Solo riding during the Pandemic is good for your mental and physical health, but there are a few things to think of when you are planning your ride.
As I write this today in Adelaide, South Australia, we are still allowed, if not encouraged, to exercise solo or with the people you live with. This week we have been blessed with gorgeous autumn weather.
Today I took a 50 kilometre solo ride around my usual stomping ground and it provided some much needed time for reflection, away from the constant barrage of media.
Coffee shops
Coffee shops in Adelaide are still allowed to operate on a take-away only basis. Although on the one hand I do believe there is less risk of transmitting COVID-19 if you just give the coffee shops a miss, I am torn between that concept and wanting to support the few places that I love and which have always been bicycle-friendly.
At Cibo Prospect, they have really made an excellent effort to adapt to the new situation. You go in one door to place your order, exit via another door and then receive your order at the pick-up window.
At another favourite of mine, Fix Specialty Coffee in College Park, the serving area is well ventilated and there is plenty of space for customers to stand while waiting for their order.
They often have a slogan for the day. Today’s was “Don’t be Depresso, we’ve got your Espresso”.
Public Toilets
Another vulnerability during a longer ride, especially if you are female, is going to a public toilet. Although you can wash your hands, who’s to say you might not receive or transmit the virus via the door handle afterwards? I’m carrying sanitising wipes with me.
Off-Peak
I am fortunate that I am able to get my exercise during the weekdays. Starting last weekend coffee shops were required to do take-away only or close. While out on a ride last Saturday, I was horrified to see how closely people were packed into a bakery that I had planned to visit.
Hopefully everybody is more thoughtful now about keeping their distance. However, if you can only exercise in the weekend, I would advise you to go as early in the day as possible, or be prepared to cycle away if your planned stop is too busy.
Bike paths
Once again, going off peak today on a Friday, all the bike paths and bike ways I visited were quite empty. If the weather is nice, this could be different on the weekend. I avoided the Torrens Linear Bike Path, which is often busy.
Summary
These are my thoughts today about solo riding during the pandemic.
- Cycling is good for your mental and physical health, even if you have to do it solo.
- Think carefully about stopping points, if any, and be prepared to cycle away if it doesn’t seem safe.
- Choose routes that are not too busy, and change your plan if it’s too crowded.
Who knows, with everything evolving so quickly I might think differently tomorrow…
Note: The coffee shops I have mentioned have not offered me any incentives. I’m just grateful for them and want them to stay afloat through all of this.
Top photo is of autumn roses in North Adelaide
