How to Ride in a Group
By Fred Matheny for
www.RoadBikeRider.com
Pacelines are organized.
They have specific rules. But in big groups like you
find in centuries or charity rides, things will be
disorganized. This can intimidate even experienced
riders.
Sooner or later you’ll
find yourself in a big group amid some riders with
sketchy skills. It pays to learn how to survive (and
also make yourself welcome) in a crowd.
-
Look for Risky
Riders. These are the unsteady
people who wobble, appear nervous, have a tense
grip on the handlebar, and frequently grab the
brakes. Avoid them! Move up to keep them behind
you, or slide to the other side of the road.
-
Watch the Wind.
Wind direction determines on which side the
greatest draft is found. If the wind is from the
right side of the road, smart riders move to the
left of the wheel in front of them for greater
protection. If you’re doing this, beware of
overlapping wheels with inexperienced riders.
They may swerve and take out your front wheel.
-
Be Wary
on Climbs.
A major cause of group crashes is riders who
stand abruptly. They slow for a second, causing
the rider behind to hit their rear wheel and
spill. To avoid this danger, let the gap open a
bit on hills or ride a foot to either side.
To avoid being the one
who causes such a crash, pull your bike forward as
you leave the saddle. Don’t lunge and make a hard
pedal stroke. Keep your speed steady. When sitting
again, push the bike forward a bit.
Cycling isn’t a contact
sport, but it’s not uncommon to have your arm
brushed when riding near others in a group. It pays
to learn how to bump into other riders without
swerving or falling. It’s easy when you practice
this drill used at the Carpenter-Phinney Bike Camps.
First, go with a cycling
friend to a large grassy area like a soccer field.
Ride side-by-side at a walking pace. Keep both hands
on your bar. Start by gently touching elbows, then
shoulders. As you gain confidence, lean more
vigorously on the other rider. Soon, you’ll be
bumping each other with abandon and throwing in a
few head butts for fun, all without going down. (Of
course, always wear your helmet just in case.)
Riding relaxed is the
key to absorbing contact without swerving. Have
slightly bent elbows, a firm-not-tight grip on the
bar, and loose arm and shoulder muscles. If you’re
relaxed, your body can absorb the shock before it
gets to the handlebar.
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