Originally Posted by
Garfield Cat
In a group ride, you do certain things. You watch the entire line, hear who is coasting, the cadence of the guy in front of you, their hand position, drops or hood, the curve of the road ahead, the traffic lights, the speed of the cars to your left, etc.
Active participation like this, even though considered very minor detail, is actually good to do.
This goes for driving a car too. There's more to skills than just driving at a safe speed and following the rules of the road.
+1 - except it is NOT considered a
minor detail to people who participate at a level where the simplest cycling skills are inadequate to the tasks at hand. Nobody wants an 'inexperienced' rider (in the context of the specific action) in over their head - thereby jeopardizing their safety and others. Race situations, fast group rides and pace lines are a few examples, where ..... [well, you who know, just know, eh?
]
edit: The way to gain these skills is easy, best to: ask to participate, do a ride (or 1/2 a ride) near the back and assess your ability. Come in as a friend. All capable are welcome. No disgrace whatsoever to those who cycle for any other reason, at any other level. I believe in 2 human powered wheels for almost everyone.
. Not my 75yo, 'never cycled' sister with bad balance.