Any tips for riding in a group

paulieb2006

I am doing my first sportive next weekend and have only ever cycled on my own. Am nervous about being in a group though. Has anybody got any hints for me. Thanks
:? :? :?

Feltup

Front riders are the eyes of the group.

Front riders should warn of:-

Hazards ahead
Change of speed
Change of direction
Potholes
Manhole covers, etc
Parked vehicles
Approaching vehicles

Warnings should be both verbal and by pointing and given in plenty of time.

Any warnings or directions given by the lead riders should be repeated by the following riders and passed down the group from pair to pair.

• Ride in line with the rider in front of you; do not overlap wheels.

• Change riders at the front frequently, stronger riders doing longer turns, weaker riders shorter.

• Rear riders should warn of any overtaking vehicles, or instruct the group to form single file to help following traffic when necessary.

Just some pointers from the Thames Velo Club site. I am sure other people will add to this or make comments.

lowe

Possibly most importantly be predictable and make any changes in speed smooth. Careful when you get out of the saddle that you don’t shoot too far backwards. A few commonly used signals:

-‘patting an invisible dog’ – slowing,
-Left arm around the back/finger pointing right – moving out to the right i.e. parked car
-Pointing down – a pot hole
-Shouting 'car up/back'

Riding in a group can be very rewarding and you can learn a lot from those around you.

markos1963

Keep the pace even when you get to the front, its not a race so it won,t be appreciated if you hare off

peanut1978

Dont half wheel people

that winds them up no end

it will all become second nature pretty quickly

remember fucking up on the apr my first time with club, hadnt taken time to find out etiquite

peanut1978

Dont half wheel people

that winds them up no end

it will all become second nature pretty quickly

remember fucking up on the apr my first time with club, hadnt taken time to find out etiquite