This has been a great thread . . . kudos to STRaider for getting it rolling. Have done it all like everyone else has likely ... short solo, long solo and large groups (last time 15 bikes -- well spaced out) which is an experience one should encounter as few times as possible. To me it's total serendipity when you find a riding partner who has desire for same pace, same habits for stops -- photography, air museums and the like -- and who you can talk with over pie at the cafe. So hard to find but so great when you do. Doing more solo these days myself and learning to enjoy it more and more.