Joined
·
3,198 Posts
I was responding to Myster's thread "solo or group" and thought it might be a good idea to start a thread with some of the "rules of the road" in case anyone is wanting to do some group rides for the first time. Please add to this list.
During a group ride, if you're at the front (especially in a paceline), you're the eyes for everyone behind you. Therefore, it is your duty to point out any upcoming obstacles in the road such as potholes, debris, dead animals, etc and even use a verbal warning if necessary. This prepares the rest of the group to react and to follow you as you avoid it.
If a paceline does form, don't let too big a gap develop between you and the person in front of you. If you can't hold the pace, either let the group know or fall out and get with a group that you're more comfortable with. However, give it your all, because being in a fast paceline is quite fun. Keep an eye on about how long each person is pulling so you can take about the same length pull at the front. As you work your way to the front, watch how the first and second riders are transitioning. When it's your turn to go from second to first, don't feel that you need to hammer it when you're the leader. Try to just sustain the same pace, though it's gonna be a lot harder at the front. When your pull is done, give a clue that you're pulling off like a flick of the elbow, look to make sure no cars are coming, and pull over to the left and let the paceline go by. Ease up a little then fall in behind the last guy and start it all over again.
When you're at the back, you're the eyes and ears for the group ahead. At this point listen and occasionally look for cars coming up and alert the group audibly when they are. Yelling "car back" is the most common.
In groups, hold your line. Consciously think about riding predictably. If you've watched the tour, you can see what a big effect an unexpected swerve has on the rest of the group.
I know a lot of groups will yell "car up" when there is on-coming traffic. I don't usually find this too beneficial for me, because I try to keep near the shoulder even in groups, but if the group is fanning out across the road, or there are blind curves, this can be a good idea.
I know there's a lot I missed, so post away.
During a group ride, if you're at the front (especially in a paceline), you're the eyes for everyone behind you. Therefore, it is your duty to point out any upcoming obstacles in the road such as potholes, debris, dead animals, etc and even use a verbal warning if necessary. This prepares the rest of the group to react and to follow you as you avoid it.
If a paceline does form, don't let too big a gap develop between you and the person in front of you. If you can't hold the pace, either let the group know or fall out and get with a group that you're more comfortable with. However, give it your all, because being in a fast paceline is quite fun. Keep an eye on about how long each person is pulling so you can take about the same length pull at the front. As you work your way to the front, watch how the first and second riders are transitioning. When it's your turn to go from second to first, don't feel that you need to hammer it when you're the leader. Try to just sustain the same pace, though it's gonna be a lot harder at the front. When your pull is done, give a clue that you're pulling off like a flick of the elbow, look to make sure no cars are coming, and pull over to the left and let the paceline go by. Ease up a little then fall in behind the last guy and start it all over again.
When you're at the back, you're the eyes and ears for the group ahead. At this point listen and occasionally look for cars coming up and alert the group audibly when they are. Yelling "car back" is the most common.
In groups, hold your line. Consciously think about riding predictably. If you've watched the tour, you can see what a big effect an unexpected swerve has on the rest of the group.
I know a lot of groups will yell "car up" when there is on-coming traffic. I don't usually find this too beneficial for me, because I try to keep near the shoulder even in groups, but if the group is fanning out across the road, or there are blind curves, this can be a good idea.
I know there's a lot I missed, so post away.
