Strategies for Riding in Groups

There is no more effective way to become a motivated cyclist than finding a good regular group ride. Here are some group riding techniques common around the world.

• Pacelines, Pacelines, Pacelines. Single or double, turning quickly or slowly, but always smooth and firm. This is the only common characteristic generally each group of experienced tour.
• Accelerate slowly and with an eye to keep the group together. The attacks, jumps, short and hard strip of other races-like ride can be fine for some small rides, but have no place in a group-oriented trip. I am often surprised that novice riders sometimes seems that this kind of aggressive riding is better training of a good rotation paceline.
• A consistent rhythm is the key. Try to establish a rhythm of pedaling before reaching the front and keep it until just after pulling away. If you're feeling particularly strong acceleration and / or taking a long pull, but if it does increase the pace gradually do so. Do not forget to pedal harder to offset declines in the extra drag.
• Go hard in the mountains (and elsewhere) but do not forget to regroup. This does not mean waiting for every last straggler but always make a reasonable effort to regroup after sections more difficult.
• Wheelsitters are always welcome, but please stay in the back. Nothing is more damaging than someone who turns in front only to slow down to beat the wind. If you want to extend, tired or otherwise not inclined to pull through no problem with seats in the rear, just let the racers know when they are rotating has reached the back of the rotation of the section.
• Do not open gaps! If you are behind a gap close slowly. An expert group will remain in a tight paceline through 95% with an average trip including stops, corners, short climbs, descents, and trafficking by closing the inevitable gaps before it becomes a problem.
• Do not bring every pothole, motor vehicles, or other obstacle. Each rider has to take responsibility for themselves. This means that everyone should pay attention to traffic and road, even in the rear. The frontmost riders should note the unusual risks of course, and directing the group gradually around glass, potholes, slower riders and such but do not assume every time they can leave the other runners to watch the path that lies front.
• The lead runners are more responsible for the conduct of the group and must take this into account stop signs and lights.
• Do not accelerate through a yellow light unless you know the back of the group can do well. If the group was split makes the slow walk to the rear group has recaptured. If you're in the back please do not go at the intersection just to maintain contact unless it is clear that traffic is waiting for the entire group to move.
• Do not allow the elitist attitudes. Perhaps the best thing about good group rides in addition to training, is socialization. Team affiliation, racing experience, the use of helmet, the kind of bicycle, etc. are all matters of individual preference and should be left as such. While the rider is safe and able to live up to be welcome.
• Experienced pilots must point out the mistakes. This must be done through diplomatic channels, of course, but it is important to make people aware of unsafe riding, hard braking, cutting blind corners, unnecessarily obstructing traffic, etc.
• It is also useful to meet at a popular central location. Cafes, squares, shops and cycling are all good places to wait before speaking and the journey begins.