[Chat] good idea for leaders

[Larry Hayes]

8. TRY THIS ON YOUR NEXT RIDE 

  

Generate a Great Group

 

If early-season group rides haven't begun in your area, it won't be too much
longer. These rides are where we meet friends, do conditioning miles and
test our sprint for road signs. They're the basis of cycling culture.

 

There's one catch: To enjoy a group ride, you have to stay with the group!

 

It's no fun to hang on for 30 minutes only to get shelled on the first hill
and spend the rest of the miles alone. But if you're a stronger rider, it's
tedious to pedal slowly just to keep everyone together.

 

Here are some pointers for group rides, the goals being (a) no one gets
dropped, and (b) everyone has fun.

*	Find the right group.  Ideally, it won't be more than 15% too fast
or too slow for your present fitness. A big group may need to be split into
two or three smaller ones to accommodate everyone. Pro teams routinely do
this in early season training. The faster group contains riders preparing
for spring classics; the slower one is looking at races later in the season.
  
*	Follow the leader.  Every group needs a rider who sets the rules and
politely sees that they're followed. Here's a key one: "No one will be
dropped except on hills, and then we'll ride easy till everyone is back on."
  
*	Designate the tow trucks.  The strongest riders should pull the
group together if it splits. For instance, the group hits a headwind and
three riders are dangling at 50 meters. The group slows and two strong guys
drop back to tow the dropped riders into contact.
  
*	Do more work.  If you're a relatively strong rider, get a good
workout by spending more time at the front, which gives others a helpful
draft. Or, ride to the side of the group in the wind instead of drafting.
Push weaker riders up a tough hill with a helping hand on the small of their
back. (Ask first if it's okay.)
  
*	Do less work.  If you're concerned about the ride's speed or
distance, don't pull at the front. If you do, take very short turns. Get
maximum draft. Climb at your own pace on hills. You don't have to go
anaerobic trying to stay in contact when you know the group will slow or
provide a tow. 

 

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