one concussion makes you more susceptible to a second one if you should suffer another severe impact.
It's not that I don't understand your position. I experienced a serious injury in October. I was riding fast and somehow got distracted. I didn't make the turn and crashed hard. But the thing is, here in Arizona, it's all rock. By the time I got up, my glove was already soaked with blood. It was pouring down my arm. If it hadn't been for another rider who drove me to the hospital, I would have been in very serious trouble.
I carry a cell phone and I recommend you do the same. It's peace of mind for you but also for other riders if you come across someone who is badly injured.
There are so many cyclists that I find it hard to believe you can't meet anyone. Have you tried asking at a few of your LBS? Or posting on this site?
The chances of another 'freak accident' are slim. I rode for years without a major accident. But I was so glad that someone else was there when I got hurt. It's a scary feeling to be lying on the ground and knowing that you are hurt bad. You just don't know how bad yet.
Anyway, that's my humble opinion. |
| I bike alone 100% of the time and one time... | PC1
May 19, 2002 3:04 PM | | I had a run in with a deer. It darted out onto the trail while I was getting a rush on a downhill section. The deer flung its rear end around to hang a u-turn and slammed me with its hindquarters. This is a trail that is seldom used during the week because it's way out of town. I might see one other cyclist there midweek once a month. I felt like my ribs were broken and had a very tough time getting out of there and in my car. If the deer had done serious damage to me I would've been laying there till Mr. Ranger did his parking lot check at sunset. I still ride alone, but everytime I hear a freakin' squirrel rustle the leaves trailside I hit the brakes. Your parents have a valid concern. Call your LBS's and find out if they sponsor group rides. If they fit into your schedule go for it. I wish my schedule allowed me to do group rides some of the time. I think I'd learn a lot of things I don't know now.
PC1 |
| Yes, | KRob
May 19, 2002 8:57 PM | | I do. It takes a lot less time to ride alone. Not having to hook up with someone, or waiting for them, etc. You cover a lot more ground and get a lot more riding in a shorter period of time. With work and family obligations this is a big one for me. You don't have to worry about anyone else getting hurt or breaking down. It's just you.
But I agree with the others, you should take some safety precautions. Take a well-known route, let someone know where you're going and when you'll be back, and stick to your plan. Riding alone prolly isn't the time to do a lot of exploring unknown trails and backcountry. And definitely be prepared for the worst case scenario. Take water, tools, a spare tube, patch kit, pump, some first aid stuff, possibly extra clothes like a light jacket, cellphone, whistle, etc. And use common sense.
Riding with a group or a partner, is great fun and I like that too, put there's just not many people where I live who mtb. The solitude and freedom I find riding solo is a great release from the everyday stresses and concerns of life. Ride on. |
| | Raven
May 19, 2002 11:33 PM | | It shouldn't be that hard to convince them that riding a bike on a dirt road with no cars can be a lot safer than on the street but what you need to do is make them believe that you are going to be responsible enough to judge these situations and act in a safe manner. When I ride alone in areas where there aren't many other riders I go a lot slower and focus more on just enjoying the great outdoors. Telling them that the concussion was a freak accident, even if it was, may have been a mistake because that implies that it could happen on any ride. You might have better luck if you act like the concussion really scared you and that in the future you are going to ride more cautiously. Mentioning that you are planning on being less aggressive on group rides as well might make your case more convincing because it wil make it seem more genuine and less like you're just trying to convince them to let you ride alone. |
| re: Anyone have arguments for biking alone? | JTC
May 20, 2002 7:13 AM | | As with everyone else, you have to be prepared and use common sense. I got into cycling when I began commuting to college. That pretty much put me in the riding alone catagory. I mostly ride alone in the mountains too.
In nine years I've only had two serious crashes. One was a freak accident (as you mentioned), where I blew both tires in a corner (which launched me). I crushed my wrist and ripped open my chin. I had to ride two miles on two flats with one arm and bleeding like a sive.
One thing I usually do is tell my wife where I'm going and about how long I'll be. That way if you get seriously jacked, you won't be out there too long. I would tell the same person each time you ride (if possible) so you both develop a habit of checking in. That way you don't get forgotten (also don't tell your parents the horror stories, that won't help!).
Best of luck. |
| Pros n cons | Chan
May 20, 2002 10:26 AM | | Well I bike alone most of the time and thats one of the things I love about biking: you dont need anybody else. Not like other sports that require a partner. A couple of months ago I had to visit one of my biking budies that had an accident while biking alone. He cant remember a single thing, what we know is that someone took him to the hospital. I think that if you bike alone you cant go as hard as if you had someone that will help you out if something happens. You cant just sit and wait until somebody else wakes up right? |
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