Group riding etiquette

For the benefit of our newer members and those riding with LEC for the first time, please have a read of MG's blog posting from last year, giving us invaluable tips for riding in a group...
 

 Riding is more fun when you ride with others!

There’s no better source of motivation, networking, being social, sharing knowledge, and camaraderie than your fellow riders. However, the prospect of joining a group ride for the first time can be intimidating.

Worried that you might now know “the rules’ of a group ride? We’ve got you covered! Simply read the following suggestions...
 

Pick The Right Group Ride

Group rides and objectives vary. Finding out the group’s pace, distance, and goals will ensure that you join a ride that’s right for you. Is the ride social or a hammer fest? Is it considered a social ride, training ride, or a bloodletting? How far will the group go? What route will the ride follow? Will the ride re-group at certain spots to let stragglers get back on? Are there any rest stops or fluid stops? Answer these questions before the ride so you don’t get yourself in over your head. If you are not sure what type of group ride you are getting yourself into, just ask.

Don’t Be Late

Group rides typically start within minutes of the official starting time. If you’re late, you’ll miss the ride. Plus if you hold the group up there will be some impatient people and you’ll make a bad first impression. It is a good idea to arrive at least ten minutes before the start of the ride so you can get yourself organised.

Communicate

Communication is key to a safe group ride. Roads are full of traffic, rocks, signs, pot holes, parked cars, animals, pedestrians, etc. and visibility is limited for cyclist in a pack. It is important to communicate to the riders in the group of potential hazards by shouting out and pointing out hazards.

These are some calls you might hear. It is essential that you repeat them down the pack so everyone can hear:

• "Car Up / Car Front / Car Back" - Keep tight to the cyclist next to you and be prepared to cycle in single file.
• "Hole" - upcoming pothole to avoid.  Sometimes followed by a direction.
• "Slowing" - usually accompanied by a hand signal.  The cyclist in front needs to slow down for some reason.
• "Stopping" - Brake!
• "Wait" - Usually at junctions to indicate there is a car coming.
• "Clear" - to indicate a junction is traffic free, you must check yourself and not rely on others.
• "Standing" - moving from the seated positon to standing on the pedals.  Be careful if colleagues are close behind you, as when standing you will drop your pace slightly and he/she may touch your back wheel.
• "Heads up" - Hazard ahead, pay attention.
• "Single out / single file" - get into single file immediately!

Hand Signals

These are some hand signals (other than the obvious left and right turns!) It is essential that you repeat them so everyone can see and pass it on:

• Single hand in the air (up or down) - Rider is signalling that he/she needs to stop or slow down. Usually followed by the call 'Slowing', 'Stopping'.
• Pointing down at the road - This is to point out hazards such as pot holes, manhole covers etc. PLEASE copy this signal, it stops accidents and punctures.
• Arm out left or right - Everyone in the pack needs to indicate when turning left or right.
• Left arm signalling behind back - Signal the cyclist is about to move out into the road, e.g. to pass a parked car, to go round debris in the road.

Ride Cautiously and Considerately

Bikes are considered vehicles, just like cars and are required to obey the same traffic laws. Your actions can place a rider behind you in danger so be careful of your surroundings.
 

Ride Smart & Be Safe

Group ride dynamics are interesting and ever changing. As the pace and terrain changes the pack stretches and compresses like a rubber band. You have to be alert at all times because rubber band effect of a group ride can cause some very tight quarters and even some occasional crashes.

To be safe it is important to ride smooth, don’t over react, avoid hard braking, be alert as to what is going on up the road in the front of the pack, and anticipate what traffic will do.
Inexperienced rides that panic and touch a wheel may crash or cause a crash. You can avoid problems by practicing these simples rules:

1.    Stay alert at all times.
2.    Hold your line.
3.    Don’t overlap wheels.
4.    Don’t look back!
5.    Relax!
6.    Focus on the rider(s) ahead.
7.    Beware of pot holes in the road.
8.    Don’t brake unless absolutely necessary.
9.    Pass carefully.
10.    Always move through the pace-line at a steady pace and make sure you are clear of the front rider before pulling off.
 

Be Prepared

Always bring a tube, CO2 or a pump and the tools to change a flat. It also a good idea to bring some money on the longer rides because often group rides stop to fuel up. Bringing a mobile phone is also good to have in-case something happens and you need to call for help. Keep in mind that not all group rides stop when someone flats, so be prepared to ride alone if this happens.
 

Join The Fun!

Group rides are great fun! You get a great workout, push yourself harder than if riding alone, cover more distance, and get to hang out with fellow cyclists. There is nothing better than hanging out after a group ride to re-cap the ride. So don’t be intimidated, get out there and ride!