How We Ride
riding in a group
We ride in groups, one of the best cycling experiences around. It can be social enough for a chat and structured to go faster than you ever could on your own. The exact execution of these groups is dictated by the rider skill level and range the gamut of structure, which the most structured and disciplined group riding being the fastest and most efficient. Regardless, there are huge benefits to utilizing a paceline as soon as you are comfortable with it.
A few tips to keep in mind:
Keep the Pace - Going to the front you may need to do more work but you don't need to speed up. Keep track of the group's pace as you approach the front and hold it while you're there.
Micro Adjust - Use skills like soft pedalling, air braking and feathering to make small changes to your speed as opposed to slamming on the brakes every time.
Don't Stare - It is easy to get locked on the wheel in front of you. Not only is that boring, but it is also not giving you any time to react to changing situations. Keep scanning the road about 10m ahead for upcoming obstacles. Use the gaps in the riders to make this easier.
Ease Off the Gas - When preparing to move backwards through the group, you just need to slightly ease off the gas to allow the group to start overtaking you. Remember - small adjustments!
Share and Share Alike - Short pulls keep the paceline moving. A paceline that is consistently moving doesn't leave any particular rider exposed to the wind which makes the ride smoother for everyone involved!
Conserve Energy - If you're getting burned out, let the others know and have them slot in front of you. This provides you some time to recover before you blow up.
pacelines
We routinely ride using a single paceline or a double rotating paceline as shown in the animations on theright. Which type is used at any given time is subject to the road, traffic, weather and group conditions. The ride leader will give the group instructions to use one type or another.
signalling
Communication while riding is incredibly important. As you are part of the flow of traffic, you need to be able to communicate with your fellow drivers and riders. The graphic on the right shows some of the most common hand signals that we use as a group to enable this communication. Remember, wind noise, traffic, and other audio interference over the length of a peloton make verbal communication unreliable and verbal communication with motor vehicles is impractical. Hand signals are the best approach for communications.
There are nuances to signalling that are nicely covered in the GCN Video. For example, when it's appropriate to yell instead of using a signal.
Pace Group Definitions
We organize by pace in order to deliver an experience that fits the skill level of our riders. There are a few key definitions to remember:
Average Pace - Speed will vary at different points of the ride dependent on road conditions. Therefore this is the pace that will appear on your wonderful Strava post at the end of your ride.
Top Speed - There are times when even if conditions permit, the group is not comfortable travelling faster than a certain speed. Those caps are in place to keep the rides comfortable for all riders.
Ride Styles - Pacelines can be optional or highly encouraged (especially as you start moving faster). Echelons protect from crosswinds but require more advanced handling skills to execute.
pace groups
Group A
Ride Pace
Average 32kph+
Top Speed - Uncapped
Ride Style
Pacelines
Echelons
Group B
Ride Pace
Average 25-31kph
Top Speed - 32kph
Ride Style
Pacelines Highly Encouraged
Group C
Ride Pace
Average 23-25kph
Top Speed - 27kph
Ride Style
Paceline Optional
Group D
Ride Pace
Average 20-22kph
Top Speed - 24kph
Ride Style
Beginner training and social rides
final thoughts
Ride in a group that suits your capabilities.
Ride within the guidelines of the group you are in. Respect the posted pace and etiquette of that group.
Don't chase riders that ride too hard. They will soon realize their error and adjust back to the group or ride off into the sunset as a lone hero.
Pay attention to the Ride Leader(s) and those riders around you.
Are you ready to get riding across Elgin?