By Ron Rogers at www.diablocyclists.com
- Don't
OVERLAP WHEELS!! This is especially important with some riders -- it
can be a formula for disaster. Unless you are an exceptional bike
handler riding behind a remarkably steady and predictable rider, the
advantage gained by close following is not worth the risk of crashing.
- When
on the front, KEEP YOUR HEAD UP, CALL OUT THE JUNK, and WATCH THE
LIGHTS. You are responsible for the safety of many riders. Don't let
them down. Don't worry about what gear you are in or if you have an
acorn in your cluster. Anticipate stoplight changes (It is your
responsibility to get the entire group through the intersection safely).
Go easy off the lights or around corners, give the back time to get
going without getting the "whip syndrome".
- If you MUST chit
chat in the pace line - SKIP THE EYE CONTACT. WATCH THE RIDER IN FRONT
OF YOU AND THE TRAFFIC ON THE ROAD - ESPECIALLY AT THE FRONT. When on
the front, don't talk: you have too much responsibility.
- Watch
the rider in front of you, constantly. Depending on who it is, back
off, especially when approaching a challenging rise in terrain or jump
in pace. Some people, even on the best of days have an inconsistent
speed that causes the bike to go back and forth. Other people brake
suddenly or excessively. Know who these people are and stay back from
them. When in town look ahead for stoplight changes.
- Ride
in a straight line at a consistent and predictable pace. If you have to
wipe your tires don't slow down or stop pedaling. Remember there are a
bunch of riders behind you.
- When moving from a seated to a
standing position, stay on the power so you do not fall back into the
bike behind you. Even some really strong riders tend to do this so be
forewarned.
- Never pass on the right unless you are ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN there is:
- Plenty of room
- The
rider in front absolutely knows you are coming around...(because you
YELLED "COMING BY ON YOUR RIGHT" and saw a visible reaction).
- Some riders disapprove of this under any circumstances - it depends on your bike handling skills and who you are passing.
- If
you find that you can't hold with the paceline that you're in, signal,
then pull out of the pace line and back off - don't start thrashing,
weaving or gapping. If you are smart, you can jump back on AT THE REAR
and get a break too. Unless you are at the tail end of a fast group who
is determined to drop you (or you are about to be tandemectomized), back
off on the steep or twisty descents.
- If you must spit or blow
your nose move out of the paceline enough so no one is directly behind
you. The guys and girls behind you will appreciate your efforts not to
do this.
The BCC would like to thank the Diablo Cycling Club for giving us premission to let us share this information.