1st Group Ride

Went on my first group ride this weekend. 45 Miler. Pretty fun.
Learning the whole etiquette of the group was a bit strange. But, like with any new thing, it all makes sense now. I really like the speed the group generates, along with a safer feeling. 25 people are a lot easier to see than one.


I rode in the B+ group. My buddy is a solid rider, and does 3-4 century rides a year. He hung with me at the back of the B+ group until I had the calls and stuff figured out. By the end, we were leading the group most the time. I did not pull. We left that to the crazy fuck that had already run 10 miles before he got to the ride. Triathaletes are fucked in the head. Apparently this guy averages a 5:30 mile in Marathons. I didn't even know that was possible! Anyway, he pulled for a while.


My favorite part of the ride was when these douches tried to pull. They come screaming past me "on your left". I was like- oh wow, these guys are hauling. This should be fun to watch. Next thing I know, I am passing the same two douches on their left. I guess they got up front and realised just how shitty pulling is. I am happy to draft for a while.


All in all, I am happy with the ride. It proves that I am in half way decent shape. As my buddy said on the ride home. I do go skiing for 7 days straight at a time, bell to bell. You have to be in some sort of shape to do that.

Looking forward to the next group ride, and then my first century in May. Busch Gardens to Sea World and back. That should be really interesting. Need to train a bit longer for that. Thank god for daylight savings. Now I have a chance to ride after work.

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Originally Posted by warthog

My favorite part of the ride was when these douches tried to pull. They come screaming past me "on your left". I was like- oh wow, these guys are hauling. This should be fun to watch. Next thing I know, I am passing the same two douches on their left. I guess they got up front and realised just how shitty pulling is. I am happy to draft for a while.

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Also, they probably didnt "run up on the wheel" when they tried to pull out of the draft. That makes a purty big difference.

Welcome to the road world, Wart. Just remember, you have an obligation to pull as well....it is part of the ettiquette and dynamic. It is your duty, basically. It is O.K. to not pull as much or as hard as the stronger riders, but you do have to take a turn or three. Or be shunned as a wheelsucker.....

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Originally Posted by rideit

Welcome to the road world, Wart. Just remember, you have an obligation to pull as well....it is part of the ettiquette and dynamic. It is your duty, basically. It is O.K. to not pull as much or as hard as the stronger riders, but you do have to take a turn or three. Or be shunned as a wheelsucker.....

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I am new- this group is cool with wheelsuckers at first. When my legs stop quitting after mile 40, I'll be ready to start pulling. Couple weeks or so.

Sounds like a cool group! When/where do you guys meet? I come through SLC a lot, maybe I could fit in a road ride. Man, I went on a 42 miler solo in mild wind today...third day on the bike since Nov. I am whooped!

I am sorta on a big Salt Lake- The Gulf of Mexico.

I live in St. Petersburg. I am riding with the Suncoast Cycling Club out of Palm Harbor,FL.

http://www.suncoastcycling.com/

Oops! Where is that in relation to Ft Lauderdale? Wifey's family has a place down there....

you should try racing in some local crits this summer as a Cat 5. You'll learn a great deal about road riding after just one race.

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Originally Posted by rideit

Oops! Where is that in relation to Ft Lauderdale? Wifey's family has a place down there....

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Other side of the state. The nice side. Didn't you hear, Ft. Lauderdale is officially part of Miami now.

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Originally Posted by warthog

We left that to the crazy fuck that had already run 10 miles before he got to the ride. Triathaletes are fucked in the head.

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Heh, I love that.

There is a "right" way to do group rides so everyone has fun. Good luck on your century, too!

If you (or anyone else) wants, here are some paceline riding tips I wrote up for our group rides. It's pretty dorky, but we're roadies so we're used to that. If anyone has suggestions or whatever throw 'em up.

• The fundamental principle is to ride SMOOTHLY and PREDICTABLY.
• -Everyone should stay on the same page, which means choosing the right group and then following the rules.
• Look ahead one rider, but keep the wheel you're following in your peripheral vision. Don't get tunnel vision or glued to that wheel-- it makes it hard to anticipate changes in pace.
• Never overlap wheels with the rider in front of you.
• If you start to overshoot the rider in front of you, don't grab your brakes hard or coast. Feather the brakes, but keep pedaling softly to keep everything smooth. If you're still going too fast, pull slightly out of the draft and sit up, but don't overlap wheels. Speed changes create the dreaded slinky effect, which is inefficient and will frustrate the riders behind you.
• If you open a gap, gently accelerate to regain the draft. Do everything smoothly! If you can't bridge up, pull off the front right away so others can pull. If you're near the end of a long paceline, remember the slinky effect, and don't overreact.
• Maintain the same speed when it's your turn at the front. You'll have to put in more effort, but don't accelerate. Keep the pace smooth.
• Keep your pulls short to maintain the overall speed. If you're wiped, don't be afraid to pull right through. This is better than reducing the group speed.
• After your pull, stay close to the paceline as you drift back, then accelerate when you see the last rider. Don't look back-- just remember who was in front of you. The caboose is a good position for a drink, stretch, or bite to eat.
• Time-trial or triathlon bikes are welcome, but don't ever ride in the aero bars when in a group.
• Stand gently and slowly if there's someone on your wheel. Also, be aware that the rider in front of you probably won't do this, and will throw his bike back a few inches when he stands.
• Point out hazards.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cornholio

There is a "right" way to do group rides so everyone has fun. Good luck on your century, too!

