Group Ride Etiquette
Group riding etiquette is about safety and ensuring everyone in the ride has a good time and returns for the next ride. When riding in a tight pack, being predictable is the most important thing you can do. A sudden, unexpected movement can bring down multiple riders. The conventions of group riding exist to make each rider’s behavior readable and trustworthy to everyone around them.
Prepare for the ride
- Arrive on time. Group rides start on schedule and are unlikely to wait for stragglers. Arrive 5-10 minutes early to ensure you’re ready and have a quick chat with others.
- Know the route. Routes are generally published with the ride. You should have a good understanding of the route and turns ahead of time. If you’re unsure, as long as you arrive early, someone will be able to share the route with you.
- Check your bike. Regular maintenance is important to ensure you don’t flat or have parts flying off of your bike in the middle of a pack.
General rules
- Obey traffic laws
- When on the road, it is extra important to obey traffic laws both for your & the group’s safety, as well as perception of cyclists and the group’s reputation.
- Hold your line
- Always ride in the straightest line possible. Riding predictably is important for everyone around you. When you do need to change lines to avoid hazards or move around others, signal by pointing with a hand the direction you’re moving, ensure you won’t move into anyone else, and move smoothly.
- Signal hazards
- Call and point out hazards in the rode. A simple point down or shout of “gravel!” for loose surfaces can go a long way. If you notice someone ahead of you signaling something, it is helpful to repeat the signal for those behind you to ensure the message travels through the entire group.
- Brake smoothly
- Sudden and sharp braking in a group is extremely dangerous. Anticipate slowdown and feather your brakes early. Soft and progressive braking keeps everyone safe.
- Stay to the right of the center line
- It’s fun to make a surge around the group or get to the front in a sprint, but it is always important to do so safely. If there is not enough room in the right lane to do so, do not cross the center line. It’s not worth it.
- Don’t do anything stupid
- Be careful and have fun. Everyone wants to keep riding.
Pacelines
Pacelines are a way for groups to share the work of the ride amongst all participants by rotating turns at the front and in the wind. It’s one of the most fun parts of the ride because you will maintain a very fast speed while only needing to work for short periods.
- Take turns at the front. The group will naturally fall into line with the person on the front pulling off to the side after a short period (anywhere from 30 seconds to a couple minutes, depending on their own energy level). You will know when it’s your turn when you are in riding second wheel and the rider in front of you gives a flick of an elbow and pulls off either to the right or left of their line.
- Match the pace. When you arrive at the front, match the current pace. Surging ahead makes things more difficult for everyone and slowing down can cause a collision. If you’re tired, pull for a shorter amount of time and rotate out when the previous rider has pulled off and is safely behind you.
- Signal and ease out. When you pull out, flick your elbow just like the previous rider, move to the same side, and gently let off your effort.
- Return to the back. The paceline will naturally pass you. As you reach the back of the group, slot back in for another rotation.
Sprints
Many group rides include traditional sprint points. For weekly recurring routes, these are either written in the ride details or already known by the regulars. If you’re unsure, it doesn’t hurt to ask as the group is meeting up before the ride.
When sprinting, ensure you hold your line and don’t do anything that could endanger your or anyone else’s safety.
Getting dropped
Everyone, even experience riders, get dropped off the back of fast “drop-style” rides. As long as you have followed the guide here and know the route, you’ll be fine. Ensure no one is behind you, sit up, and ride your own pace.
Some group rides include stops and regroup spots. These are usually pre-determined and will either be listed on the ride page or you can ask someone when meeting up.
Ready to ride?
Check out the many Bend and Central Oregon community group rides coming up!