I used to ride on my own, as there was no choice. I didn't know any other cyclists and had to ride when my children were at school. No babysitters. Cycling made me happy, it was 'mine', and kept my mental health in order. I did it as much as possible.
Then Crusty came along and I realised how much more fun it was, to have a compatible companion on the road.
Other people came into our lives and we discovered the joy of cycling with pals, on Enid Blyton-esque adventures, with cake and ginger beer and mysteries to solve.
I started to work shifts, and most of my days off are during the week. There's no-one to play with so I have to cycle on my own. It's too easy to procrastinate, and very often I end up not riding at all. A shame, because once I get out there I reap the same benefits, of peace and freedom, that were the things I loved in the beginning. Ah well.
It looks like it's going to pour down today. If I'd arranged to meet someone for a ride I'd have gone regardless, but I know I won't be going for a ride today on my own.