Mukluk

I am wanting to ride with a group of serious road riders (I believe most of them probably race or just like to ride fast). I have done some group rides in the past but never with a large group of serious roadies. I am actually waiting until I can ride a little farther and faster before going on one of their rides- and at that I will definitely be in the slow group. I would greatly appreciate any advice that might be offered with regard to what I should/shouldn't do so that it is a positive experience for all. Thanks!

botto 

This thread should give give you all of the answers you're looking for.

blonduathlongrl

*giggles*
*sips coffee*
*pretends she never opened this thread and walks out*

NomadVW 

chuckle..

true dat.

rule #1 - check the ego at the door

BlessedHellride

BlessedHellride

I'm not sure you are looking for a serious response, but just in case.

1. Stay alert at all times. Never assume that it's safe. Keep "reading" the dynamics of the group and always leave yourself an out by keeping on opening to one side that you can escape through if there's a crash or obstacle you have to avoid.

2. Hold your line. This means swerving as little as possible. If you need to move left or right, do so gradually after checking the area for other riders and pointing out your move to make your fellow riders aware of your intentions. If you notice that someone is swerving, he's probably tired or inexperienced. Stay away from him!

3. Don't overlap wheels. Overlapping is putting your front wheel next to someone's rear wheel. This is asking for trouble, because if they move, they'll bump your front wheel knocking you down. Try to always be behind the bike(s) in front unless you're passing.

4. Don't look back! Looking back causes even skilled riders to swerve, which can cause a crash. If you must look back, ask the person next to you if you can put your hand on their shoulder. That will keep you riding straight so that when you look back, you won't swerve.

5. Relax! Use a relaxed grip on the handlebars, keep your shoulders down (not up against your neck) and bring your elbows down and in so that they're slightly bent. These steps will help you stay relaxed, which allows quicker reaction time and prevents tension in the neck and shoulders that can lead to fatigue and sloppy riding.
6. Focus on the rider(s) ahead. Don’t make the common mistake of focusing on the back wheel in front of you. Look up at the shoulders of the riders ahead and occasionally look at the road ahead and the riders up front so you can see what's going on and be prepared for sudden changes.
7. Don’t brake unless absolutely necessary. If you must brake, do so lightly to scrub off a little speed. You can also slow down by sitting upright and catching more wind in your chest.
8. Warn others of hazards. Keep on the lookout for things that could cause problems and shout out a warning or point out the hazard.
9. Pass carefully. Sometimes you'll see the riders ahead starting to accelerate and you'll want to jump up to them. Be careful! Make sure you're not going to get cut off or cut someone else off. Usually, a moment's hesitation is all it takes to make the move safely.

10. If you get tired, move to the rear. Fatigue causes dangerous riding, so it's safer to go to the back of the group than to be in the middle of the action. Don't just swerve and slow, though! Tell those around you that you're dropping back so it's a safe move.

gcl8a

Look, most of these suggestions involve a common theme: communication. But as much as communication (or understanding, at least) is necessary _during_ the ride, it's also important _before_ the ride to ask what the 'ground rules' are, lest you end up in the hell that was linked by Botto above.

For instance, the faster and more serious the riders get, the less they tend to point out every little hazard in the road. Same with 'car up', 'car back', 'clear', etc. Ask if you'll be going single file, or two-by-two. If it's the latter, find out how the rotation is done. Etc., etc.

Asking questions will probably make others wary of 'the new guy', but I'm guessing you'd rather they be wary on the first ride(s) then not let you come back because you crashed someone out.

Mukluk

I am serious here. I will be new to this type of group riding and want to know what to do so I don't upset anyone. Also would hope that folks would appreciate that I am interested in doing the right thing vs making all of the rookie errors that are listed in the other thread about group riding. Remember once upon a time you went on your first serious roadie group ride too.

botto 

i was serious when i provided the link.

there is some substantial information in there, as well as a variety of opinions.

orcanova

Wipe the snot from your nose onto the back side of your shorts, rather than honking it on the riders behind you.

Some ****** was wheel sucking off me on Hains point and wouldn't pull...

