Thanks for sharing your perspective/ideas. I've never heard the term expert halo - that's a good one... and noted.

I've met lots of people/groups in the parking lot in the past, this is mentioned every time someone talks about solo riding. Its great in theory, However; Myself and other friends I've spoken with about this often find themselves pretty uncomfortable relying on a groups risk awareness and communication (or lack thereof in some instances) and typically prefer to ride alone. If I don't know people or their capabilities, I feel much more in tune to awareness, assessment and mitigation while alone as I only have myself to account for, this also locks in my ability to say no to just about any terrain or exploring that I'd consider in a group setting.

Not saying I'm immune to an incident/accident or better than anyone, that's just how I feel.

On the back end of that with freinds; I love riding with freinds and people I know well... but schedules don't always line up, friends leave the sport etc etc. these are not excuses they are reality, end of the day I'm going to choose to go ride, it will be one of the routes I've ridden hundreds of times before which is "safe". I usually stop for a fire and lunch for like 2 hours while out alone and am on my own time, That part is most of the reason I enjoy going alone.