Six Tips for Better Group Riding

Group riding has many benefits and should you join a cycling club or come on one of our holidays or camps, you will quickly become part of a group ride.  There are several advantages to riding as a group, and a protocol to follow.

Learn from Experienced Riders

As a group, you will come into contact with riders at varying skill levels.  Although we like to keep ability groups fairly even on our holidays and camps, at cycling clubs this may not be the case.  As such you will come into contact with seasoned riders who will pass on tips and knowledge to you.  Use the information to improve your cycling.

Awareness

It is important that you are fully aware of exactly where you are in the group or peloton.  Often, other group members will be giving you instructions so it is important you hear and pay attention to them.  Therefore, blocking out your sense of hearing with headphones is never a good idea on a bike.  This goes for solo riding as well.  Traffic makes noise and this can alert you to danger.  Providing of course you do not have music blasting into your ears.

Hands on the Hood

Due to the proximity of other riders, it is a good idea to ride with your hands on the hood.  This enables faster braking.  Sometimes, riders can get pretty close, and should one suddenly have to stop, longer reaction times can lead to accidents.  Always ensure your hands are close to the brakes as you never know when you might need them.

Keep your Eyes on the Road

Often during group rides conversations break out.  Should this happen avoid turning your head to look at the rider you're talking to.  Instead keep your eyes on the road and the rider in front.  This will considerably reduce the chance of accidents should the rider in front have to brake, or swerve, or have a mishap.  Awareness is key to successful group riding.

Slipstream Riding

If you are riding to a slipstream format, i.e. the leader of the peloton is setting the pace, ensure that you play your part.  If you are tiring, move aside slightly to let faster riders overtake.  Try and maintain the pace where you can.  When it is your turn to become the leader, do not let your ego take over and blaze a trail.  Keep the pace steady, and ideally a pace that every rider can maintain.  This will be greatly appreciated among the group.

Avoid Cycling Side by Side

If possible try and cycle behind riders in the group rather than next to them.  Should the rider next to your wobble, you can either be pushed out into the road, or against the side of the road.  Neither scenario is preferable.

Try and keep behind riders for everyone's safety.

This does not cover everything to do with group riding but it will give you a starting point.  If you want to become a better cyclist why not join us for one of our sportive events (Mallorca 312/ Mallorca 167), or cycling training camps.

submitted on 30/1/2015