If you (or anyone else) wants, here are some paceline riding tips I wrote up for our group rides. It's pretty dorky, but we're roadies so we're used to that. If anyone has suggestions or whatever throw 'em up.

• The fundamental principle is to ride SMOOTHLY and PREDICTABLY.
• -Everyone should stay on the same page, which means choosing the right group and then following the rules.
• Look ahead one rider, but keep the wheel you're following in your peripheral vision. Don't get tunnel vision or glued to that wheel-- it makes it hard to anticipate changes in pace.
• Never overlap wheels with the rider in front of you.
• If you start to overshoot the rider in front of you, don't grab your brakes hard or coast. Feather the brakes, but keep pedaling softly to keep everything smooth. If you're still going too fast, pull slightly out of the draft and sit up, but don't overlap wheels. Speed changes create the dreaded slinky effect, which is inefficient and will frustrate the riders behind you.
• If you open a gap, gently accelerate to regain the draft. Do everything smoothly! If you can't bridge up, pull off the front right away so others can pull. If you're near the end of a long paceline, remember the slinky effect, and don't overreact.
• Maintain the same speed when it's your turn at the front. You'll have to put in more effort, but don't accelerate. Keep the pace smooth.
• Keep your pulls short to maintain the overall speed. If you're wiped, don't be afraid to pull right through. This is better than reducing the group speed.
• After your pull, stay close to the paceline as you drift back, then accelerate when you see the last rider. Don't look back-- just remember who was in front of you. The caboose is a good position for a drink, stretch, or bite to eat.
• Time-trial or triathlon bikes are welcome, but don't ever ride in the aero bars when in a group.
• Stand gently and slowly if there's someone on your wheel. Also, be aware that the rider in front of you probably won't do this, and will throw his bike back a few inches when he stands.
• Point out hazards.

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You forgot to add this one:

Stay as far away as possible from tri-riders. The reason they do triathalons and not road races is because they cant ride in a pack. If at all possible, stay far in front of them, because sooner or later, they will crash.

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Originally Posted by CantDog

You forgot to add this one:

Stay as far away as possible from tri-riders. The reason they do triathalons and not road races is because they cant ride in a pack. If at all possible, stay far in front of them, because sooner or later, they will crash.

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Some of us tri-riders have more peloton skillz than you'll ever dream of...some don't. Don't be a douche just becuase you can't swim.

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Originally Posted by truth

Some of us tri-riders have more peloton skillz than you'll ever dream of...some don't. Don't be a douche just becuase you can't swim.

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Actually, I can swim.

Hey, not my fault you cant swim, bike, or run particularly well. Whats the saying, jack of all trades, master of none?

That madone will look totally sweet with some clip on aero bars... :fm:

If I remember right this jack of all trades womped your ass last year in a sprint tri:fm:

But "in general" people that just pick up triathlon before learning how to ride their bike properly do have issue with bike handling and group riding but not everyone.

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Originally Posted by Vinman

If I remember right this jack of all trades womped your ass last year in a sprint tri:fm:

But "in general" people that just pick up triathlon before learning how to ride their bike properly do have issue with bike handling and group riding but not everyone.

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True, but I was on a borrowed bike without aerobars, and been in the pool all of two weeks. I did pick up that 3rd place medal in my age group against all those hippies though...

Any sport where I have to tape my nipples is a sport I try and stay away from.

What's the rule on riding from the drops in a group? Its pretty similar to riding on the aerobars... unless its common for everyone to ride down there.

As you can tell, I've never ridden in a group larger than three.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CantDog

True, but I was on a borrowed bike without aerobars, and been in the pool all of two weeks. I did pick up that 3rd place medal in my age group against all those hippies though...

Any sport where I have to tape my nipples is a sport I try and stay away from.

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3rd out of 3 right?

Stowe Triathlon this year is on June 4 you should come up. Sprint distance 500m pool swim, 14 mi bike, 3.1 mi run

I just signed up for Tinman at Tupperlake 1/2 iron.

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Originally Posted by Lloyd Christmas

What's the rule on riding from the drops in a group? Its pretty similar to riding on the aerobars... unless its common for everyone to ride down there.

As you can tell, I've never ridden in a group larger than three.

