Solo to Group

[ginormousgiant]

Hello
I plan to take part in the Belfast Gran Fondo event next month (177km).
My concern is that I've never done anything other solo runs before. I'm confident that I can do the miles but am a bit worried about group riding. Don't want to make stupid error and cause an accident - I think there are going to be about 4000 riders on closed roads.
Any advise welcomed !!
Thanks

 

[DCLane]

Simple advice: don't get involved in a close-riding group. Keep to the left and shoulder-check before passing anyone.

When I'm riding with others I don't know you'll find me about 12-18" diagonally to the right of the rider in front. Therefore if they do something odd I can react in time.

One of these events is not the place to learn group-riding skills. A club is ...

Otherwise, enjoy it. It's a sportive and therefore about you doing the best riding you can.

 

[User6179]

Always shoulder check before moving position to overtake and watch out for others that don't as you are overtaking and don't overlap your front wheel with another riders back wheel when in a group , also keep to a maximum of two abreast .

 

[Rob3rt]

Attack from the gun, establish a solo break and win emphatically...

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Group riding is a different animal altogether and your bad habits and freedom that bothers no-one when riding solo have no place in the peloton.

I hope others will contribute things I can't think of right now. I think top priority are:
1) Learn the correct position for your front wheel vis a vie the rider in front's rear wheel.
2) It is tense up close but you have to relax and not freeze into situations.
3) The guy in front has a stop light, it is his rear brake caliper.
4) Don't panic if someone's brakes make a loud honking noise. It can send ripples of panic throughout the peloton.
5) Learn how to properly transition from sitting to standing when going up a hill. If you don't get this technique right, you temporarily slow down and the rider behind will hit you. Practice the transition on your own until you are confident the transition is smooth without changes in speed.
6) Learn how to slip-stream and learn how to pull.
7) When it is your turn to pull, don't accelerate. You create ripple effects behind you when you accelerate. The transition should be smooth so that there is no increase in speed required for those behind you when you take over in front.
8) You are not Tarzan. Don't attempt to pull for more than a minute.
9) Read up on the various style of pacelines, echelons etc.
10) Learn and understand how wind directions and gutter/white line positions affect your tactics in the peloton.
11) Don't comment to tandem riders in the peloton that "it takes two to tandem, doesn't it?" They have heard that one before.

 

[jowwy]

Group riding is a different animal altogether and your bad habits and freedom that bothers no-one when riding solo have no place in the peloton.

I hope others will contribute things I can't think of right now. I think top priority are:
1) Learn the correct position for your front wheel vis a vie the rider in front's rear wheel.
2) It is tense up close but you have to relax and not freeze into situations.
3) The guy in front has a stop light, it is his rear brake caliper.
4) Don't panic if someone's brakes make a loud honking noise. It can send ripples of panic throughout the peloton.
5) Learn how to properly transition from sitting to standing when going up a hill. If you don't get this technique right, you temporarily slow down and the rider behind will hit you. Practice the transition on your own until you are confident the transition is smooth without changes in speed.
6) Learn how to slip-stream and learn how to pull.
7) When it is your turn to pull, don't accelerate. You create ripple effects behind you when you accelerate. The transition should be smooth so that there is no increase in speed required for those behind you when you take over in front.
8) You are not Tarzan. Don't attempt to pull for more than a minute.
9) Read up on the various style of pacelines, echelons etc.
10) Learn and understand how wind directions and gutter/white line positions affect your tactics in the peloton.
11) Don't comment to tandem riders in the peloton that "it takes two to tandem, doesn't it?" They have heard that one before.

Hes doing a sportive not riding in the giro/tdf.....

Just ride as normal and dont get involved with groups, take it steady if not used to the mileage and dont get involved in silly racing. Relax and enjoy

 

[Sittingduck]

Try to get out and ride with a group or club before the ride next month.

Don't just hit the brakes and slow or stop without giving clear warning to those behind. Shout "easy or "stopping".

Point out potholes.

Be predictable.

 

[Vapin' Joe]

Be careful where you aim your gob. Life can get tricky if it smacks the big guy behind you in the mush.

 

[Deleted member 35268]

I recommend you try riding with a small group as @Sittingduck suggests also. I had to go through this learning curve a few years ago and it is surprising what you learn.

 

[wam68]

Be careful where you aim your gob. Life can get tricky if it smacks the big guy behind you in the mush.

Best advice ever. The peleton will be the last of your worries if the flame hits the rider behind