[chh55]

This thing about holding the predetermined speed is a bit exagerated. A group ride which is going to average, say 20mph rarely will have that speed at any given time (to average 20 you must ride 23 a lot of the time). Wind and undulating terrain will cause the speed to fluctuate constantly and the predetermined target average is based on previous experience of the route, current weather conditions and the group make up. So how fast should you go? When you are in the "on deck" position, waiting for your pull take note of the current speed and perhaps the average if you have that info on your speedo, when your turn comes see to it that you hold more or less the same as the guy/gal did before you, IF the terrain stays the same. Newbies will often make the mistake of accelerating too much, which causes uneven speed in the pack and also tiring themselves out so they can't manage their pulls later in the ride.

[tesnusxenos]

Thanks for all of this thread. I am thinking of doing my first race on April 10 and I have never ridden with a group! ( I live way out in the sticks) I am very nervous about the group thing.Please give me any additional race related hints if you have them.

[chh55]

Try to get into a group to train before the 10th of April! You have a lot to learn! B4 you enter a race you absolutely must feel confident in a tight paceline... otherwise you jeopardize your own safety but more importantly everyone elses.

[funetical]

Do you see a lot of newbies causing issues in pace lines?

[chh55]

... it requires confidence and that comes from experience. Newbies tend to be nervous and make twitchy moves which can cause problems. Also dumb stuff like dropping a water bottle.

[tesnusxenos]

If I can't find a group to train with I just plan on staying in back of the peloton until the mountains get steep and the group disperses (I have watched this race and they are in singles and pairs after the first ten miles) do you think that would be ok?

[Farnsworth]

Originally Posted by chh55

... it requires confidence and that comes from experience. Newbies tend to be nervous and make twitchy moves which can cause problems. Also dumb stuff like dropping a water bottle.

That would be both bad and embarrassing.

[chh55]

[ do you think that would be ok?[/QUOTE]

It sounds like a plan... even if it won't make you very popular with the other riders. Using the slipstream to your advantage without contributing by drawing once in a while, and then making a dash when everyone is tired is a proven technique but seen as unsportsmanlike by many. Given the circumstances though I'd go with it as your plan since a race situation is not the place to try riding in the pack for the first time. To use the slipstream you need to be in tight, the closer the better. Hopefully you have at least one buddy you can train this with.

[chh55]

Also...be ready with your "race face" to counter the dirty looks you might get from riders who have just been up front ;-)

[Xela]

I posted this in the First Group Ride thread, but it also has some good tips and etiquette notes as well.

Le Métier – Michael Barry – ProTour Cyclist » Blog Archive » The Group Ride