IoW - turbo boys ride out

[CXRAndy]

My rule, don't cross wheels, weave and no nearer than tyre width

 

[bridgy]

Not wanting to insult anyone, but I don't know how many of you are experienced in group riding.

British Cycling have this to help people, the biggest thing is communication and trust, plus not getting closer to the wheel in front than you are comfortable with.

https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/k...-Related-How-to-ride-in-a-group---Ridesmart-0

I will go through some of this before we start the ride as I want all to be safe on the ride. In the club I have a reputation for half wheeling, something I dispute

Thanks Kipster. I never really ride in groups of more than three (and even that's rare) so apologies in advance for my inevitable breaking of all sorts of etiquette!

Out of interest, how do you find your interactions with car drivers goes on group rides as opposed to riding solo or in just a pair? The one experience I had of a club group ride I didn't enjoy - partly because the pace didn't suit me, but also partly because there seemed to be way more confrontations with motorists than I experience on my own. In my opinion at the time this was partly due to the attitude and behaviour of some in the group who rode in such a way to unnecessarily (almost deliberately!) hold up traffic on some sections of road - this then led to frustrated motorists and confrontation/aggression. I have read that many people feel much safer in a group on the road though so I assume my experience is not representative.

 

[kipster]

My rule, don't cross wheels, weave and no nearer than tyre width

That's more than some in the club do!

 

[kipster]

Thanks Kipster. I never really ride in groups of more than three (and even that's rare) so apologies in advance for my inevitable breaking of all sorts of etiquette!

Out of interest, how do you find your interactions with car drivers goes on group rides as opposed to riding solo or in just a pair? The one experience I had of a club group ride I didn't enjoy - partly because the pace didn't suit me, but also partly because there seemed to be way more confrontations with motorists than I experience on my own. In my opinion at the time this was partly due to the attitude and behaviour of some in the group who rode in such a way to unnecessarily (almost deliberately!) hold up traffic on some sections of road - this then led to frustrated motorists and confrontation/aggression. I have read that many people feel much safer in a group on the road though so I assume my experience is not representative.

We look to manage the traffic to ensure it is safe for the riders while not looking to hold up the motorist. We will go single file on narrow roads, split into two groups to create a safe overtaking gap and thanks drivers for their patience. On the whole this works but not always, but you cant please everyone. We did have one guy in a sports car a couple of weeks back that was getting very angry with us, he was two cars back, and the driver of the car in front of him wasn't confident in overtaking cyclists on that road. When the sports car driver got along side us he was about to gesture and shout at us when he realised that there were some riders over 6', some stocky and muscular and in total about 10 of us. He went on his way without saying or doing anything.

 

[CXRAndy]

Manage traffic, keep an eye on it, 'car back' call and wave it through when safe. As above single file on narrow lanes, but this creates it own issues sometimes. I find traffic is usually a lot more considerate with a pack than the odd rider. Go pro and rear lights will keep those dangerous one in check

 

[kipster]

Trying to get a group of cyclist not to panic and hit the brakes on the 'car down / front' call, I've seen so many accidents from this, I know who in the club I cycle with that I trust and those that I would never choose to cycle with.

The progress and effort required in a well formed group is fantastic. I have no doubts that we wont be that good on the IoW ride, but with a little thought and understanding we can make it safe and fun for all.

I think we'll get a good idea of the pace and Group riding skills within the first few miles and work the rest out from there.

 

[<Tommy>]

I've done a bit of group riding and to be honest it's put me off joining clubs in the past. Hand signals for turning, hazards on the road like pot holes etc are useful. And shouts for cars behind, ahead, and the need to brake abruptly can be good too. But to be honest sometimes it feels like a running commentary in a state the obvious competition.

My advice would be just to try and ride in a predictable way as this gives other road users confidence in you.

 

[kipster]

I've done a bit of group riding and to be honest it's put me off joining clubs in the past. Hand signals for turning, hazards on the road like pot holes etc are useful. And shouts for cars behind, ahead, and the need to brake abruptly can be good too. But to be honest sometimes it feels like a running commentary in a state the obvious competition.

My advice would be just to try and ride in a predictable way as this gives other road users confidence in you.

Some clubs are too shouty all the time, but not all, half the battle is finding the right one for you.

I predict we split on the hills, I've heard rumours of scores to be settled

 

[CXRAndy]

Hill splits are inevitable just slow up for stragglers to get back on and recover.

 

[bobinski]

Hill splits are inevitable just slow up for stragglers to get back on and recover.

We will wait for you

 

[bridgy]

We will wait for you

 

[CXRAndy]

We will wait for you

Bloody hope so

 

[bridgy]

We look to manage the traffic to ensure it is safe for the riders while not looking to hold up the motorist. We will go single file on narrow roads, split into two groups to create a safe overtaking gap and thanks drivers for their patience. On the whole this works but not always, but you cant please everyone. We did have one guy in a sports car a couple of weeks back that was getting very angry with us, he was two cars back, and the driver of the car in front of him wasn't confident in overtaking cyclists on that road. When the sports car driver got along side us he was about to gesture and shout at us when he realised that there were some riders over 6', some stocky and muscular and in total about 10 of us. He went on his way without saying or doing anything.

Sounds good Kipster. Agree you're never going to please everyone or eliminate all motorist confrontations whether in a group or not - some people are just peanuts!

Looking forward to it - glad to see the weather forecast still looks really good for Saturday

Edit: haha - the anti rude word police have replaced a***holes with "peanuts"!

 

[Whorty]

Not wanting to insult anyone, but I don't know how many of you are experienced in group riding.

British Cycling have this to help people, the biggest thing is communication and trust, plus not getting closer to the wheel in front than you are comfortable with.

https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/k...-Related-How-to-ride-in-a-group---Ridesmart-0

I will go through some of this before we start the ride as I want all to be safe on the ride. In the club I have a reputation for half wheeling, something I dispute

I have zero experience. My first and only group ride was at the DD in May .... and to be fair, the group had gone within 5 miles so it was really a solo ride for me

 

[Whorty]

Some clubs are too shouty all the time, but not all, half the battle is finding the right one for you.

I predict we split on the hills, I've heard rumours of scores to be settled

I'm happy being in the rear group on the hills if it helps? Wouldn't want to upset anyone by the fat bloke at the back beating them on a climb