Group Riding
How to have perfect group rides
Take the stress out of sharing the tarmac with your mates with these simple tips
Group rides are a big part of biking for many riders – but is something that a lot of riders actually find quite difficult and stressful. But there are a few key tips that can help. Group riding is always difficult, no matter your experience. Not only is there pressure to keep up, but there’s also more to think about and plan. By keeping your vision up and riding your own ride, you will be less fixated on the bike in front. And by having pre-ride meetings and a no overtaking rule, your next group ride will be fun and safe – for all involved. Experimenting with positioning and proximity to other riders to work out what worked best for you is a good idea, and by using your peripheral vision you will be able to keep an eye on the road as well as the rider ahead.
On straight sections ride in a staggered formation to dominate road space and maximise the view ahead but ride single file on twisty roads to use the correct road position for the corner ahead. On a straight road the lead rider should be positioned slightly right of centre of the lane. The next rider should be at least a second behind slightly to the left. The next rider should be to the right, and so on.
Even advanced groups can have differing opinions on what’s acceptable. So before hitting the road en masse, decide who’ll lead, who’s ‘Tail-end Charlie’ and set a few ground rules so everyone understands. With large groups, it’s helpful to get everyone together prior to starting the ride in order to discuss the route, pace, and any ground rules you may have. Try to make it light-hearted, quick, simple and informal.
QUICK TIPS
(Don’t) mind the gap
Manage your space to maximise safety margins and view ahead. Riding too close to the rider in front will mean their bike dominates your vision and you will find it hard to ride your own ride. Likewise, don’t bow to pressure to keep up or be tempted to use too much speed to close a gap.
Agree your passing protocol
If you find that you need to change your riding order, do it at a natural ‘stop’, such as a junction or a traffic light. By implementing a ‘no overtaking’ rule while out on the ride you will take the competitive element away, reduce distractions and hazards and boost safety for everyone in the group.
Stay focused on the road ahead
It’s too easy to zone out while following a rider and use them as a reference rather than reading the road yourself. As soon as you’re aware you’ve fallen into that trap, tell yourself – ‘vision up’. By looking beyond the rider in front your brain is more engaged and you’ll feel more confident.
Ride your own ride – not your mate’s
When riding mid-pack it’s all too easy to start simply watching the rider in front rather than the road ahead, which causes you to follow their lines and potentially make their mistakes. It’s tricky to do, but constantly remind yourself to keep you vision lifted and focussed on the road ahead. And, critically, if the pace is too high or too low, or you feel uncomfortable with any aspect of the ride, simply detach and concentrate on your own ride – you can meet up with your mates again at the next stop point, or another day. It’s supposed to be enjoyable – not stressful.