Solo or Group Mountain Biking: Which Is Right for You?

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There’s more than one way to mountain bike. Solo riders swear by the convenience and freedom of hitting the trail alone, while groups preach the benefits of mountain bike training and riding together. So, which is right for you? 

Explore the pros and cons of solo vs. group mountain biking to find your preferred style.

Solo Mountain Biking

Pros:

  • Privacy: Other than hiking, mountain biking alone is one of the only ways to be yourself in nature, especially when you live in an urban or suburban environment. You can easily pedal away from people if you need time to yourself, giving you the freedom to do whatever you like as long as you obey the park rules.
  • Autonomy: There’s no one to hold you back when it’s just you, your bike and nature. You can explore any trail you want, experiment with different types of terrain and go at your own pace, however fast or slow. 

Cons:

  • Less Help: There won’t be anyone to help you if you get lost or get into an accident. You might have trouble addressing the wound after a scrape or fall, making it nearly impossible to ride. You also won’t have anyone to monitor the trail for obstacles and rough terrain, forcing you to trust your instincts.
  • More Danger: Overall, riding solo raises the stakes. You have to depend on yourself for everything, including navigation, first aid and repairs. Pack plenty of supplies and repair to weather anything that comes your way. If you run into trouble, you need to be able to call for help instead of waiting for another cyclist to appear.

Group Mountain Biking

Pros:

  • Seamless Communication: Group mountain biking is more social than ever! You can use Bluetooth bike helmets to connect to your companions wirelessly while you ride. The compact receiver mounts onto your helmet without obstructing your view or changing the fit. Just speak into the device to strike up a conversation. No more hand signals or shouting over nature. Use this time to strengthen relationships, build intimacy and make new friends. 
  • Group Navigation: Having other people around helps you see more of your surroundings. The group can use their combined senses to observe the terrain, watch for obstacles and check their location on the map, so you don’t have to do everything yourself. It’s easy to miss critical details, turns and signs that can put you on the wrong course when you’re trying to appreciate the view. 

  • Expand Your Knowledge: There’s a story behind every trail and park. Riding in a group gives you access to troves of information you would otherwise miss. Your fellow riders can share tips and knowledge to help you improve your skills. They will also highlight interesting facts about the environment, local plants and wildlife to enhance the experience. If you pedal by without a second thought, you never know what you might miss.

Cons: 

  • Hive Mentality: Riding with others asks you to respect their needs and concerns. The majority rules, and you should honor the group’s wishes even if they go against your preferences. Everyone has different expectations, so you will need to make time for discussion when navigating and choosing your itinerary. Experts say making these mountain biking faux pas could damage your reputation among your peers.

How Should You Ride? 4 Factors to Consider

  • Experience

You should ride in a group for the first few months until you get your bearings. Practice stopping, jumping and taking tight turns. It’s also best to traverse a new trail with another person, ideally someone who’s done it before, before riding it alone. 

  • Social Skills

Some riders have trouble conversing while standing still, let alone while riding. If you are more of an introvert, you may find group riding a bit overwhelming. Politely tell your peers you need to concentrate if the dialogue is a distraction.

Interest in mountain biking has skyrocketed over the last 10 years, so you should be able to find other riders who share your preferences and riding style. 

  • Trail Conditions

Rough weather and poor conditions increase the risks of riding alone. Excess water, mud, snow and ice reduce traction. Reduced visibility also makes it harder for the authorities to find you in an emergency. Check with the park rangers or trail owners to see if riding alone or in a group is safe.

  • Supplies

Imagine the worst-case scenario: getting stranded in the middle of the wilderness and having to figure out what you will do next. You should only ride solo if you have a detailed map of the area, a working radio, flares, a compass and repair tools to fix your bike on the fly. If you can’t ride, bring enough food and water to get home safely. 

Mountain biking is often more fun in a group, but some people perform better on the trail alone. Going solo also helps you clear your mind and immerse yourself in nature. However, group riding provides more peace of mind and can be your ticket to lifelong friendships. Weigh these pros and cons to maximize your time on the trail.