There’s a special kind of freedom that comes from riding solo. It’s just you, your bike, and the open road. You set the pace, choose the route, and stop whenever you feel like it.
But let’s be honest, heading out alone can feel a bit daunting.
When you’re the only one out there, you’re also the team captain, lead mechanic, and medic all rolled into one.
The goal is simple: make it home safely. With a bit of prep, you can make sure every solo ride is as safe as it is epic.
1. Map Your Mission
You have the freedom to explore, but start smart. If you’re new to solo riding, pick a route you know well or one that stays relatively close to populated areas. There’s no shame in having a bailout option.
Upload your route to your GPS device. Getting lost is a lot less fun when there’s no one around to argue with about which way to turn.
Most importantly, tell someone your plan. Let a friend or family member know your exact route and your estimated time back. A simple text can be a lifesaver.
2. Pack for Self-Reliance
When you ride solo, you are your own support vehicle. You can’t borrow a tube or a tool from a buddy, so you have to carry everything yourself. Being prepared is the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major ordeal.
Your saddle bag and/or pockets should be your toolbox. At a minimum, you need two spare tubes, tire levers, and a pump or CO2 inflator. A good multi tool with a chain breaker is also essential, along with a spare quick link for your chain.
💡 Even if you’re running tubeless tires, bring at least one spare tube. Tubeless tires are tough, but they aren’t invincible to punctures!
Beyond tools, think about personal items. Carry your ID, a credit card, and some cash. You never know when you’ll need to buy an extra bottle of water or a snack to get you home. A small first aid kit isn’t a bad idea either.
For shorter rides, you need the following tools at minimum:
- pump or Co2 inflator
- 1x spare tube
- tire levers
- multi-tool
- cash and card
- ID
3. Know Your Machine
All the tools in the world won’t help you if you don’t know how to use them. Being your own mechanic is a skill you have to learn before you need it. The side of a remote road is a terrible classroom.
Practice at home. Seriously. Learn how to change a flat tire until you can do it with your eyes closed. Figure out how to put a dropped chain back on. Understand the basic functions of your multi tool.
💡 Watching a few YouTube tutorials in the comfort of your living room is far better than trying to figure it out while covered in grease and frustration. A little practice builds a lot of confidence.
4. Stay Connected
Your smartphone is your lifeline. Make sure it’s fully charged before you head out the door. If you’re planning an epic all day adventure, bring a small power bank.
Use technology to your advantage for peace of mind, both for you and for the people who care about you. Apps like Strava have a Beacon feature that lets selected contacts track you in real time. Garmin and Wahoo head units have similar live tracking functions.
Even simpler options work. You can share your location through Google Maps or Apple’s Find My app. If you ride in areas with spotty cell service, consider a dedicated satellite tracker like a Garmin inReach.
5. Fuel the Engine
When you ride in a group, you can draft and conserve energy. When you’re alone, it’s all you. Your energy output is higher, which means your nutrition and hydration strategy has to be dialed in.
Bonking is bad enough with friends around. Bonking alone, miles from home, is a whole other level of misery. You absolutely must stay on top of your fueling.
- Eat something small every 30 to 45 minutes.
- Drink water consistently.
- On hot days or long rides, add electrolytes to your bottles to replace the salts you lose through sweat.
- Don’t wait until you’re hungry or thirsty because by then, it’s already too late.
6. Be Seen, Be Aware
A solo cyclist is a lot harder for a driver to spot than a whole group. Your top priority should be making yourself as visible as possible.
Use lights. Day and night, front and rear. Modern daytime running lights are incredibly effective at grabbing a driver’s attention from a distance. Don’t leave home without them.
Wear bright, high visibility clothing. Think neon yellows, pinks, and oranges. Reflective details on your helmet, shoes, and bike frame add another layer of safety, especially in low light conditions.
Finally, stay alert. This means no headphones. You need to be able to hear cars, other cyclists, or anything else happening around you. Your ears are one of your best safety tools.
7. Pace Yourself Wisely
You have the freedom to push yourself, but you also have to be smart about it. There’s no one to pull you home if you burn all your matches in the first hour.
Ride conservatively, especially on long routes. Use a heart rate monitor or power meter to keep your effort in a sustainable zone. The goal is to finish the ride strong, not to win a race against yourself that ends 20 miles from your front door.
This also applies to your handling of the bike. Save the daredevil descending for a day when you have a friend with you. Technical sections and high speed corners carry more risk when you’re on your own.
8. Own Your Ride
One of the greatest joys of riding solo is the complete freedom it offers. You can stop whenever you want, for whatever reason you want.
See a cool viewpoint? Stop and take a picture. Feel like having a coffee? Find a cafe and enjoy it without worrying about holding anyone up. This is your time.
Use this freedom to explore and just appreciate being on your bike. Solo rides are a chance to clear your head and connect with your surroundings. Embrace the quiet and enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
Have We Missed Anything?
And that’s it – you’re good to go for your solo effort. Remember the essentials above and you should be alright.
As the old saying goes “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail”.
Did we miss anything? Do you do anything differently?
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