mathwheels

Going on first big group ride. The locally well known Tuesday night Sleeping Giant Ride. First year into cycling and 1000 miles in. I ride 90% time with 2 friends and at reasonable pace. Have no problem keeping 18-19 pace on a flat run we do that is 22 miles. Do longer weekend rides of 30+ miles always pushing the pace. We practice pace lines and do ride very close, so getting there but no cancellara obviously.

I think I will be able to hang on for most of ride as it is relatively flat BUT not sure what to expect with the group dynamic? What should and shouldn't I do? Etiquette tips? Any advice much appreciated?

ptle

Pay attention. Be predictable. Don't use the brakes unless it's necessary. Don't be unsafe or act stupid. Watch how other riders (who seem to know what they're doing) ride. They actions should be smooth.

If you are nervous, I'm sure the group won't mind if you stay in the back until you get the hang of things.

Do you know what kind of group ride the ride is? Is it a fast ride, or more of a social ride. One ride I do is a constant rotating pace line for 40 miles. It's fast and people get dropped. The group would rather slow riders stay in the back instead of trying to hang in the pace line. Another one I do is a more social ride. Some go fast, some go at a more moderate pace. We usually do a single pace line where you can pull however long you want. Sometimes the group will split, but we have at least ten points in the 35 mile ride where we regroup... and it's essentially a no drop ride social ride

chado445510

Don't overlap wheels. Even if you do it and don't fall, people will question your skill, especially the guy who you nudged.

umd

What you should do is introduce yourself to people at the start, let them know it is your first group ride, and ask them for info about the ride. Where people go hard, where it goes easy, if there are shortcuts or regroups if you get dropped, sprints, etc.

You may want to consider just hanging on the pack and letting them rotate in front of you for a while until you make sure you are comfortable with them, but let them know that's what you are doing, and let the last person coming back know that they should rotate back into the advancing line ahead of you.

Depending on the group, it may be a single paceline or double paceline, or just a loose collection of people riding. Some groups will want short pulls in front and some will want longer pulls in front. Don't accelerate when you get to the front. If you are in front pulling and you can't keep up the pace flick your elbow on the side you want the rider behind to come around you on, and slide over. Slow down a bit but keep pedaling and don't slow down too quickly. For continuiously rotating pacelines, as soon as you clear the wheel of the rider you are passing, slide over in front of them. Hold your speed steady and the next rider should come up and slide in front of you quickly. Just watch them for a while first and copy what they do.

mathwheels

Excellent feedback thanks. I get the smooth, predictable riding is important in big group. Watch as much cycling on Versus as possible and see the peleton dynamics but certainly something that needs to be experienced and practiced.

The ride description from web site:
When: Tuesday
Time: 6:00PM Sharp
Location: Sleeping Giant State Park - Hamden, CT (Across from Quinnipiac Unv.)
Distance: ~25 Miles
Terrain: Mostly Flat
Pace: Fast to Very Fast

Note: Ride begins the first Tuesday after daylight savings time. Much of the same course as the Sunday ride. Turnout often exceeds 50 riders.

mathwheels

That makes sense. Will def be hanging back and will let others know.

Buegie

looks like a nice ride, too far from me to do on a regular basis, but I might head over there this week

roccobike

Fast to Very Fast means at least 20 MPH avg speed. Up to 25 on the flat sections. Unless they have two groups, this is going to be a hammer ride. If the have a Cue sheet, I'd bring it with me.
When I'm asked to lead a group, I ask the following of new riders:
Ride in the back until you learn the group dynamics (already been said)
Hold your line, don't pull out of the line unless you have to because you can't hold the pace, or the rider in front of you can't hold the pace. Never pull out to pass because "you feel the need for speed"
In a double pace line, try to ride bar to bar.
Never cross the wheel of the bike in front of you, always ride just slightly to the right or left so that your wheels don't touch in a panic stop.
Use signals to point out holes or debris in the road, to turn and to let the bike behind you know you're slowing or stopping.
As has been said, introduce yourself to the ride leader before the ride starts.
Good luck on the ride.
Edit: Forgot one, When taking over the front or pull position, never speed up. Hold the pace and let the former leader fall back.

Homebrew01

Last I heard it's a hammerfest. I haven't done it in decades, but the local racers like to ramp it up.

mathwheels

It sounds fast. It may be a fleeting glimpse disappearing into the horizon they have a sunday ride which may be slower. That might be the one that fits me better. Not looking for a hammer fest yet.