first group ride tomorrow; can't wait
07-02-05, 07:14 PM
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Cannondale Shill
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first group ride tomorrow; can't wait
After having ridden my 'dale exclusively solo since I bought it in May, I'm finally going on my first organized group ride tomorrow. My local bike club holds group riding clinics for people to learn the in's and out's of pack riding and having had to go through exams, a vacation to Italy and France, all four wisdom teeth extracted and starting a full-time summer job, I missed all of the clinics held pre-season. I finally get to attend one of these tomorrow morning.
Needless to say, I'm excited to finally be able to meet some other local cyclists and be able to take advantage of drafting another rider. I've had more than a month to dial in and get used to the new bike and have all the essential riding gear. Anything else I should keep in mind for tomorrow?
Needless to say, I'm excited to finally be able to meet some other local cyclists and be able to take advantage of drafting another rider. I've had more than a month to dial in and get used to the new bike and have all the essential riding gear. Anything else I should keep in mind for tomorrow?
07-02-05, 10:54 PM
#2
Aluminium Crusader :-)
You may get advice about "staying near the front" to get a smoother ride, but if you've never done it before, I recommend staying up the back and staying out of trouble -- crashing HURTS!! 
Often the problem with these group rides is that there's a bad mixture of ability (skill and fitness -- unlike graded races), so this can sometimes make things a little more dangerous than a race, especially if it's big bunch.
Even though there may be times when you're "red-lining", with your head down, and just trying to hold the wheel in front of you, it's wise to try to keep an eye on the whole bunch.
It's handy to watch out for regular slowing and "bunching" of the group up ahead -- this often leads to accidents.
Watch out for dangerous riders that may be zig-zagging or overlapping.
If you're up the back, chances are there will be weak riders down there with you, and if you're sure they will be dropped before you, get in front of them.
Watch out for guys in front of you that are suffering and losing touch with the bunch.
This can happen very subtley, and the next thing you know you're stuck behind a few guys that have dropped 5 meters off the back.
Often the problem with these group rides is that there's a bad mixture of ability (skill and fitness -- unlike graded races), so this can sometimes make things a little more dangerous than a race, especially if it's big bunch.
Even though there may be times when you're "red-lining", with your head down, and just trying to hold the wheel in front of you, it's wise to try to keep an eye on the whole bunch.
It's handy to watch out for regular slowing and "bunching" of the group up ahead -- this often leads to accidents.
Watch out for dangerous riders that may be zig-zagging or overlapping.
If you're up the back, chances are there will be weak riders down there with you, and if you're sure they will be dropped before you, get in front of them.
Watch out for guys in front of you that are suffering and losing touch with the bunch.
This can happen very subtley, and the next thing you know you're stuck behind a few guys that have dropped 5 meters off the back.
07-02-05, 11:10 PM
#3
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I agree about staying near the back on your first group ride. Most groups spread out more towards the back, so you don't need to worry about colliding with other people. Also, you can watch how the group communicates. You can also watch where the group goes, instead of trusting just one or two guys in front of you.
I wouldn't try drafting strangers on your first ride. Get to know them (and let them get to know you) on a few rides before you try that. Drafting requires a lot of communciation, especially if you're near the front.
I wouldn't try drafting strangers on your first ride. Get to know them (and let them get to know you) on a few rides before you try that. Drafting requires a lot of communciation, especially if you're near the front.
