Remember this when trying to make friends as an adult

When I left my bike team and told my friends “I still want to ride bikes with you,” I meant it.

For some reason, I didn’t think we’d end up riding bikes together. I assumed I had just isolated myself by leaving one of the biggest cycling teams in Colorado and that because I wasn’t wearing the same jerseys as them, I’d no longer be invited to rides.

I understand how teams work. You have a form and channel of communication. When you choose to leave a group, you are no longer part of that main communication platform. The onus is on you to schedule rides with your friends.

That was my plan.

I’d text my friends and ask them to go on rides with me. I’d have to be proactive if I wanted people to ride with.

It had only been a month since I officially left the team and already I felt isolated. Was this the best decision? Will I regret leaving the team and my bike friends?

I accepted it’d be a lonely cycling season.

Then a friend asked if I’d like to join him and another friend on a bike ride. Typically, I’d say no. But I knew this was the chance to establish a routine with people I liked.

This is what I learned from a recovery ride with three other friends: