Originally Posted by
triumph.1
Is it acceptable to hook into a pace line on an organized ride like a century? I am new to this and wonder the same things. I did hook up with a club on a charity ride, but I asked if it was ok. The other question I wonder about is if you hook in are you suppose to take a turn in lead?
it's always best to ask, even on a charity/organized ride. I got crashed out by a rider who joined my paceline on an organized ride last week. He didn't bother to mention the gaping pothole as he road millimeters by the edge of it, causing me to drop my wheel into it and crashing 20 miles into the ride. Needless to say I spent the rest of the ride (86 miles) off the front and riding by myself, dropping people who wanted to draft off of me. I caught up to and hooked onto a couple of pacelines, asking before sucking a wheel.
if you are a strong, smooth rider who is accustomed to pace-line riding and all it entails, then yes rotate to the front and take a pull (after you ask).
It helps if you have shaved legs and are wearing team kit though as opposed to looking like you bought your first road bike last week.