Road Cycling - Group Rides

I have always ridden solo but want to ride with other people. For my first group ride, should I be in the back or what? I am afraid of causing someone else to crash because I am so new. The ride will be led by an experienced cyclist and group leader.

Can experienced group riders offer some advice?

Stay where you feel comfortable. When you are comfortable, you will be less a danger to yourself and others.

Start from the back and work your way up when you get a feel for riding in the group. Don't overlap the rear wheels of riders in front and remember to brake gently, no sudden braking.

Remeber you have your own little zone of space. The more you think you are crowded in, the more you will get shakey on your bike, the harder it will be to ride smoothly and in a straight line.
Just remember you have a zone of space, you don't have to be iron-clad straight as an arrow, death grip focused straight ahead! Relax and try to have a good time, I'm sure you will fall right into place.

Be attentive but relaxed and follow those simple rules and you'll be ok.

At the beginning, or before people start riding, introduce yourself to the leader and be clear what your experience is. That person should know how you will fit in with the group and will be able to give you suggestions.

As a general rule, give yourself plenty of room between you and the bike ahead and remember that the person behind you may be very close. Stay smooth and avoid sudden acceleration and breaking.

Maybe you should start with a group of 3-4. That way you'll get used to riding close to the wheel in front of you. You'll also get used to having someone next to you.

Doing this first may be easier than suddenly being thrust in the middle of a pack of 30 riders.

I would say to definately start at the back. The big thing is that you want to be safe, for yourself and others. At the back you can watch and learn. The group will work together using positioning, signals and vocal queues. You will learn these very quickly.

Here are a few tips. Watch what riders are doing a little ways in front of you. You will not be able to see the road itself that well. Seeing other riders swerve or point will let you know that there is a hazard.

Always assume that there is a rider on your left, right, and about two inches off of your wheel until you can prove otherwise.

Never overlap wheels with the rider in front of you.

Keep your hands on or near your brakes at all times (until you learn).

If someone is making you nervous, get away from them. I have ridden with a couple guys that do things like overlap other peoples wheels and change lanes without looking. It is better to drop back than to get taken out.

Relax and have fun but stay alert. No zoning out in the pack, like you can do solo.

If you're in the back of the group, it's polite to try to keep a bit of an eye out for cars coming up on the group and let everyone know. A simple shout of 'car back!' will let the riders in front know that they might be passed. If you're in the middle of the group, remember to watch for riders in front of you to make gestures towards road hazards. If someone doesn't notice a hazard, don't be afraid to point it out. What qualifies as a hazard worth noting? Well, it seems like some groups are less concerned about some stuff than others, so watch to see what gets pointed out by other riders. Of course, if it's a section of sand or rock to one side, or a decent hole that might tweak a wheel, point it out regardless. It's usually the smaller stuff that some riders are more lenient about.

I agree with the idea of sitting back and watching to learn. You'll pick up on the vocal cues that the group uses (which can change a little from one to the next) and the motion of the group as a whole. If the group leader is good at keeping everyone in order, you'll learn a lot on the first couple of rides and be set to go and, more importantly, a lot more comfortable the next time. Have fun, pay attention and don't try to hang on if some Cat 2 gets in there and drops the hammer. Unless you have the legs for it, of course. You'll be fine.

Wow, thanks! I think I might give it a try a week from tomorrow. The LBS has a group ride that is advertised as 20-25 miles at about 15-18mph. I should be able to keep up, and with your advice, shouldn't have any problems. I hope!

Jump to the head of the pack and yell "last one up the hill has junk in their trunk!"

Or not.

Have fun....

55/Rad

Jump to the head of the pack and yell "last one up the hill has junk in their trunk!"
55/Rad
:D :D :D

well, you should have a word with the group leader. I'm afraid if you start at the back, since you're new at this, there is a possiblilty that you will get dropped, and the leaders might not notice it if your a huge bunch. Likewise, it might be risky if you're in the middle of the group, since you have to be very predictable for the rider(s) at the back, and must react swiftly to what the rider(s) in front of you may do or does.

So, the leader may decide to put you in front with him so he can assist you, or put you in the back with an experinced cyclist as a riding buddy, so just in case if you're dropped, you can either draft him/her or he/she could give you a helpful push.

"20-25 miles at about 15-18mph". I would not be too worried, with that pace and distance it probably will not be a veryy aggressive goup ride.

"20-25 miles at about 15-18mph". I would not be too worried, with that pace and distance it probably will not be a very aggressive goup ride.


What's a goup ride?