GROUP RIDE SKILLS AND GUIDELINES

Group rides can be fun, but they can also be dangerous.  Not knowing the rules can turn a rewarding experience into a chain of horrible events.  Regardless of your riding experience or your level of expertise on the bike, the rules remain the same. Here are some basic rules for both the new and seasoned Group Rider.

THE PACE LINE

1.  Ride two by two, side by side. Not to close, yet not to far apart, a few centimeters between riders works best –and handlebar to handlebar.

2.  Group Rides Are Not Races. Most organizers of Group Rides sort riders by experience level. You might feel stronger as you ride, or feel you’re in the wrong group – don’t sprint ahead, even if there is a corner coming up, remain side by side. Remember, it’s up to you to keep up with the speed of the slower rider next to you, and to keep to the side of the road.  If you don’t have anyone to ride alongside you, place yourself in between the two riders ahead of you – your front wheel between their two rear wheels.

3.  Pulling Through:  When the riders ahead of you peel off you should come through to the front and pull the group along with you. Remember, once you are in second wheel, you must come through to the front. To avoid this move, avoid second wheel. Cyclist who feel tired or less fit should peel-off.

4. Peeling Off:  Start by letting the rider beside you know you want to move to the back. Look back for anyone who might be overlapping your back wheel, once confirmed (and traffic permits) both of you should move to the outside and let the group come through the middle.  If only one of you wants to peel off, both should move to the outside, however the rider who wants to remain in the front should maintain pace and speed. Do not speed up and do not get out of the bar-to-bar formation. Maintaining a stead speed allows another rider to squeeze through the gap and go to the front.

5.  Moving to a Slower Group:  If you feel your two tired to continue in the position your in, sit in the back and allow riders who are peeling off front the front of the group slot in ahead of you. Never move into a position you can’t handle. Should you find yourself in a group pace that is to fast, or find yourself in the front of a group, Take a token pull. Ride in front for a few seconds then follow procedures for properly peeling off.

6.  Moving within the Group:  Regardless of the reason or necessity for the move, maintain speed and pace and steadily move in the direction you want to go. Gradual moves maintain safety and allow the other rider/riders to move naturally within the group.

7.  Obstacles and Hand Signals:  Yelling during a group ride isn’t the most effective way to communicate with other riders.  When you see an obstacle in the road ahead of you, put your hand down and give a signal that lets the riders behind you know in which direction they should go to avoid it. Remember, an obstacle worth pointing out is one that will damage a bike or the riders behind you.  Keep safe. Learn the hand signals for peeling off, pulling through, obstacles, etc. Try by all means to avoid yelling. There will always be a rider who didn't hear you or didn't understand what you yelled.

8.  Filling Gaps:  As soon as you see a gap, fill it. Ride into the space maintaining speed and pace.  Remember control is the key. Do not speed up to fill the gap or hit the brakes after filling the gap.

9.  Slowing Down and Stopping:  Remember, you should be riding to the side of the rider in front of you. When you see them slow down, you should stop pedaling and slightly overlap your font wheel with their rear wheel. If you brake, braking should be gradual maintaining your buffer zone.

SUMMARY:  Finding the right group can be challenging. Bixby Bicycle Group Rides offer designated A,B and C groups to safely accommodate each rider’s goal and differences in riding speed. When searching for a group ask about general policies – each group is different. Most importantly keep your eyes and ears open, follow instructions and ensure there is an experienced Group Ride Leader. Be patient as you learn the basic skills and always enjoy the ride.