This morning's ride was a grueling gauntlet of wind, rain, and cold - nothing unusual for this time of year, but especially hard after being sick a couple of days last week and not getting out at all to ride.

There's a speed on downhill descents where you discover that rain drops turns to tiny little needles. And there's a speed going uphill where I realized how nice it is to have some great riding partners.

That speed was about 4 mph for me this morning, after pushing up a steep switch-back grade, and against the wind for almost a mile and a half. Frank and Dave had pulled ahead far enough that I couldn't see them any more around the switchbacks, and I was getting very discouraged.

A couple minutes later I saw them both coming back down the hill to encourage me up the rest of the climb. They had already made it to the top, but wanted to make sure I was ok. I couldn't help but grin, and felt a mental boost of energy - just what I needed to push through the two remaining switchbacks to the top of Haugen Road.

Here are a few benefits of riding with a good group of cyclists:

1. Motivates you to work harder.
   Riding alone is an easy way to get discouraged or to psyche yourself out prematurely, but you'll be able to push harder and ride further in a group. Sometimes it's the competition factor, sometimes it's the encouragement factor, but either way it makes a noticeable difference.
   

2. Safety in numbers.
   If you get a flat tire or fall off your bike, your riding buddies will be able to help. Believe me, when you get a flat it's a lot easier to change your tire when your buddies are holding your bike for you and handing you tools from your pack!

   Cars on the road are also more apt to share the road with you when there are several riders, and less apt to yell out obscenities or challenge your presence on the road.
   

3. Builds strong friendships.
   Struggling up a long hill together and racing down steep inclines is great comradre, and flat sections are a good chance to catch up on each other's lives.
   

If you're new to riding, try to find a group of buddies to ride with who have a team mentality and low egos.

If you're already in an established riding group, try treating your fellow riders with an "All for one, one for all" team mentality. It will catch on fast and you'll be perceived as a valuable member of the group.