Originally Posted by
Synack42
This might be an odd question, but would it be rude to ask to join a smaller group ride while they are already moving?
I'm more of a "lone wolf" cyclist, but I ride 15 miles daily and can do so in an hour, maybe even a couple minutes under. I've occasionally passed a group of riders going the opposite direction. They are definitely coordinated, wearing proper kit and all on road bikes…
Just wondering if shouting "Mind if I follow at a distance?" would be against road etiquette I guess... Would you find that rude or strange? I have a grasp of group hand signals and I wouldn't be doing it for drafting purposes -- Mainly just curious if I could keep up and hang with them.
...That and it would be really neat to find a local group to actually ride with.
As a solo cyclist, commuter and road, though I see pacelines in popular cycling areas I don’t make any attempt to join.
I rarely participate in (mass) organized rides with determined routes and distances, and I have posted:
Originally Posted by
Jim from Boston
“
Cycling event - what makes or breaks your participation?”
Personally, the only charity ride I have done is a local Century, that fits the above description, for Children’s Organizations sponsored by a well-known philanthropist I know personally. There is a minimal $ 1000 donation that I spilt with my organization, which is also a recipient of his generosity.
It's a well attended, festive affair; hockey legend Bobby Orr was the Honorary Chairman one year
I am nearly always a solo rider, but what enjoy about this ride is as a goal (Century) to attain...
Another benefit to me as a routinely solo rider is to ride in a paceline:
Originally Posted by
Jim from Boston
A basic advice is I keep in mind during the century is “Ride my own pace,” in particular not too fast at the beginning, and ride the entire route at a pace comfortable for me.
Even when I pick up with another rider, I make it clear that’s my rule if our paces are not compatible. Another strategy on charity rides done by myself, is to start early and perhaps be picked up by a group riding at a suitable pace and ask to draft with them.
That adds a kick to my pace, but quite often I fall slightly behind at turning a corner, and its amazing how a slight drop behind can be impossible to catch-up, attesting to the value of drafting.
Also, you might catch-up to a slightly slower rider and draft him/her, and they could reciprocate, synergizing both of you. But always,“Ride your own pace.”
BTW, [MENTION=488206]Synack42[/MENTION], I note you post from Michigan, and showed a map of Lake St. Clair.
FYA, by way of introduction,
Originally Posted by
Jim from Boston
…Back in the 60’s in the Motor City, I had an “English Racer,’ and longed to tour at about age 14, but then joined the car culture. In Ann Arbor MI in the 70’s I really realized the utility of bicycles for commuting, and began touring on a five-speed Schwinn Suburban, but soon bought a Mercier as did my girlfriend, later my wife. We toured in Michigan and Ontario.
In 1977 we moved to Boston on our bikes, as a bicycling honeymoon from Los Angeles to Washington, DC and then took the train up to Boston...
We still have family in in Macomb and Oakland counties, and when visiting, I bring a bike. In the past I have done some weekday group rides with the
Clinton River Riders Bicycle Club. Check out their website; from my experience, and visit recently to their site, it’s an amenable and active group.