When he finally did he honked on me...I actually have it recorded from my helmet cam, and will post it once I edit it...

Mukluk

This is why I said "I'm serious here". Nothing at you botto your posts have been helpful and I am in the process of reading the thread you referred to. That's all and nothing against blondeduathlon either, from yesterday's post seems like she's under a lot of stress.

I will be sure to pick out the lower level group ride to start with.

bdcheung

See this thread:
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/232724-group-cycling-do-s-dont-s.html

blonduathlongrl

ohh sorry!
I was kind of kidding around with ya, meant nothing by it
If I could help I would.
I dont ride in groups, Im a lonely tri geek with the exception of a few riding partners who trust me to not send them in the hospital with my earo bars.

sorry about my comment and it wasnt towards you but at the link Botto gave you knowing that thread was also very amusing

rufvelo

Find the local group/LBS that organizes the rides first, and explain your situation. They will guide you on the diff groups they run. Pick a slower group and talk to them first about pace, your current group riding experience, bike route etc - that will be sufficient.

Always go prepared to ride with your own food and tools/spares - learn to fix your bike on the road without anyone else's help. If you're seriously off the pace, tell them your leaving, so they don't have to wait for you - it is not fair to expect them to wait if you really can't keep up at all. Go home put in some more miles and try again in a month. All the best.

ekimeno

Haha - please post this!

On my Sunday ride there was a guy in front who blew a nice one to the pavement, but the guy riding next to me seemed to get some of it in his face. He wiped his cheeks and mouth area, thanked the guy in front and turned to me with a concerned look - little droplets of snot were glinting off his sunglasses.

San Rensho 

Very good post, especially the don't look back. You only have to worry about the guys in front of you. You have to assume the guy in back of you is not overllaping your wheel and that means that no matter what you do, you won't hit the guys front wheel (but obviously, try to ride a straight line).

Carbonfiberboy 

Two tubes and a pump. Can you change a tire easily yourself? If not, practice - don't get yourself embarrassed. If you flat, call it out loudly (FLAT!) and stop in a driveway or wide spot, off the road. Someone will stop with you. If no one does, don't ride with those people again!

Find out if this is a wait-at-the-top-of-the-hill group or one that eats its young. If the latter, make sure you get good ride directions so you can find the rest of the way on your own. If you get dropped on a big hill, don't worry about it. Show back up next week and have at it again. You'll be able to stay on eventually.

If you start to get dropped on little risers, you're screwing up. Try to stay on 'til the blood starts from your eye sockets. It'll be easier that way, trust me. Feel for the draft with your ears. The best draft won't necessarily be right behind the rider in front of you. If you're second wheel, check your computer for the speed of the pack. If you have an HRM, check your HR. When he peels off, maintain that speed as best you can. Your HR will probably jump 10, so you can use that as a guide for speed as the grade changes. Don't take more than 3 minutes on the front. I always look at my time display when it's my turn. 10 seconds is fine, too. Don't egoize about it.

If you get tired, stop moving up. As a rider comes back, drop back a bike length and he should know to drop in front of you. If he hesitates, say "Come on in."

If you're slow on hills, try not to be last wheel at the bottom. Stay to the right on the climb and let the other riders by. They'll probably slow at the top but if you keep the same pressure in your legs, you should get them back.

I know you will, but I'll say it anyway: enjoy yourself. Smile. Enjoy the new people. It's social, not just about the bike.

Mukluk

Thanks for the advice everyone. I will make every effort to be a considerate and polite group rider (and keep up and take turns pulling). Yes I can change a flat!- so glad I have that part covered. I sent an e mail to someone in the cycling group and expressed interest in their group rides so I imagine they can help me to find the right group for me. I'm looking forward to giving it a try.

rooftest

Someone left out - If you don't know the route, you don't need to worry about pulling.

superdex

I'll repeat this one: Be prepared to get dropped. And left.

My first 'serious' fast group ride: https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=129550

roadfix

The larger the group, the less formal the ride etiquette. Stay near the rear, suck wheels, hold on as long as you can, and drop.