First Group Ride
05-08-08, 06:33 PM
#1
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First Group Ride
My first group ride will be the Tour de Cure coming up on May 18th. I was hoping that I could do a few group rides before the event, but for whatever reason I'm not allowed to go with the LBS because my mom won't let me. I'm not entirely sure why, but I'm so sick of arguing. So, I'm here for tips. I need to know the do's and dont's of group riding. Thanks in advance.
05-08-08, 06:41 PM
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if you rub wheels, lean into the other guy's wheel to keep you from going down.
look ahead, don't look at the wheel in front of you.
don't make sudden movements when you're in the middle of the pack.
you can also read the "we're going to yell at you" thread.
look ahead, don't look at the wheel in front of you.
don't make sudden movements when you're in the middle of the pack.
you can also read the "we're going to yell at you" thread.
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Food for thought: if you aren't dead by 2050, you and your entire family will be within a few years from starvation. Now that is a cruel gift to leave for your offspring. ;)
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Food for thought: if you aren't dead by 2050, you and your entire family will be within a few years from starvation. Now that is a cruel gift to leave for your offspring. ;)
https://sanfrancisco.ibtimes.com/arti...ger-photos.htm
05-08-08, 06:44 PM
#4
VeloSIRraptor
To me, the biggest issue is to not get nervous when you get into tight situations. To this end- don't grab your bars super hard, keep your back relaxed, don't let your pedaling falter - if you do this you will greatly increase your likelihood of hitting someone else because you can't react as quickly, and you will get tired/sore much more quickly.
The other issue is this: Don't grab for your brakes! The mistake most people make their first few times out is to pedal too hard and then have to brake. Do things gradually. Acceleration should be done carefully, and start gradually slowing down before you get right up on someone else. Grabbing your brakes means that the people behind you are much more likely to run up on/into you, and you are wasting energy by speeding up and then having to slow down.
Everyone who rides in groups has been on their first group ride. It isn't a big deal- just stay alert and don't get all tense.
Good luck! you will do fine.
The other issue is this: Don't grab for your brakes! The mistake most people make their first few times out is to pedal too hard and then have to brake. Do things gradually. Acceleration should be done carefully, and start gradually slowing down before you get right up on someone else. Grabbing your brakes means that the people behind you are much more likely to run up on/into you, and you are wasting energy by speeding up and then having to slow down.
Everyone who rides in groups has been on their first group ride. It isn't a big deal- just stay alert and don't get all tense.
Good luck! you will do fine.
05-08-08, 07:54 PM
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Try not to overlap the rider's wheel in front of you. If I were you, I'd try to stay in the back and keep an eye on some of the veteran riders. Drink when they drink, soft pedal rather than just coast, make your moves predictable, and communicate.
05-08-08, 08:15 PM
#7
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stay alert- keep an eye on the feet of the rider in front of you are (pedal when they do, coast when they do). Call out if you are passing, signal if you are stopping... but most of all.. good luck & have fun!
05-08-08, 08:37 PM
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Just pay attention, especially on the climbs. Give struggling climbers LOTS of room. The better you can anticipate possible problems, the less you'll have to do any sudden braking, etc...
Oh, and stick to your target pace. Even if you're feeling great, don't go out too fast.
Oh, and stick to your target pace. Even if you're feeling great, don't go out too fast.
05-08-08, 09:08 PM
#10
Senior Member
Just pay attention, especially on the climbs. Give struggling climbers LOTS of room. The better you can anticipate possible problems, the less you'll have to do any sudden braking, etc...
Oh, and stick to your target pace. Even if you're feeling great, don't go out too fast.
Oh, and stick to your target pace. Even if you're feeling great, don't go out too fast.
