My first group ride...
 

I'm doing my first group ride tomorrow morning. I chose Cascade's "Single's Spin" as my first ride because of it's easy pace.

Any basic suggestions for a newb when it comes to group rides? Any info will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!!

Wow, 38 views and no suggestions for a newb going on his first group ride. There goes the notion that cyclists help each other out.

Uh, well I would have said something, but the only organised group rides I've ever been on are ones I lead. Go figure!

Let me see...mind the glass, mind the tracks, don't wobble, make certain everyone knows that this is the first time you've been in a group ride.

See, I'm not much help, am I? Sorry....

East Hill

So, how did you do?

East Hill

In our defense, you only waited 30 minutes! :)

Anywho, I'll throw in my $.02:

- As stated by East Hill - let the group know that this is your first group ride

- Find a good wheel (experienced and consistent) to follow for most of the day

- Don't let a gap open up, but don't ride .0001" from the guy in front of you either. Leave a few feet until you get comfortable. You may want to stagger/offset your wheel (a few inches) relative to the guy directly in front of you.

- Keep a steady pace (same relative speed) when it's your turn up front.

- Listen and look for other riders (they may point to a hazard on the road, or yell "slowing", "car up", etc)

- Wait until you are on the back to get a drink from your water bottle

- Don't overlap wheels!

- Try not to get dropped! :D

You'll learn a lot about paceline riding by doing this first ride. Good luck!

... Brad

The ride was fantastic. I'm a fast learner so it wasn't but a few minutes into the ride when I began picking up the "what to do's" and the "what NOT to do's". Slow ride, averaged about 14mph from Gasworks Park to Mercer Island and back. I had a smile on my face the entire time!

Sounds as if you had a good experience then! It does make me laugh when I think that I've led rides, but never actually ridden in a paceline.

I think that would be frightening (mostly for the other riders :) ) .

East Hill