Originally Posted by
Camilo
Can you talk me through this situation (inexperience here)
Group of 10-20 riders with 5-6 who are stronger and really want to do all the pulling. How does the rest of the group keep contact and still allow the pullers to rotate to the front, then tuck in after they've done their pull. In other words, after the pull, they'd tuck in 4-5 riders back in the pack, the other 15 riders have to make room without causing anyone to ride up the wheel of the one in front.
For contrast, the only pace lines I've done so far are 3-5 riders who rotate to the very back of the line after their pull. Generally the pulls are approximately equal, but often a stronger rider or two will do longer pulls when that factor becomes evident after a while. I'm pretty comfortable in that set up and have done it a few times.
But I've never ridden in a group like the example above. The reason I ask is that I'm often one of the weaker riders and do anticipate the time when I'll get in a group that I can keep contact with, but cannot pull.
Two things can happen. Either the 5-6 strong riders will pull to the front and fill in the space leaving the back steady. This is what most A rides around hear do. The other option is when the lead pulls off if you don't want to pull you slow down slightly (NO BRAKES) and he or she will pull in ahead of you. This wont upset the line at all. If there are people behind you that want to pull they will pass you and work back in to the line. Eventually all the people who don't want to pull will be in the rear and the leaders will know were to reenter the line.
Most casual rides have no problem with people who don't want to pull. In fact they prefer it if you don't because If it is a no drop group they don't want you to bonk and then have to drag you back home. Also they are probably stronger and enjoy the extra work up front.