However, the prospect of joining a group ride for the first time can be intimidating. Worried that you might now know “the rules’ of a group ride? We’ve got you covered! Simply read the following suggestions.
Pick The Right Group Ride
Group rides and objectives vary. Finding out the group’s pace, distance, and goals will ensure that you join a ride that’s right for you. Is the ride social or a hammer fest? Is it considered a social ride, training ride, or a blood letting? How far will the group go? What route will the ride follow? Will the ride re-group at certain spots to let stragglers get back on? Are there any rest stops or fluid stops? Answer these questions before the ride so you don’t get yourself in over your head. If you are not sure what type of group ride you are getting yourself into, just ask.
Don’t Be Late
Many riders have busy schedules and want to get as much riding in as they can. So group rides typically start within minutes of the official starting time. If you’re late, you’ll miss the ride. Plus if you hold the group up there will be some impatient people and you’ll make a bad first impression. It is a good idea to arrive at least ten to fifteen minutes before the start of the ride so you can get your helmet and cycling shoes. Plus you want to get your bike reassembled and pump up your tires.
Communicate
Communication is key to a safe group rides. Road are full of traffic, rocks, signs, pot holes, parked cars, animals, pedestrians, etc. and visibility is limited for cyclist in a pack. It is important to communicate to the riders in the group of potential hazards by shouting out and pointing out hazards.
Warnings you’re likely to hear include:
- Car Back:there’s a car approaching from the rear of the group ride
- Car Up:there’s a car approaching from the front of the group ride
- Car right or left:car is approaching on the left of right of the group ride
- Rock or Pot Hole:there is a hazard in the road
- Walker up:there’s a pedestrian on the road ahead
- Biker up:there is a slower cyclist coming up
- PS:watch out for flying snot
Ride Cautiously and Considerately
Bikes are considered vehicles, just like cars and are required to obey the same traffic laws. You may want to read Bicycling and the Law to familiarize your self with bike law. Getting a traffic ticket or placing your fellow cyclists in danger is certain to piss someone off. Your actions can place a rider behind you in danger so be careful of your surroundings.
Ride Smart & Be Safe
Group ride dynamics are interesting and ever changing. As the pace and terrain changes the pack stretches and compresses like a rubber band. You have to be alert at all times because rubber band effect of a group ride can cause some very tight quarters and even some occasional crashes.
To be safe it is important to ride smooth, don’t over react, avoid hard braking, be alert as to what is going on up the road in the front of the pack, and anticipate what traffic will do.
Inexperienced rides who panic and touch a wheel may crash or cause a crash. You can avoid problems by practicing these simples rules:
- Stay alert at all times.
- Hold your line.
- Don’t overlap wheels.
- Don’t look back!
- Relax!
- Focus on the rider(s) ahead.
- Beware of pot holes in the road.
- Don’t brake unless absolutely necessary.
- Pass carefully.
- Always move through the pace-line at a steady pace and maker sure you are clear of the front rider before pulling off.
Be Prepared
Always bring a tube, CO2 or a pump and the tools to change a flat. It also a good idea to bring some money on the longer rides because often group rides stop to fuel up. Bringing a cell phone is also good to have increase something happens and you need to call for help. Keep in mind that not all group rides stop when someone flats, so be prepared to ride alone if you flat.
