Better Together

      Watching the wheel in front of you is a recipe for disaster. This is true whether you’re riding behind one rider, or 20 – you won’t be able to anticipate the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) surges that are part of life in the group. People swerve and wobble, brake and charge; by watching the rider three or four ahead of you, you can anticipate what’s going to happen far in advance and keep your own movements smooth and safe.

      It shouldn’t even need to be said; but in fairness to the entire cycling community, we see the pro’s doing it on television all the time: never overlap with the wheel in front of you. They do it because the closer they get at their exaggerated speeds, the more energy they save. But they have the 30 000km-a-year experience and reaction times to make a plan faster than you can when the guy in front twitches or swerves.

      This should really be the number-one tip. When riding in a group, be predictable and solid in your rhythm. Be consistent in your pedalling speed (cadence), and don’t make other cyclists second-guess where you’re going on the road. Keeping an even pace is what you want, to avoid that crash situation.

      If you had a cent for every time you’ve heard this on Cycle Tour Sunday… but there’s a reason. It’s really disconcerting to be cycling near someone who is wavering all over the place on the road. Keep a straight line, and maintain the same distance between yourself and the riders around you. Think about the line that other cyclists – say, on your inside – will have to take, especially on a corner or for an obstacle in the road, and change your position predictably.

      Yes, sometimes the unexpected does happen, and your careful consistency is disrupted – you may need to brake suddenly, or swerve to avoid hitting something. The pro’s in the peloton almost always have their hands on their hoods (sometimes with a finger resting over the lever) to ensure a quick reaction when braking is required. It’s often needed on a group ride, especially on the flats and the fast group descents.

      Warning other cyclists behind you about upcoming obstructions such as potholes (yes, even in the Western Cape!) helps maintain a smooth ride for the group, and stops others swerving suddenly. Use hand signals as well as your voice to indicate obstructions on the road, etc. Be the ‘eyes’ for those behind you. Point at the problem, and be clear. “Waterbottle!” will let them know there’s one rolling about in the road, and they’ll have time to avoid it.

      There will come a time when it’s your turn at the front of the group (don’t be the wheel sucker who never helps!). Here, communication is at its most important, as it’s you who will have first eyes on upcoming problems. Always pass slower riders on the right, with enough room for three or four riders on your inside – remember, the bunch will swell behind you, so if you pass close, that’s an accident wating to happen.

   And make sure your pace at the front is even. Don’t increase speed just because you’re there – just keep the same pace as the previous leader, for as long as you feel comfortable, before peeling off to the left and slowly dropping back into the bunch. Accelerating when you get there will splinter the group and drop some slower riders off the back, and you’ll need them later when you’re feeling a bit weaker and they’re feeling a bit stronger.

   The common goal is better overall speed; there’s no room for heroes, unless you’re trying to win – and only the pros get to do that.

      A great tip for riding in a bunch, this one comes in handy when the road tilts upwards: always hit the foot of the climb at the front of your group, and then ride at a pace you know you can handle all the way to the top. Chances are, the rest will be happy with your leadership and stay at your pace; but if they are a bit faster, by the time you’ve got to the top you’ll have slipped back gently to the middle or back of the group, and will still be in contact without having had to bust a gut.