12strings

Hey, I'm going on my first group ride EVER in one one week...It is a 24 mile charity ride for an animal shelter. I have been bike commuting to work for the past year, about 8 miles each way, so the most I've ridden (anytime recently) in one day is 16 miles...all by myself. My fast commute is about 30 minutes, (which equals about 15 miles/hour average...) but that includes a few stop signs and lights and some faster and some slower sections.

Does anyone have some general advice, etiquette tips, "definitely don't do _________"...or whatever?

THANKS A BUNCH!

icepick_trotsky 

Charity rides are very casual, especially at that distance. Don't sweat the details too much. Just give everyone a little space so as not to overlap wheels. You'll be fine.

indyfabz

Draft for the first 20 miles and then drope the hamer on them in the last 4 miles.

caloso

I would not recommend drafting anyone first time out on a charity ride. Just be smooth and don't forget that there's probably someone behind you so no sudden braking or swerving.

dr_lha

A charity ride is not really what I'd consider a "group ride", unless you've agreed with the people you're riding with that you're going to ride as a group. Most charity rides I've done are either just an "every man for themselves", where individual riders tend to end up by themsevles, or have sub groups of riders who know each other riding in small groups.

I'd stay away from those groups as you're not experienced with proper group riding honestly, as the riders may not appreciate you attaching yourself to their group.

12strings

Dr_lha: Stay away from other human beings at the social charity ride...got it. :-)

johnny99

Just hang in the middle or back where you have more space to see the road and ride safely. Pace is usually not a problem on charity rides, especially near the back of the group. However, mixed abilities can cause some dangerous riding conditions if the group bunches up to much.

dr_lha

Cyclists are clicky ********, haven't you heard?

JerrySTL

I sorta agree with dr_lha that such a ride isn't a 'true' group ride. Just be careful; don't draft or overlap wheels; and assume that someone is always right be behind you.

Now if you do get into more of a 'real' group ride, such as a bike shop Saturday ride, introduce yourself to the ride leader and tell them. Heck some bike shops and bike clubs have beginner rides to teach people how to safely ride in groups. Often these are called "no drop" rides.

I've lead many beginner rides for one club where I'm a member. It really isn't all that big of a deal and it's nice to encourage new club members.

Sidney Porter

Wear jeans

dr_lha

...and go shirtless.

12strings

Ok, Advice so far:

1. Stay away from people so I don't make any cycling friends.

2. Wear jeans so I get chaffing and saddle sores.

...Got it! :-)

Keep em coming!

caloso

I don't know if they have mechanical support but whether or not they do, make sure your bike is in good mechanical shape. Two days before (not the night before), make sure the chain is lubed, tires hold air, brakes adjusted, whatever. If you find a problem, now you'll have a day to remedy it.

If you're driving to the event, make a packing list or you're bound to forget your helmet or shoes. On the day of, eat your normal breakfast, fill your bottles, and dress as you normally would. Don't do anything new on the day of the event. Get there early enough to use the portapotties.

Make sure you're self-sufficient. That means a tube and pump or CO2 at a minimum.

Other than that, enjoy the ride.

Gehena

As someone said, likes like likes. If they don't know you, its not only socially taboo, but just plain rude to inject yourself into their group. As for jeans, i've been riding for 2 years and have done at most 50 miles and not once have i gotten saddle sores or chaffing, and all i ride in are in jeans.

bt

it may be billed as a charity ride, but we all know it will be a race.

alexaschwanden

Have fun too.

FBinNY 

Think of it as a solo ride among other cyclists. Keep decent separation, but if it's a closed course, or there's little traffic, don't be afraid to have conversations as you ride next to people.

Other than that it's loose etiquette, with the only rule being not to crowd people especially at bottle necks. Have fun.

welshTerrier2

Bunch of things ...

If possible, learn the route ahead of time. Maybe try to take the car over the route. Some of these events are not well marked. Try to print or obtain a cue sheet in case you end up riding by yourself.

The start of these rides is often a madhouse. Riders will eventually spread out with people grouped by pace but, at the beginning, it can be crazy with very slow riders in the front, in the middle and all over the road. Ride defensively.

General pacing advice is to start a little easy and finish strong. Newer riders (or runners, or whatever) get caught up in the excitement and then have nothing left.

Define your personal objectives. Do you want your best possible time? If you meet friendly people who are going slowly, do you want to stay with them to cultivate some future riding partners? BF seems to attract its share of loners. I like to meet as many people as possible.

Are you riding or driving to the start? If you're driving, mount the bike on the car the night before. Put your helmet, pump, gloves, sunglasses and anything else you need in the car. Minimize "day of" activities as much as possible. Make sure you have pre-registration forms, ride t-shirt, pin-on number (and safety pins), checks, cash ... whatever.

Don't overtrain. Since this ride is longer than you're used to, don't ride the entire course too close to the actual ride date. Build in a couple of rest days if you do that. With a week to prepare, maybe try to add a few miles to or from (or both) work. Try a ten mile ride ... then a twelve ... then a fourteen. Just make sure you cut that back a bit for two or three days before the charity event.

These events can be great. Just have fun and be safe and don't worry about performance. You'll be a charity ride pro in no time.

Gus90

get an adorable dog and a dog trailer and be the most popular cyclist in the world. I did this (not on purpose) with our dog at the "bike the drive" event in Chicago last year and was probably the most photographed cyclist at the event, judging by the number of photos taken compared to my friends (no furry companions) by the professional photogs along the route.

Unfortunately, I look like a dork on a bike (pic is not me)

bubbajoelouie

It seems as if you're getting some sound advice, especially about becoming familiar with route beforehand if possible. I just looked at your location and wondered knowing the general area, just how hilly the ride might be? Bunching up on hills can happen and it is a good idea to allow yourself a little space in that instance also.

DevinL

Most charity rides in Boulder end up looking like this
https://youtu.be/QE97iUvSHk0

FBinNY 

Don't run over any squirrels.

Lazyass

Drope and hamer them. Excellent advise.

mvnsnd

@Gus90 If that is your Samoyed, she certainly is adorable!

12strings

ANSWERS: they hav e put out a map already...I am familiar with the roads...in fact about 5miles of it overlaps with my normal commute. There is only one hill climb of note, and it is near the end of the ride, and shouldn't last more than 2-3.minutes...I will likely not have to worry about being in a large crowd at that point.

Weather for that day says high 53;.low37...so the 8am temp may well be in the upper 30s Or low49s...fine for me, since I've been commuting in worse, but it may limit the turnout...