Technique - Riding in a large group

hard-rider

Last Sunday I entered a 38Km XC event (cross between social and race event). I found it difficult to really pick a decent line a lot of the time when riding in the pack. There were ~65 riders and when bombing down some rocky and gravelly dirt tracks and roads I found that I pretty much had to follow the rear wheel of the rider in front of me and trust he was going to take the good line as I couldn't see far enough ahead to scan the trail. This was a little un-nerving at 35Km/h within a bunch 3-5 abreast all weaving and darting around.

Is there any advice or technique for riding within a close bunch like this? I tried slowing to allow a gap but I just got overtaken and the gap closed. This was my first event with a group and must say it was interesting but I have a long way to go in the fitness department. The pace was really much faster than I have ever ridden over a long distance. There are some real strong and fit guys out there.

bentes

That's why I don't go to these events anymore. At least not as many.

If you go to a proper race, then at least you know most of all are experienced riders that know how to choose a good line and a suitable speed and most likelly won't do anything too unexpected.

In that kind of events, they're not propper races, but they "incite" you to race by timing you and ranking your times against the others and giving prizes to the first few. Since the're more "open", there are all kind of riders and you never know who you're following or what kind of skills they have.

Last time I fell a couple of times because the rider in front of me got spooked by every single small rock or descent on the way and smashed the brakes into a stop almost everytime.

Not to mention not knowing the rules or "etiquette" of the trail can endanger them and others. For example when a faster rider passes a slower one, usually gives him notice by saying out loud "Left!" or "Right!", this means he's going to pass through the left or the right. More often than not I've seen people swerve to the side that they were being overtaken and causing crashes.

With the advent of GPS and access to tools like Google earth and stuff I find it much more enjoyable to plan a route, with a few mates and go there, have fun and do it at the pace we choose rather than worrying if we're in the way of someone or what place will we get in the final classification.

I know this isn't much help but I've been thinking about this for quite a while...
Nowadays I prefer to leave the races and events to the racers, get the GPS track and do the courses a week later with a couple of mates.

cooldad

Racing is different but when social riding you should always leave enough space in front to be able to take evasive action when you hear the scream and crash in front.
Early warning system.

hard-rider

Hey a fellow rider from Portugal. Where about are you?

I agree, this event was a mixture of skilled and amateur riders so the range of skill and etiquette was diverse. Saying that I fall in at middle of the scale somewhere. I was just praying that the guy I was following wouldn't slam on the brakes or hit a massive rut or rock that I would follow him into.

I did the event as a taster as I have entered a proper 53Km XC race at the end of the month. Don't ask me why, it just seemed a good idea but after last Sunday, I don't think I'm near fit enough to be able to do it at the sort of pace I saw on Sunday. I'm not really in it to compete but more to see if I can complete it so will be lagging near the back.

ilovedirt

Yeah, I hate races like that, after my first one at the BUCS student champs the other weekend, I can safely say that I never want to do it again! I may do at next years BUCS for a laugh, but it's just a horrible format, and there are so many awful riders out there that you don't want to get stuck behind. Being fit is one thing, knowing how to control a bike is another.

Chinley Churner

Get on the front and nail it!

bentes

Hi!

I live in Loulé, I think we have already exchanged PMs in the past but never got around to meet for a ride...

I've been off the saddle for a couple of months but usually I ride locally 2 times a week after work and then sometime on the weekend.

If you want we can meet for a ride one of these weekends.
And good luck on Alte.

hard-rider

bentes wrote:

Hi!

I live in Loulé, I think we have already exchanged PMs in the past but never got around to meet for a ride...

I've been off the saddle for a couple of months but usually I ride locally 2 times a week after work and then sometime on the weekend.

If you want we can meet for a ride one of these weekends.
And good luck on Alte.

Ah, yes you're right. Sorry memory like a sieve. Yes we should try meet one of these days. Thanks for the wishes for Alte. Really only doing it for the experience and probably won't do it again. Looks like some big hills around there.

@Chinley. If only...