How to be a Predictable Rider

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Ride etiquette and safety has been a topic of conversation at several of our rides recently, so I’ve taken a fresh look at the riding etiquette and safety tips on our web site, and I’d like everyone to read it. This bit of wisdom was written by Mike Munk, a ride leader for 22 years. Following his 13 “rules” will make you a better and safer rider.

On our rides, everyone’s safety is a primary concern and knowing how to safely ride in a group is key. We all know a few riders who we prefer not to follow, because they are not steady and unpredictable. Are you someone that others try to avoid? To help you improve, GCN has a short video on how to properly hold the wheel of the rider in front of you, and a related video about how to ride in a paceline.

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Keep Your Head Up

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While riding in a group, especially at a fast speed, keep your head up and look beyond that rider in front of you. Remember drivers ed, and how they taught you to scan ahead and get the whole picture? The same holds true with us, in that looking ahead to see what's going on 4-5 riders ahead will give you more reaction time in case there is a crash. It will also be helpful in telling you when the speed will increase, or decrease, or if there is something in the road that doesn't get pointed out for some reason.

Drafting

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Either the wind can be your friend or foe. Even the Pro's can misjudge the effects it can have in a race from time to time. The name of the game is conserving energy. That's what I do on the Wed. night Penn Cycle rides which usually average 22-23 mph. Knowing which direction it is from, and getting into position especially prior to taking turns that can quickly change a tailwind into a severe crosswind is paramount to surviving til the end. On our rides that's why you might here me say ride further to the right or left in order to benefit everyone in back of the lead rider. Keep this tip on your mind all the time and you to will be a better more accomplished rider because of it.

Ride Etiquette

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All group rides experience new riders that show up and ride like they have something to prove as far as their speed and aggressive riding. As recently as last Wed. on the fast Penn Cycle ride, this happened and PO'd a few people. Even Paul Inkala's ride is a group ride in which he tries his hardest to make it enjoyable for everyone including group up spots on the route and stopping for flats. So here's a helpful tip that will keep you out of hot water when riding other group rides. Leave your Superman Cape behind and check your ego. There is an old school saying that goes like this: Do As They Do, Not As You Do!