Find a Cycling Partner
Cycling is a very engaging activity, and as more people cycle for transport as well as fitness, the sport is growing. Many people most enjoy cycling with a partner for mental support and human interaction. Finding a cycling partner can take time, but the rewards are great.
Steps
By Word of Mouth
- Talk with other people. If you never let people know who is under the helmet (when you are not riding), they will never know that you find joy cycling. You have to let yourself be known as a cyclist if you want to find someone who would be willing to ride with you. Chances are, you may find that others are willing to get you in touch with others who are also looking for a partner to ride with.
- Interest people in cycling. New cyclists are always hitting the roads, and many more want to. By talking with people about cycling, you may just find that they also want to go out cycling, and they would be more than willing to ride with you. Talk about how much better you have been doing since you have been taking bike rides, and capture their interest. More than likely, you will interest someone enough to where you can move on foward, and invite them to go out riding.
- Find out if any of your family rides. Cycling can be great bonding time, you can cycle with a family member you wouldn't otherwise spends time with. Be prepared to motivate each other, and remember your limitations. If you choose to go on a father-son ride, remember your father may not be able to do 25 miles on the first round, and vice versa. Train up to a level which both of you are happy, and where it is an enjoyable time for both people.
- Look amongst your circle of friends for a cycling partner. Cycling with a partner can bring friends closer together. Friends can be great people to ride with, as you can spend more time together. Convince them by saying things like, "Oh, you will get more exercise while spending time with friends!" be sure to put a positive spin on it, and counteract the negative aspects they may have in their mind.
- Talk to cyclists you pass by. Every cyclist will get a flat tire sometime during their life. As a general rule-of-thumb, you should stop and help them fix their bicycle. Then would be a great time to ask about joining them in the future. While you help, just casually remark, "Hey, I noticed you are cycling alone. I could ride with you for the rest of your ride, if you want." If they agree, then do as you say. When one of you has to part, don't forget to ask if the person you helped if they want to ride with you in the future.
- Talk to other cyclists in cycling clubs in your area. Cycling clubs generally contain cyclists exclusively, which serves as a great resource to find a partner. By going to local clubs, you not only relate with other people who have the same passion, but you meet with people who also cycle in your area. This social setting is great for finding people, and all you have to do is ask.
Looking Online
- Find a website that offers to find a cycling partner. Websites like CyclingBuddy pair up cyclists so you have company when you ride. Using a website will offer a wide variety of people who have different endurance, speed and ride lengths. The other users are also looking for cyclists to ride with, so you will not be the only one.
- Use the website to get in touch with other people who are also searching. It doesn't do any good to just sign up, and leave it there. Become active and promote yourself. Be open, and be willing to try something new.
- Schedule to meet the person you found. Choose a location that is easily accessible by bicycle, but not where at your home location. Remember to exercise caution when meeting someone for the first time, as you won't know who they say they are until you meet them.
- Follow up on your rides together. Do not just go on a partner ride once with them, then stop or wait a month. You have to commit to riding, and be flexible on your times. Both of you have lives outside of biking, so account for that.
Tips
- Having a positive, outgoing attitude when searching will make people notice you better.
- Being prepared prevents you from being in the flat tire spot, where asking might make the person decline because they won't want to have to deal with your lack of preparedness.
- Persevere, as it will take time finding a buddy and continuing to ride with them. You have to commit to it.
Warnings
- Never meet someone at their house, or at a private location. Keep it public, and exercise caution.
- Don't hit them when you are cycling, as no one wants to cycle next to someone who is known to hit other cyclists.
