He wasn’t in a race, he was just riding. No partner. During the race, they have to have a team. It’s the rule.
god grief, what’s all the stretching for some conspiracy theory? there are still some free places out there - God’s Country - where a man (or woman) can ride a horse, bike, snowmobile/machine like the devil just because they can... big deal - it’s just damn fun. it’s freedom (no safety buddy required)