Learning how to cycling a group is really important for a great Ride25 holiday experience. Watch the video above or read the video transcript below.
Just as important as the technical element of riding in a group is the ability to show the appropriate etiquette. Now the rule of thumb is treat others as you want to be treated, and that way you’ll remain a respected member of any riding group.
When at the front of a group that’s coming toward a road junction turn, take responsibility to call out the respective action, i.e. right or left, as well as making a clear arm signal so the riders behind can take appropriate action, to take the junction and turn smoothly and safely. When you’re sat several riders back, the view is often obscured.
One of the most important things in relation to safety about riding in a group is making sure the front riders point out any obstacles in the road. This could be stones rocks or even road furniture. Obviously the riders behind haven’t got clear vision and can’t see what’s coming up so it’s quite important that we point things out.
Now every now and then on a ride, I know all of us have done it before, let’s admit it, we are going to find the need to spit. But, no matter how close you are with the other people in the group, they’re not really going to want a faceful of your phlegm. So, if you’ve got a bit of a greenie you want to dispose of, swing to the left, take a check behind, and away she goes. Everybody’s a winner.
This especially applies to recovery in steady long rides: half wheeling is when you’re riding on the front of a group as a pair, and one rider nudges their wheel in front of the other while gradually increasing their tempo if the other rider dares to draw level. Don’t do it! It increases the speed unnecessarily and can be a miserably frustrating experience if you’re on the receiving end. It’s not a good way of making friends, and you’ll also be in danger of being labelled a half-wheeler which is not what you want.
Now most group rides, especially the bigger groups, climbs will definitely see the group break apart. So, to keep the group together, and for safety reasons too, ease up over the top, and, where it’s safe to do so, stop (“we’ll just pull in here”). Now it’s always important that someone does a bit of a headcount (“everybody up? OK we’re all here”). It’s now safe, everybody’s on board, we can be on our way.
Don’t leave someone struggling to change a tyre or repair a broken chain alone: always make sure someone helps out. This has the benefit of actually speeding up the time spent at the side of the road, vital in cold and wet weather, and also ensures the harmony remains in the group. So be nice!
Rather than revelling in someone else’s agony when they’re suffering, give vocal encouragement and work as a team. Even a push if someone’s really struggling on the hills. Sharing food can also help out (“thanks for waiting back, by the way!”). Remember that next time it could be you.
Everybody’s a winner! (“why’s everyone a winner?” “because everyone is!”). Right you can cut that bit out – I did pause.