Riding Etiquette - What's Acceptable, What's Not? Or, how to avoid getting lumped around the ear by

[JohnG]

Thought I'd start a thread up to understand what get's up people's nose's when riding in a group.

Having really pissed off a really good friend without realising it, (riding out on the front too far), I'd love to know your loves and hates when riding with others.

BTW - What is 'half wheeling'?

 

[domtyler]

Your mate is just pissed that he couldn't keep up, his problem he should learn to pedal faster.

 

[fossyant]

Half wheeling - putting your bike half a wheel in front of another rider - not good.

Pot holes - if in a group, the front rider normally points these out - if you don't you'll get a torrent of abuse......Use it even if you don't know the other cyclist (e.g. they are sitting on for a tow).

Don't make unexpected changes in direction, or suddenly jump out of the saddle - really upsets the riders behind...

Don't follow too close...for obvious reasons

 

[John the Monkey]

I found this Group Ride FAQ a bit ago, it's long, but there's some good info there.

http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=12419&highlight=group+ride+faq

 

[JohnG]

What's your thoughts on the following scenario:

4 guys that ride together every weekend set off for the Norwich 100.

They ride together for the first 30 miles

One of them get's a puncture, (me), and shouts Oi....got a puncture!

The other 3 don't stop.

Am I right to feel pissed, or am I being a twat?

 

[spire]

What's your thoughts on the following scenario:

4 guys that ride together every weekend set off for the Norwich 100.

They ride together for the first 30 miles

One of them get's a puncture, (me), and shouts Oi....got a puncture!

The other 3 don't stop.

Am I right to feel pissed, or am I being a twat?

My mates wouldn't do that.

 

[spire]

Half wheeling - putting your bike half a wheel in front of another rider - not good.

I've often heard this, but don't really understand – please explain!

 

[andy_wrx]

What's your thoughts on the following scenario:
...
....
Am I right to feel pissed, or am I being a twat?

Reverse it - would you have stopped for one of your mates if he p*nct*red ? Would you have known whether he expected you to ?

Perhaps you need to all discuss things before the start, make sure you're all working to the same ground rules.

 

[andy_wrx]

I've often heard this, but don't really understand – please explain!

Half-wheeling is when you're riding along, side-by-side with someone else.

But instead of riding alongside and level with them, you ride half-a-wheel in front of them, so they're forced to ride a little bit quicker to catch-up alongside you.

You then ride a little bit quicker still, get that half-a-wheel ahead again, forcing them to ride still quicker, repeat, repeat

Basically if you're riding alongside someone, you're supposed to ride at the same speed, not race them.

 

[spire]

Why can't the person just stay a half-wheel behind?

 

[JohnG]

Reverse it - would you have stopped for one of your mates if he p*nct*red ? Would you have known whether he expected you to ?

Perhaps you need to all discuss things before the start, make sure you're all working to the same ground rules.

Absolutely, I would have stopped. That's why I feel let down.

 

[ColinJ]

Why can't the person just stay a half-wheel behind?

I imagine that the problem is what would happen if the guy in front moved over suddenly. He would feel a bump as he swiped your front wheel from underneath you

 

[walker]

I'm not keen on other experienced riders going too slowly.

I'm not a fan of, in a race, idiots getting on the front only to be able to sprint for the line, thus getting in my way, It's a winning tactic but when you have a bunch of them and your about to put the power down............

 

[Capt. Jon]

Some of the 'rules' for road riding really confuse me. Some i get and think are very sensible (many on the list of FAQs John the Monkey linked for instance), but not stopping some of the codes i hear about indicate that people would be better riding alone - why not stop when a mate has a puncture?

 

[shooter560]

What's your thoughts on the following scenario:

4 guys that ride together every weekend set off for the Norwich 100.

They ride together for the first 30 miles

One of them get's a puncture, (me), and shouts Oi....got a puncture!

The other 3 don't stop.

Am I right to feel pissed, or am I being a twat?

Too right you should be pissed, if you all started as a group and mates you all stop if one gets a p**ct**e, the only time in my mind you don't is when you are racing unless you have a service car and spares.

As for them not liking you being on the front, as long as you're not pushing the pace too hard and knowingly making them struggle, they should be grateful for an easy ride catching a draft.

Sorry but personally I think its time to change your riding mates