Originally Posted by
Miami Biker
Hi OS.
Having done a century almost solo and recently joined a group find major differences. Group goes faster and yo yo's are killers--slowing for turns, lights etc then speeding up to resume pace. These yo yo's take a huge amount of energy and experience to know how and when to catch up.
So advice is to train with those you will ride with or look for some who will go closest to your pace. First hour should be slow anyways, but having a group with similar speed can make or break your ride. Can also work out pulling protocols and learn who rides safely in the line and know the rules of engagement.
Most say to ride in middle of group. And when you take a pull, only do as long as you can to not wipe yourself out.
Ed
Good advice. Anything above 40mi and I pace myself. The group ride has excellent support and is very well planned. Some of the planners I've known for ages so this is a ride highly recommended. At the start they send out bikers by the ten with faster groups first. They mount a transponder on each bike so you can have a time certificate at the end if you wish. Who knows where I will fit in but for now I'm keeping my speed no faster than 17mph unless downhill. Best part of the group ride is the west to east direction so the wind is at your back and mostly flat.