Cycling in a group safely and efficiently is one of the key skills of road cycling. However, the first few times you ride in a group it can be a confusing experience. Our video has all the essential information and techniques you need to know to stay safe, give you confidence and have an enjoyable time.
- How to descend safely
- 10 steps to becoming a fitter, faster, better cyclist
- How to flatten even the steepest of hills
Basic group riding technique
When the road allows, you'll usually be riding two-abreast in a double pace line. This allows everyone behind the two leading riders to shelter from the wind. The time each rider spends on the front is usually decided before the ride starts, with an understanding that tired riders will take shorter turns.
Keep your speed smooth and controlled as possible, as everyone is riding in close proximity to one another. This means no grabbing handfuls of brake or fast accelerating. Always have your hands covering the brakes, either on the hoods or the drops.
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Starting out, it's best to keep at least a wheel length between your front wheel and the back wheel of whoever is in front of you. As you progress, you can close this gap up, but you should avoid overlapping your wheel with the person in front as the wheels may make contact with the slightest gust of wind or bump in the road. Try to keep your head up and look ahead for hazards or signals from the other riders.
When approaching hills, it's important to widen the gap between cyclists to allow for slowing down.
Communicating hazards
Ensuring everyone in the group knows about what's going on, is aware of any hazards, and is happy communicating with the others is very important. The front riders are responsible for warning the group about upcoming hazards, corners or junctions, and the signals should then be passed all the way back through the group. If you aren't familiar with hand gestures and calls, then make sure you check these with the rest of the group before you set off.
Advanced group riding skills
The through and off technique
The single pace line
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
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