Group Rides by John Josephs, MS
Filed under: General Information
Group Ride Safety
ATTENTION:
This summer, there have been frequent incidents of dangerous riding that have resulted in several accidents. This pattern is very unusual for group rides that involve, for the most part, experienced riders. When you participate in a group ride, you should remember that the most important thing is safety! The following important safety instructions are meant to educate and expand on group ride guidelines that all participants should know and adhere to.
Please obey traffic laws!
The new Nocotee route has been chosen because of safety. Early morning traffic is light, the roads are new, there are adequate bike lanes, and there is a minimum of stop signs and traffic lights. When we come upon a stop sign of traffic light, the group is encouraged to obey traffic laws and be prepared to stop. This is the biggest complaint from non-cyclists about how we ride. If we as a group can demonstrate that we are capable of obeying traffic laws it will go a long way towards improving our communities perception of cycling. Additionally, riding 2+ abreast on roads without a shoulder or bike lane has the potential to impede traffic in both directions, reflects poorly upon cyclist, and increases the potential for conflict and/or an accident. When someone yells, “car back”, this is an immediate safety warning and you should make an effort to move over and let the car(s) pass. If we expect motorist to respect us and out rights to road access, then we must give them the same respect and consideration. Haven't you noticed that we are at a serious size disadvantage?
Group rides are NOT races!
The purposes of the organized Lodge weekend rides are to give "experienced" cyclists the opportunity to ride safely in a friendly group atmosphere. I say "experienced" because these rides are generally not indicated for "newbies" and it can be very unnerving when any new, inexperienced rider shows up. It doesn't take long to identify them. Most riders in specific groups have been together for years. And because of this, they feel comfortable with each other’s skills that are recognized as a safe "predictability factor". Collectively, however, group dynamics has the potential to incorporate several individual agendas for riding. Some enjoy the socialization aspect, others enjoy the early morning challenges and potential for a good training ride, and others view it as a perpetual "hammer fest" or race. It is the latter “race” mentality that poses the most serious detriment to the safety and well-being of the group ride when individuals get in "over their head". Riding “all-out” causes fatigue. Fatigue, coupled with lack of experience may result in poor technique, faulty judgment, and results in riding "out-of-control.” This places the entire group in harm’s way. Training rides and racing are two different types of riding.
**Please do not join a group ride if you want to race. Learn what the group’s ride objective is before you decide to ride with them. DO NOT try to impose your will or change these objectives.
Find another group or register for a race if you want to race. You will become very unpopular, very quickly and not be welcomed back. Remember, if you improve your ability to ride in a group it will make you a better racer.
Know your limitations!
Most new people who participate in group rides either miscalculate their ability level. If you are new to a group ride, ride conservatively and ride within your limits. After a few group rides you should have a good idea of your abilities and know how fast you are riding and you should join the appropriate group. We have developed 2 groups for this purpose. However, speed is NOT the sole determinate of ability. It takes years to develop a sense of riding in a group, being able to feel comfortable with riders around you and to be able to see situations develop. DO NOT jeopardize the safety of others trying to fulfill your needs. Leaving your racing mentality at home will make for better continuity within the groups and will make for better and safer rides.
Some of the basic skills are (and not limited to):
- Maintain the proper group speed.
- Being able to draft safely without dangerously overlapping or touching the person’s wheel in front of you.
- Not having to excessively slow, coast and/or surge to maintain position.
- Riding in a straight line - avoid unnecessary weaving and erratic patterns.
- Calling out all road hazards and being able to give the appropriate cycling signals when indicated.
- Make sure your bike is functioning properly before you begin riding it.
-
Not accelerating and dropping the group when it is your turn to pull.
Keep your line!
On most rides you will be riding in a pace-line of some type. If the pace is too fast, take a shorter turn at the front or sit at the back. If you have to sit at the back, tell the people around you so that someone is not waiting for you to ride to the front. If you find yourself struggling at the back for most of the ride you need to join the slower group next time. If you don’t know how to ride in a pace-line ask the people around you! We are working to have mentor riders in every group who know the basics of group riding. If you are interested in being a mentor rider, contact the ride leader. Every ride has at least one.
NOTE: When pulling off the front, please look to your left before you pull off and slowly move over. DO NOT pull over into traffic.
Drop to the back if…!
Unless you are an experienced rider do not attempt to unwrap energy bars or gels, reach for a water bottle, or take off clothing while riding in the middle of a pack. This makes it extremely dangerous for the riders around you. It is best to do these things after you have pulled thru and have moved to the back. In some cases you should probably stop completely in order to keep from endangering yourself and others.
The Bottom Line.
We do not want anyone to get hurt. We want everyone to enjoy and benefit from these group rides. Do not hesitate to help someone whom appears to not know the proper riding etiquette or has difficulty with group techniques. Remember, people “do not know what they do not know.” Do not berate or embarrass inexperienced cyclist - initially. If you see a hazardous or potentially dangerous situation, point it out or tell a mentor. Most likely, the other person is unaware of it and will appreciate your assistance. There is no orderly method of progression other than proper mentoring and trial and error. We must all work together to help others develop their skills.
Train hard, train smart!
John Josephs, MS
KONA Human Performance
Level 1 Cycling Coach, USA Cycling