Memories of my maiden group ride are still vivid. The coordinated hum and clicking of drivetrains. The synchronized pendulum-swing of bikes leaning through a turn. The exhilaration of breezing along effortlessly at 30 miles an hour. Pedaling a bike was already fun for its own sake, but a new world opened up the first time I impulsively hopped into line with a passing stampede of logo-covered thoroughbreds. Even years later, while I was kicking off my first block of structured training, riding with a group each day did more to help the hours and miles tick by than any playlist ever could.
To the uninitiated, group rides can be intimidating. But if you want to make some friends, sharpen your riding skills, and get a real workout, ask at a local bike shop about weekly rides and take the plunge. Below, we’ve outlined a few things to keep in mind for your first few group rides.
Here’s a quick lesson on staying safe in the pack:
Know the Type of Ride
Group rides vary by ability level and format. Some are informal races, though most just roll along in an orderly rotation. Each group ride has its own set of rules and etiquette.
Ask Questions
Find one of the regulars and ask about etiquette specific to the ride. Does the group maintain a paceline the entire time, or is there a section of road where rules go out the window and it’s “game on?” Do people sprint for city-limit signs? Does the group stop for traffic signals or roll through them? Also, if you don’t know the route, ride next to someone who does. Otherwise, you might get caught out front and take the group off course.
Keep the Rotation Smooth
Most group rides roll along in a double paceline, in which two lines form and pairs of riders take pulls (ride at the front of the group into the wind) before swinging off and drifting to the back. A varied-intensity workout is one of the appeals of a group ride, but for everyone drafting behind, the pace should be as even as possible.
