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Group riding - what if the lead riders aren't riding safely?

by listerine
Mon, Dec 19, 2016 21:06
36

Hi, 

I'm a long time cyclist, but am a beginner at group cycling. I recently joined a cycling club, and have found my inaugural rides with the group pretty uncomfortable, primarily because the group rides in a way that I'm unusued to, and seems potentially less than optimal from a safety perspective.

- the front left rider invariably rides closer to parked cars and the kerb than I ordinarily would - some 30-50cm away, leaving very little space to avoid potholes and drain covers. If I ride further out, I break up the flow of the group.

- the group is very reluctant to take a full lane, even when to do so makes sense. The front riders will swerve left where there is space between parked cars, and lead or rear riders shout to 'single out' when there is a car waiting to pass, even when to pass would be unsafe (e.g. blind corner with solid white lines). In my last ride, this resulted in two drivers trying to pass, then having to abort half way through.

Am I being overly sensitive as a beginner, or do I have a legitimate cause for complaint? What do you suggest I do?

Thanks, 

Michael

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36 comments

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hugheke | 8 years ago
2 likes

Couldn't agree more Jimmy Ray Will, regarding experienced riders doing other stuff away from the group rides. You wouldn't believe the things I have seen some of our "leaders" (without exception, fairly new to the sport) do. AND, they don't like being corrected.........

 

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CXR94Di2 | 8 years ago
1 like

If you dont like their style of riding dont ride with them.  You will probably find others feel the same, form a 2nd group who ride like you do.

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Jimmy Ray Will | 8 years ago
10 likes

Sounds about 50/50 to me. Your concerns abotu riding close to parked car, may or may not be valid, but certainly I see no reason for a group to take up a whole lane. A group can happily ride two abreast using barely half a standard lane. The tighter the group, the more efficient, and the easier to safely pass. 

As for singling out... I think you have a point. I see this more and more on group rides. Honestly, 12 guys in a long line is no easier to pass than 2 lines of 6, if its not safe to pass, its not safe.

I think often the singling out is purely to show willing to the drivers behind. You can argue the benefits of that on both sides.

There is a wider problem I have witnessed in group and club riding generally. The uptake of cycling is massively positive, but it has shaken up the classic club culture. 

Back in the old days,  young lads would join the club, and be initiated into cycling by grumpy seniors who shouted at you and told you what was what. it wasn't sleak, clever or inclusive, but you very quickly learnt the essentials of group riding. 

This method worked as long as those entering the system were young and willing, or stupid enough to take it.  

These days the majority of guys and gals coming into the sport are already full blown adults, who are unwilling to be shouted at or be told what to do by someone / anyone that doesn't hold a position of power over them. 

So what happens? the old guard stop shouting... newbies come in and lower the standard of riding. The old guard start meeting up outside of the main club ride, and their experience / expertise is lost from the club. 

The new guys, who's experience is fashioned from their own experiences to date take control and instill their values to the club moving forward. Before you know it, all sorts of weird stuff is going on. 

I have no answers to this... its just my experience. So in summary, I'd try a few different rides and see if the issues are consistent or isolated. 

 

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VeloUSA | 8 years ago
1 like

I agree with SuperPython59. You're the newbie to "their" rides so you either go along with the how the group rides or find another group which pleases your style. So, the question to you is is this club the only available group ride or are there independent come one come all group rides in your area?

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ktache | 8 years ago
3 likes

If anything needs to be riding in a "vehicular" manner, I would think it would be a group ride.

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FatBoyW | 8 years ago
1 like

It is fairly normal to ride reasonably tight when 2 abreast - but then have to be careful to call out and point at all the hazards (potholes). 

Not sure what you mean about swerve left at parked cars - do you really mean between the car and the kerb? If so, never seen it and I would ask before a ride starts as it sounds plain lunacy to me.

SO the answer appears to be both, natural to be a bit sensitive and yes sounds like legit complaint too!

Often times the club rides I attend can lack a bit in discipline - but that comes from: having so many new riders these days; so few riders regularly racing; its not easy and we lose concentration sometimes and we are all shameful amateurs!

Worth a quiet word with whoever is the obvious ride leader - if he doesn't take note and remind the group at the start about riding carefully; tidily; not too close; call out holes etc etc then go find another club - all this is massive caveat that if you are in the same club as me then deffo talk to Keith and he'll sort it!!!

 

 

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