GROUP RIDING

If you’re not used to riding in a group, it can be a little intimidating. However, with some knowledge of what to expect, the experience will be fun, sociable and unforgettable.

 

Communicate

The most important factor to successful group riding is communication. Make sure you know the meaning of and always pass any verbal signals through the group. As well as obvious shouts such as “stopping”, others to be aware of are “easy” meaning slow down “car up”, meaning there is a car behind to be aware of, “car down”, meaning there is a car ahead and “single out”, meaning to adopt single file.

 

Be aware

Stay relaxed in the group but constantly look around and don’t mindlessly follow the wheels. Look past the riders in front to get a heads up of the road ahead. Always look first and let the riders around you know before moving within the group.

 

Obey the rules of the road

Respect junctions and always stay on the correct side of the road. The Highway Code applies to all road users.

 

Ride consistently and predictably

Your movements will effect everyone in the group. Hold a straight line, don’t weave and always overtake around the right hand side of the group. Don’t grab your brakes and, if you stand out of the saddle, don’t let your back wheel drop back and don’t veer across the road.

 

Make sure both you and you’re 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.

 

Avoid half-wheeling

If road conditions and traffic allow, 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. Known as “half-wheeling” this is definitely frowned on.

 

Wheel suck

Don’t always sit amongst the wheels and shirk your stint on the front. Even if you just put in a few turns of the pedals it’ll be appreciated. However, even if you’re finding the pace easy, don’t get on the front and put the ‘hammer down’ (A term used to describe someone riding at the front of a group at a hard pace). Keep the pace and effort consistent.

 

Don’t ride in the gutter

If you’re on the front of the group, don’t sit in the gutter as you’ll be forcing everyone else to follow you increasing the likelihood of hitting obstructions such as drain covers and of picking up punctures. Where possible, ride 1 m out from the kerb.

 

Hand Signals

One hand as if “gently patting an invisible dog”: Group is slowing down or just ease things back a bit.

 

Left or right hand extended out to side: Direction of turn / change in direction coming up.

 

Pointing down at road sometimes with a circling motion: Obstruction on road such as a pothole or drain cover that needs to be avoided. Be sensible with this one and only point out major obstacles. This signal is often accompanied with a call of ‘below’ or “hole”.

 

Waving/pointing behind back: Indicates that there is an obstruction such as a parked car or pedestrian and that the whole group needs to move in the direction indicated to avoid it.