We've had a few new faces on rides recently which is good. I've realised that I should have introduced myself better and also given some idea of what to expect and how we ride as a group. 

Some of this should hopefully be familiar, some may be different to what you're used to. Some of it you may disagree with. But this is what's been agreed and what other riders are expecting to happen. If something really bothers you have a chat to us about it!

For most of the Saturday ride, we operate in a rolling turns formation riding 2 by 2.

In the group
Riders should be side by side with a small gap between them and be level handlebar to handlebar. Keep it neat and tidy, into the side of the road when the gutter is clear. The outside rider should be no more that halfway across the lane on a typical a/b-road, there is no need to take over the whole lane and annoy car drivers. 

Ride in a straight line a few inches to the side of the rear wheel of the ride in front. Do not overlap wheels with the pair in front. Equally do not let large gaps open up in the group. Do not half-wheel your partner, particularly on the front. If we have an odd number of riders, the single rider sits at the back not in the middle. It is good practice to let gaps open up a bit on fast descents.

Learning to ride in a tight group like this is a skill. Following a wheel semi-blind, particularly when you're on the inside in the gutter can be tricky. You have to stay alert and trust the riders around you.  

Changes / Rolling through
The lead pair agree with each other that they are changing, to avoid confusion.

The front left (inside) rider holds his speed and the front right (outside) rider steadily pulls ahead, once in front he/she then moves left to become the new inside rider. The outside line of riders rolls smoothly forwards to fill the gaps.

Move smoothly and keep gaps to minimum. Do not let gaps open up simply because you're in the middle of a conversation. Do not change lines unless you've reached the back, keep the rotation system going.

Most of the time we're doing around 5 minute / 1.5 mile turns in each position. Keep to this rough timing do not hog the front, let everyone that wants to work get to the front at some point. Shorter turns are encouraged if you want to contribute but are unsure of your endurance.

On the front do not cane yourself, ride within your limits. Don't put yourself too deep into the red that you're likely to get spat out of the back on the hill just around the corner. Learn to pace and judge your efforts. You can still do shorter turns 1-2 minutes and contribute to group progress. If you're starting to blow, initiate a change and recover.

Hazards, hand signals and yelling
Obstacles should be warned of by simple hand signals. Yelling out hazards should be kept to a minimum, as it can be ambiguous and often the majority of the group can't hear what was said anyway. 

If you only see a hole at the last second, HOLD YOUR LINE and ride through it! Better to get a flat than to take down the group.

Signal if you intend to change position in the group, e.g. move sideways to fill a gap or pull out to move to the back.

Too tired to go to the front (or without mudguards on a wet day!)
If you do not want to go to the front, sit at the back and let the riders coming back from the front of the group know so they can slot in ahead of you.

It is not acceptable to sit in the middle of the group and block the rotation or work your way up to the front of the group then slow down because you don't feel strong enough. If for whatever reason you do find yourself at the front, go through and take what is known as a 'token pull'. You go to the front for a couple seconds, agree with the rider beside you that you are peeling off, and go to the back.

Rolling turns / Through-and-off
Towards the end of the Saturday rides (and Wednesday nights in the summer) we switch up into a proper continuous rolling paceline, or through-and-off. I may write another post on this skill soon, but the key thing I'll stress at the moment is don't accelerate or pull through too hard. Instead, roll through smoothly, pull off in front of the lead rider and EASE UP IMMEDIATELY to let the next rider come through.  

If you are new to the ride, sit back, watch and learn. Spend a few miles learning the etiquette.
If someone has a word with you or shouts instructions please don't take offence, it's not personal.

Thanks
Sorry this got so long! 

Mark

some useful articles:

http://michaelbarry.ca/2011/11/the-group-ride-2/
http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=6731
http://www.cyclingtips.com.au/2009/02/half-wheel-harry/
http://www.cyclingtips.com.au/2009/02/rolling-turns-pacelining-echeloning/

-- Edited by mcorbett on Saturday 26th of January 2013 09:51:17 PM