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The deal with aerobars is that
1 you can't reach the brakes fast enough

and

2 if you have to avoid someone or make a sudden move it can get tricky


When you are in the drops you can both reach the brakes and still manuver so I think it would be ok. but I don't do a ton of group riding either these days.

No drops allowed on our rides, unless you are pulling. Don't know why, but that is the rule.

Vinman- sorry if I offended you. This guy is just a loon. He ran 10 miles that morning, jumped on a tandem bike(the yellow bus) with his wife, pulled 70% of the ride, then they were going for a run afterwards. I like biking, but that other stuff is too much.

Let's see, I bike cause I like biking. I play Ultimate Frisbee, so that takes care of my running. I Wakeboard and Kite Surf, so that covers the swimming part. I guess I am a triathalete in my own way. I'll keep them all seperate, thanks.

no offense at all.

I race triathlon because it is a challenge and it gives me a sense of accomplishment when I complete a race that others think is crazy. And in some way I guess I get some kind strange satisfaction out of comments like "you are crazy", "I could never do that" or "triathletes are fucked in the head". Plus it keeps me fit. I don't want to be a 50 year old fat guy with diabetes and a heart condition when I wake up tomorrow.

Plus the bikes are cool.

In San Diego, most Tri-geeks know how to ride in a group and many are as good as or better cyclists than some of their cycling-only co-riders. this is certainly true of the pro triathletes.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Vinman

3rd out of 3 right?

Stowe Triathlon this year is on June 4 you should come up. Sprint distance 500m pool swim, 14 mi bike, 3.1 mi run

I just signed up for Tinman at Tupperlake 1/2 iron.

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Sounds good, I'm there.

You should cancel your obligations for may 7th and come do the gap ride.

Next "hurt myself on the bike" outing is a 24 hour road ride, tenatively set on July 10th with the full moon. Hopefully it wont be cloudy...

Oh, and I think there were 4 in my age group. Or maybe 6. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CantDog

Actually, I can swim.

Hey, not my fault you cant swim, bike, or run particularly well. Whats the saying, jack of all trades, master of none?

That madone will look totally sweet with some clip on aero bars... :fm:

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Heh...no aero bars on the madone...ever. I do tri's for the challenge, I race bikes to win. Old college team mates of mine are the current National Cyclocross Champ and a certain Disco rider. It was an honor to compete and train with them and a once in a lifetime chance to learn from the best.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by truth

Heh...no aero bars on the madone...ever. I do tri's for the challenge, I race bikes to win. Old college team mates of mine are the current National Cyclocross Champ and a certain Disco rider. It was an honor to compete and train with them and a once in a lifetime chance to learn from the best.

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That schools primary goal must be to pump out professional cyclists, unbelivable.

The half name drop thing is pretty sweet though, I'll admit.

Went on my second group ride this weekend.

53 miles in 2.33 hours. Averaged 20.6 mph. Needless to say, we were flying.

Almost ate shit at one point going about 26 mph on a rails to trails section. Went off the pavement for a second and kinda bunny hopped back up to get on the track again. Thank god for my MTB background. I think some of the other guys woulda been dead.

Man, that was my kinda ride. Never really felt winded at all. I pulled 4 times, my first being at 28 mph for about 2 minutes. Pulling isn't so bad, it is getting back on the caboose that sux. I almost got left behind a couple times, cause I didn't have anything left to get back in the draft.

It ain't mountain biking, but this shit is fun. I like the speed, and the "holy shit I could really get fucked up" factor is pretty good too. Yay road biking.

Nice warty, the speed is what really drew me into road biking. If your club does any individual time trial kind of things you should give that a try too. Seeing just how fast you can ride by yourself over 20K(~12.5mi) or longer can be a really painful, but fun at the same time.

I had a similar kind of recovery last year during a warm up ride for a TT. I was riding along around 17-18 mph and glanced away from the road for a few seconds as I was approaching a slight curve to the left.

Next thing I know i was headed toward a ditch with a 5 foot dropoff. Without even thinking I leaned left and hit the brakes to kind of skid the bike around as the bike came around I stomped the pedals just as my back tire started over the dropoff as was able to get back onto the shoulder under control.

I was kind of lucky that there was some loose gravel on the very edge of the shoulder that let my back tire come around in the skid. Had it been all pavement I would have either gone into the ditch or eaten it on the edge of the shoulder for sure.

Lesson learned, always pay attention to where you are going

Quote:

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Originally Posted by warthog

the "holy shit I could really get fucked up" factor is pretty good too. Yay road biking.

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The holy shit I could really get fucked up factor is unbelivable--go watch a CAT5 criterium and you'll want to lock your bike up. Carnage on a road bike is much worse than mountain bike carnage, for sure.

MTB skills are good thing on road bike. While it may take you a while to the nuances of the peloton and paceline riding, the bike handling skills will serve you well.