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Group Riding - The Basics

Posted: Aug 24 2011 in Commentary, Events, We Ride

As a new cyclist, riding in a group can be intimidating, however, it’s also a great way to challenge your fitness level, advance your cycling skills, learn new routes and connect with other’s of a common interest. There are many advantages to riding in a group, beyond the great comradeship and motivation a group can provide, and as you advance you’ll learn the skills to ride more efficiently together.  Understanding the basics of group riding will set you up for success, making the ride more enjoyable for yourself and fellow riders. To get started, below I outline the 5 basics of group riding:

1. Be Respectful. Find out the start time and location of the ride. Be there early and be ready to roll. Determine the route ahead of time and have a plan for what you are going to do if you need to cut your ride short. If you can, find out what the group fitness level is like, what their plan is for the ride (an easy training ride or challenging workout), and try to get a sense of the group’s collective focus (an event, fitness, etc).
    
2. Adopt the culture of the group. Each group has its own nuances. Watch and Listen. Does the group follow the rules of the road? How do they communicate amongst themselves? Are some riders more experienced than others? What spacing are they keeping amongst themselves? Is it a jovial, talkative group? Does the mood change depending on the road conditions, effort etc? During the ride ask yourself...Are you having fun? Do you feel safe? Are you learning new things as a rider and are you getting in the workout you need? If you find yourself answering “no” to these questions than consider seeking out, or creating, a group of like-minded riders.
    
3. Be aware of where you are in the group. The safest spot to ride in a group is directly in front, beside, or behind another rider. As a group rides in close proximity to each other - be attentive, as you are responsible for your safety and your actions can affect the safety of those around you. Riding directly behind another rider is called "drafting". A group of riders drafting each other in a single line or two lines side by side is called a "paceline". A large group of riders riding and drafting together is called a “Peleton”, a term usually referring to the main pack in a cycling race. Drafting is a great skill that heightens the exhilaration of riding in a group and can bump up the average speed of your ride considerably. The very best cyclist always keeps at least a couple inches between the rear wheel of the rider ahead and their own front wheel. Drafting efficiently and safely has a number of elements to it that I will cover in a future blog entry.
    
4. Hold your line. This is one of the most important rules in group riding and you may here others saying this while on the ride. Any erratic movements that cannot be foreseen by riders that are riding closely behind you or ahead of you can be dangerous. Try your best to ride in a straight line and follow the wheel in front of you. Try not to accelerate or brake quickly. If you do need to make a turn or get out of the paceline, make sure to shoulder check and signal so that others are aware of your actions.
     
5. Keep yourself safe. Along with being aware of where you are in the group you need to be aware of what is happening on the road around you. Watch for road hazards, street traffic and changing conditions. 
    
6. Be self sufficient. Sometimes you will connect with a group that rides at a level higher than yourself, therefore due to skill and fitness you may get separated from the group. Depending on the collective focus of the group they may slow down or stop and wait at the next junction or conversely they may choose to continue their own ride and not slow down. If you do get separated from the group don’t be offended or disheartened but do have the tools, a spare tube and food, to find your own way home. If you aren’t sure how to change a tire or fix a chain, buddy up with somebody you know will help or have a plan for getting yourself home.
    
7. Have fun! An experienced group can develop a real synergy, as a result the group will cover more ground and at a faster speed relative to a single person riding on their own. A rider who is comfortable in a group has patiently developed the skills and fitness to do so. Connect with friends, check into organized rides offered by your local shop or cycling club and get out there!  

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Jason Bond is a passionate cyclist, currently racing the Tuesday Night UBC Crits and preparing for the GranFondo. He is available for group and one-on-one coaching in the gym and on the bike. Visit www.bondtraining.ca for details.

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