Some people seem to more motivated to do some form of exercise with a friend on regular basis.

I certainly enjoy doing cycling with someone else at times. And no question, my partner has been my cycling "cheerleader" during the first few years of returning to cycling over a decade ago.

Also to do exercise with someone who is similar or abit better than you, is helpful. I find to cycle with my partner, it reminds me to step up my pacing to keep up with him. Keeping up with him, means just so I can see him at least 1 km. away or so to know where he is heading.

It also helps me climb hills, if I see someone ahead of me who is successfully mounting the hill..that I am about to climb. For hill-climbing, I absolutely hate to see people observing me....in case, I should fail...and walk with bike.

That's our definition of riding together...which doesn't bother me at all. It has helped build physical endurance and inner mental endurance...that has enabled me to cycle solo at times also.

I know that some women, in particular, really need to have their riding friend close by and to talk. But I seriously find it difficult to talk when riding at a good clip and pay attention to traffic road activity. Cycling for me is not really about socializing, it's more sharing the same panoramic views with other people as we ride along together .