GROUP RIDING

Riding in a group is fun, social, and saves you energy. By "drafting" (riding behind others), you can work 10% to 30% less than riding alone—especially at higher speeds.

New to group riding?

Don’t worry! Your Ride Leader is happy to coach you and show you the ropes.

SINGLE PACELINE SAFETY & ETIQUETTE 

Groups in the A and B pace categories usually ride in a single line. Other pace groups might not, but they still follow many of the same riding rules.

• Safety Above All: Unsafe riders will not be tolerated and may be removed from the group at the Ride Leader’s discretion.
• Be Mindful & Predictable: Maintain a straight line and a steady matched effort* so others learn to trust your movements. Avoid swerving abruptly and braking suddenly. Roll out gradually, don’t surge. Be aware that standing up to pedal can make you kick back momentarily. 
• Respect the Ride Leader’s Pace: Don’t push it. Maintain your position in the paceline and rotate through at the prescribed pace. If the ride is too slow for you, find a faster group next time.
• No Overlapping Wheels: Never overlap your front wheel with the rear wheel of the person ahead; if they move suddenly, you could crash.
• Signal & Call Out Hazards: It is the unconditional responsibility of the rider at the front of the paceline to safely guide the group away from hazards. Point out potholes, gravel, glass, etc. If necessary, call them out.
• Communicate: Use hand signals to indicate turns, slowing, and stopping. Slow down gradually, and call out "Slowing" or "Stopping". Signal before standing up to pedal (double elbow flick).
• Pass Info Up From the Rear: If you’re at the back, inform the group when cars are approaching from behind by calling “Car Back”. Shoulder check regularly. Call out “Take the Lane” only when it is absolutely safe for the group to change lanes or to make a left turn.
• Take Regular Pulls: Experienced, competent riders are encouraged to take turns pulling at the front. Do not surge ahead and pass the group to take a pull before it’s your turn.
• Share the Work: If you’re feeling strong take slightly longer pulls, but not to the point of exhaustion. If you’re not “feeling it”, take shorter pulls, or let the others know you’re going to sit in at the back of the line to recover. 
• Smooth Rotation/Passing: When rotating off the front of the line; shoulder check, signal (right elbow flick), and without slowing, peel off smoothly to the left. Ease your pace slightly and allow the others to pass before settling in at the back of the line.
• Mind the Gap: Keep a close but safe consistent distance to the rider in front of you. Don’t surge and coast. Soft pedal instead to avoid “yo-yoing” and keep your rear hub quiet. If a gap occurs, and you can’t close it, call out “Gap”.
• Respect Traffic: Obey traffic lights and the rules of the road.
• Wait for Others: If a rider has a mechanical or falls behind, the group should stop and wait.

*Match your effort to the riding conditions and group’s pace. Hills require more effort than flat roads or descents.