Group rides can be fun with the right techniques and preparation

Here are some tips for beginners or reminders for even the seasoned cyclists to help make a group ride safer and enjoyable for all.

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Surprise…not everyone rides the same. Ride at the back of the pack and observe the tendencies of the various riders in the group. Typically the group will have pace leaders to set the tempo. By sitting off the back of the pack it allows you to gauge individual riding styles and the eb and flows of the group while getting a taste of drafting. Once you gain confidence and comfort with the group, let yourself progress up the pack as your turn presents itself. This will begin to give you experience with riders in front and back.

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Take opportunities to Hydrate at stopped traffic lights. This keeps both your hands securely on the handlebars when the group is moving and access to both brakes should you need to slow or stop. More importantly, as I have seen too many times, someone grabs for a bottle and accidentally drops the bottle. This creates an instant hazard not only to yourself but the safety for the riders behind. They do not have time to react. If you are on a long segment without forced stops, don’t be afraid to move slightly outside the group to create space or go to back of pack and fuel up.

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Your forward visibility will be limited and is difficult to pick up potential hazards on the road. Your trust lies in the riders in front of you to signal obstacles. As you move towards the front, it becomes imperative for the safety of the riders behind you to point out potential safety hazards. Here is a great video from GCN on the basic hand gestures and why this is important to help protect your fellow riders.

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Know the general route, distance planned, and hydration stops depending on length of your ride. Most importantly be comfortable with navigating your way back to the start point should you get dropped from the group or communicate a back up plan with someone else. Some groups will have a sweeper to help keep everyone together but don’t expect this and you should feel comfortable riding solo if needed.

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Ride with a similar skill set and fitness level. Finding a group of riders that mirrors your current skill level will allow for you to get more comfortable with group riding. Without having to worry about over extending physically to keep up. Don’t be timid to ask the group what the average speed and distance is planned for the ride.

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With the adoption of disc brakes, the braking power has increased over traditional rim brake styles. This shortened reaction time and power increase can cause a forward lurch if applied quickly and firmly. Smooth subtle braking and accelerating can help the group stay together and not create large gaps between riders.

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Another way to slow down without applying the brakes is to gradually move to the left or right of the rider in front of you to break the aerodynamic draft. This will naturally start to slow you down without having to apply very much break pressure if at all. Once you slow enough to mirror the speed of the rider in front of you return to the draft. Sudden movements in either direction can confuse the riders behind you and cause for over reactions from everyone behind so keep this technique to a gradual and smooth movement.

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When approaching a turn, stay in your lane and follow the arc path all the way through the bend. If you are on the outside and cut across to the inside corner while engaged in the turn you run the potential for wheel clipping and causing the dreaded pile up. Wait until you exit the turn and on a straight line to make any movements up or back of the pack. This will give you time to see where everyone settles.

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Just because you are riding in a group doesn’t mean outside potential hazards such as vehicles, pedestrians, or animals can’t cause problems. Staying vigilant and defensive when crossing intersections, watching for vehicles backing out of spaces, animals crossing in front is still part of the defensive riding that we all experience whether riding individually or with a group. Call it out for your fellow riders.

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Lastly, have fun and enjoy the ride! For those other seasoned riders, hit up the comments section with additional thoughts on anything missed to help our fellow cyclists. Cheers