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manan_in_2000 · 12-03-2009, 08:46 PM

Basic skills

A few basic skills are needed in order to successfully ride with any group. You must be capable of riding a straight line, controlling your speed, anticipating possible problems and watching the road ahead of you. At the same time, be alert for activity in your peripheral vision.

Lead Bike--A person who rides in the most forward position in a group and who relays information to all other riders in the group via hand signals. The Lead Bike determines the group’s direction, speed, choice of lane, and formation. He or she often must make quick navigation decisions in the face of road hazards, changes in road surface conditions, poor signage, construction and other obstacles while maintaining control of his or her bike and communicating to those following. If there are three groups on a ride, there will be three Lead Bikes.

Drag Bike-- A person who rides in the last position in a group. The Drag Bike must secure a lane for the rest of the group during lane changes into faster traffic (move first to block oncoming traffic) and close the door (move to block passing traffic) when a lane is lost in a merging lane situation. Usually this is the most experienced rider in a group, for the Drag Bike is the rider who stops to assist a rider who has mechanical trouble, loses control, or drops out of a ride for some other reason. The Drag Bike should be prepared to render aid to a downed or disabled rider in a group. If at all possible, the Drag Bike should have a co-rider who can assist with traffic control if a serious problem arises. If there are three groups on a ride, there will be three Drag Bikes. The rider in this position is sometimes called the tail gunner.

Hold your line -- If you have watched a professional race, you know that every rider needs to "hold a line." This means that rider need to be capable of riding a line parallel with the edge of the road.

Practice this skill by riding 12 to 24 inches to the right of the white shoulder line while trying to keep parallel with that line.

Group rides incorporate pace lines—or some version thereof—into their sessions. In its most basic form, a pace line occurs when one rider pulls a line of other riders behind them. Each person follows the rider in front of them by staying within a 2-3 bike length of their leader's rear wheel.

Control your speed -- Fast accelerations or jerky braking motions disrupt the line and can cause a crash.

Keep eyes and ears open -- The first person in the group can see clear road. Thus, they need to point out road hazards—as do the rest of the people in the line. Pointing out hazards and verbal communication skills are important. For this reason, do not use headphones in a group riding situation.

When you are following someone, avoid getting a visual fixation on their rear wheel. Look several feet ahead, keeping the distance between your front wheel and the rider ahead of you in your peripheral vision. Watch for road hazards as well as motion to either side of the pace line.

Though we all get our machines with the rear view mirrors fixed on them, but some of us get them removed. One must keep them there to see cars and other vehicles approaching from the rear. A rear view mirror mounted on your bikes can be very helpful when watching for cars and other fast moving vehicles.

Maintain the motion of the other riders in your peripheral vision. Watch for sudden changes in cadence—this usually signals some sort of problem.

Practice

This column just scratched the surface of group riding skills. Once you master the basics, you should continue to hone your skills.

Remember: in group rides smart riders often have the advantage over strong riders.

12-03-2009, 08:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
manan_in_2000 The Terminator Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Always Crossing borders Posts: 359	Basic but important skills required Basic skills A few basic skills are needed in order to successfully ride with any group. You must be capable of riding a straight line, controlling your speed, anticipating possible problems and watching the road ahead of you. At the same time, be alert for activity in your peripheral vision. Lead Bike--A person who rides in the most forward position in a group and who relays information to all other riders in the group via hand signals. The Lead Bike determines the group’s direction, speed, choice of lane, and formation. He or she often must make quick navigation decisions in the face of road hazards, changes in road surface conditions, poor signage, construction and other obstacles while maintaining control of his or her bike and communicating to those following. If there are three groups on a ride, there will be three Lead Bikes. Drag Bike-- A person who rides in the last position in a group. The Drag Bike must secure a lane for the rest of the group during lane changes into faster traffic (move first to block oncoming traffic) and close the door (move to block passing traffic) when a lane is lost in a merging lane situation. Usually this is the most experienced rider in a group, for the Drag Bike is the rider who stops to assist a rider who has mechanical trouble, loses control, or drops out of a ride for some other reason. The Drag Bike should be prepared to render aid to a downed or disabled rider in a group. If at all possible, the Drag Bike should have a co-rider who can assist with traffic control if a serious problem arises. If there are three groups on a ride, there will be three Drag Bikes. The rider in this position is sometimes called the tail gunner. Hold your line -- If you have watched a professional race, you know that every rider needs to "hold a line." This means that rider need to be capable of riding a line parallel with the edge of the road. Practice this skill by riding 12 to 24 inches to the right of the white shoulder line while trying to keep parallel with that line. Group rides incorporate pace lines—or some version thereof—into their sessions. In its most basic form, a pace line occurs when one rider pulls a line of other riders behind them. Each person follows the rider in front of them by staying within a 2-3 bike length of their leader's rear wheel. Control your speed -- Fast accelerations or jerky braking motions disrupt the line and can cause a crash. Keep eyes and ears open -- The first person in the group can see clear road. Thus, they need to point out road hazards—as do the rest of the people in the line. Pointing out hazards and verbal communication skills are important. For this reason, do not use headphones in a group riding situation. When you are following someone, avoid getting a visual fixation on their rear wheel. Look several feet ahead, keeping the distance between your front wheel and the rider ahead of you in your peripheral vision. Watch for road hazards as well as motion to either side of the pace line. Though we all get our machines with the rear view mirrors fixed on them, but some of us get them removed. One must keep them there to see cars and other vehicles approaching from the rear. A rear view mirror mounted on your bikes can be very helpful when watching for cars and other fast moving vehicles. Maintain the motion of the other riders in your peripheral vision. Watch for sudden changes in cadence—this usually signals some sort of problem. Practice This column just scratched the surface of group riding skills. Once you master the basics, you should continue to hone your skills. Remember: in group rides smart riders often have the advantage over strong riders. Last edited by manan_in_2000; 12-04-2009 at 06:18 PM.