Originally Posted by
thechemist
So I am looking at joining a club as well but am new to riding. How does one learn to ride in a group safely, keep up, drive a straight line etc ?
Try a Cat 5 race. You'll learn how to jam on the brakes violently at every downhill section and/or slight bend in the road (if it has both you may want to just stop for a moment altogether).
And you'll learn how pedalling while on the front is optional, and how the proper procedure when you find yourself about to overtake the guy not pedalling is to also jam on the brakes violently and wait for him to continue.