Group riding is dangerous. Tell me your stories.
04-28-14, 12:26 PM
#102
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Obviously, I can't speak for anyone but myself and my experience, but from what I've seen, it's not about how you ride (group versus solo), but rather the risks you take. Cycling is no different than driving in that if you're defensive-minded, chances are you'll come out OK.
Lots of cycling accidents come from people either being overly aggressive or doing things like picking a route that's not that friendly (e.g. has little shoulder space, etc). That doesn't mean they're looking for an accident, obviously, but that it's possible their odds would have been lowered a bit had they chosen a different route. At the end of the day, the best course is to do what makes you comfortable and not obsess too much over potential outcomes.
Lots of cycling accidents come from people either being overly aggressive or doing things like picking a route that's not that friendly (e.g. has little shoulder space, etc). That doesn't mean they're looking for an accident, obviously, but that it's possible their odds would have been lowered a bit had they chosen a different route. At the end of the day, the best course is to do what makes you comfortable and not obsess too much over potential outcomes.
04-28-14, 12:40 PM
#103
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Always use your spidey sense. I've never been in a group crash but I've seen many of them.
The closest I ever came to getting in a wreck, I decided that the guys were riding outside their limits on a slick surface and purposely dropped back on a modest descent. Less than 5 seconds later, most of them went down. 2 needed an ambulance ride.
The closest I ever came to getting in a wreck, I decided that the guys were riding outside their limits on a slick surface and purposely dropped back on a modest descent. Less than 5 seconds later, most of them went down. 2 needed an ambulance ride.
04-28-14, 12:45 PM
#104
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That's nuthin. I maintain 30 mph on my daily 50 mile morning loop on a beach cruiser, wearing flip flops and surfer shorts and it's uphill against prevailing winds the whole way.
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Formerly fastest rider in the grupetto, currently slowest guy in the peloton
Formerly fastest rider in the grupetto, currently slowest guy in the peloton
04-28-14, 12:46 PM
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The most dangerous thing I've encountered on a group ride, is when guys in front of me have see-thru bibs on. 
04-28-14, 12:57 PM
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Those are a road hazard. There are things I DO NOT want to know about the guy I'm drafting.
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Formerly fastest rider in the grupetto, currently slowest guy in the peloton
Formerly fastest rider in the grupetto, currently slowest guy in the peloton
04-28-14, 12:59 PM
#107
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That is a sign from the cycling gods that it's time to move up towards the front of the group.
04-28-14, 01:21 PM
#108
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... or even worse is drafting behind a gal with nice legs. This actually happened on one ride where the guy behind her went straight into the palmetto bushes in a turn. We tell her she's a distraction.
04-28-14, 01:26 PM
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There's an attractive female in our regular ride group that has very sheer cycling shorts. And she wears thong underwear beneath said shorts. When the sun is at her back....doesn't leave much to the imagination.
04-28-14, 01:35 PM
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04-28-14, 02:11 PM
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04-28-14, 02:50 PM
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04-28-14, 03:17 PM
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04-28-14, 03:53 PM
#114
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Actually I was just looking for anecdotes. There must be a million of them out there. It doesn't matter what forum you go to it always ends up in a pissing contest. People love to argue and beat their chest. That's cool.
04-28-14, 04:57 PM
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. More in common with a roadie
04-28-14, 06:05 PM
#118
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Personalities add a certain dimension. This weekend it led to a fight between two members over un-safe riding. Literally...stopped at the side of the road, put their bikes down and started swinging. Others in the group intervened and they eventually shook hands and finished the ride.
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04-28-14, 07:06 PM
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04-28-14, 07:14 PM
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04-28-14, 08:23 PM
#123
Farmer tan
04-28-14, 08:33 PM
#125
Farmer tan