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Top tips for group riding
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Obey the rules of the road
All club rides take place on roads that are open to traffic, so it is important to ride accordingly. Respect junctions and always stay on the correct side of the road. Where conditions allow, it is perfectly acceptable to ride two abreast but NEVER three. On corners and narrow roads, it is safer to ride in single file. If the group is large (+10), the ride leader may make the decision to spilt into smaller groups making it easier for traffic to pass.
Ask
Let the other riders know you are fairly new to group riding and that you’d appreciate their patience, advice and tips. Make sure you ask if they say or do something you don’t understand and remember, everyone was new to group riding
once.
Communicate
Successful group riding is all about good communication. Along with verbal calls, there are a number of hand signals that you should be aware of. Again, if you are unsure what a signal means, ask. Always pass signals on through the group. Communication is especially important if you’re on the front of the group when you’ll need to point out obstructions, hazards and any upcoming turns. The hand signals and verbal calls used by Bridgwater Cycling Club are described below.
Look through the group
Don’t just stare at the wheel or backside in front. Look through the group at the road ahead and try to anticipate how the riders ahead will react.
Don’t overlap wheels
It’s okay to leave a bit of a gap to the wheel ahead and even to ride slightly to one side of it. However, always avoid overlapping your front wheel with the rear wheel of the rider in front as, if they have to swerve to avoid a hazard or just have a lapse in concentration, they’ll take out your wheel.
Easy on the brakes
Avoid grabbing handfuls of brakes. Freewheel, sit more upright to use air resistance, or use light braking to adjust your speed gradually. This is one of the reasons why looking through the group and anticipating the actions of the riders in front is so important.
Don’t half-wheel
If road conditions and traffic allows you’ll often be riding two abreast. Maintain an even pace and stay level with the person next to you. Do not constantly up the pace whenever a rider draws level to you. This is known as “half-wheeling” this is considered bad form.
Avoid kicking back your rear wheel
On rises, be aware of your rear wheel kicking back when you stand out of the saddle as it can catch the rider behind you unaware if their close on your wheel. With good technique, a smooth rise and correct gear selection it can be avoided.
Don’t surge or slow
When you come to the front, try to keep the pace/intensity of the group consistent. Don’t surge if you’re feeling strong and conversely, if you’re struggling, don’t try and slow the group. If you’re on a good day, just do a long turn and, if not, just put in a few pedal strokes before pulling off and settling back in the wheels.
Make sure both you and your bike are prepared
Ensure your bike is well maintained as misfiring gears or poor brakes can make you a liability in a bunch. Carry suitable spares, clothing and some of your own food and drink so that you are self-reliant. Check your tyre pressures before every ride as this can go a long way to preventing punctures!
Mudguards
In the winter, your ride mates will definitely appreciate you having mudguards. As a club, we don’t insist on using them, but be aware that some clubs do and if you are the only one on a group ride who doesn’t, it might be time to sit at the back!
Toilet stops
When nature calls and you are not at the café, please be considerate to the public and your fellow cyclists when choosing a spot to pee. Think discrete, such as behind a hedge or large bush and NOT in residential areas, people’s driveways or at road junctions (yes this has happened!).
Café stops
We are very grateful to cafés for accommodating us, especially when we roll up as a large group. It is very important that we leave the toilets and facilities how we find them.
Relax If you’re not use to riding in a group, it can be a bit nerve wracking but try to stay relaxed, follow these tips and avoid tensing up.
Please always bear in mind that when riding with the club, or wearing a club jersey, the actions of your behaviour is generalised throughout all of the members. We are a friendly and considerate club and that is the impression that we must
leave.
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