Tips for Group Road Rides

By Sarah Kaufmann — Group rides on the road are unique and special because the dynamics of drafting means riders of varied fitness can ride together and everyone gets what they need. There are inherent risks with this type of ride, but a few simple tricks keep everyone safe and happy.

1. Look up. Follow close behind the rider in front of you but look ahead, over their shoulders, through their arms, and toward the front of the group. This way you can anticipate changes in speed or direction as you see riders react.
2. No sudden movements. The accordion effect is pronounced in groups. When you are riding on the front, keep your pace steady to avoid rubber banding riders further back.
3. No brakes! Stay off your brakes except for an emergency. Control your speed by slipping out into the wind or lightly feathering your brakes. When other riders are inches behind you, sudden movements or changes in speed are exaggerated and risky. Use the wind to control your speed.
4. No hero pulls. When you pull through to the front of the group, avoid surging. If you are not sure how hard you should pull, try this: When you are in the draft, slide out into the wind and observe the wattage you do to be in the wind at that intensity. That way, you will know how hard to pull on the front. If you do not have a power meter, you can use the same strategy and make a note of your RPE (Rate of Perceived Effort) in the wind.
5. Be everyone’s eyes. Point out hazards in the road that may be difficult for riders further back to see. This can be rocks, cracks, or debris in the road. Vehicles or people in the shoulder or railroad tracks should also be pointed out. The standard gestures for vehicles or people to the right or left is to sweep your hand in that direction behind you. For railroad tracks, wave your hand across your back. Pay attention to the signals others use and continue to pass them back through the group.
6. Fall back. When you are ready to pull off the front, flick your elbow on the side you will pull off. Gently move over and maintain speed while safely drifting back. Anticipate the last rider and accelerate smoothly into the draft. Pull off before you are blown. Remember to budget some energy for the acceleration you will do to get onto the back of the group.
7. Standing. When you stand to pedal, your bike lurches slightly back, which is risky for riders following closely. Flick your elbows slightly to indicate that you are about to stand.
8. Find the protected pocket. The best spot might not be directly behind the wheel in front of you. Try just to the right or left to feel where the wind is blocked.
9. But avoid overlapping wheels. As you find the protected pocket from the wind. If you are slightly left or right of the rider ahead, be sure you don’t overlap wheels to avoid a crash if they move side to side.

Last couple bonus points, not universal but encouraged on the group rides hosted by my coaching business, K Cycling Coaching.

10. Pull only as you can or want. If you think taking a pull may limit your ability to hang with the group, there is no pressure to be on the front. Likewise, pull only as long as you like. Riders who want to pull ride in the front half of the group and rotate through from there. Riders who don’t, stay further back. The group stays together, and everyone gets what they need.
11. Don’t shatter the group. If you are lucky enough to be one of the stronger riders, spend more time on the front, watch for dropped riders and pull them back to the group. If you get to the tops of climbs first, descend and ride up with riders still coming. There are many ways to do more work without blowing up the group.

See you on the road!