(Editor's Note: It's been some time since we've posted here. Thank you to those readers who have been patient and continue to visit and read this blog. To say this writer has been distracted lately would be huge understatement. There's been road race training, work, family, keeping my vigil for the tropics to kick off the fall surfing season, and road racing. I have stories. Anyway, back to telling them.)
When we last met, we had unveiled "Anatomy of a Road Bike Crash". Here is the cause of the crash that morning on Kitty Hawk Woods Road. I had just come off a pull on the front of an eight-rider paceline moving between 27 and 28 mph. Not long after I moved into the 6th position, the number four rider, having fallen away from the wheel of the third, surged forward and toward the lost rear edge of the wheel just ahead. He was towing four riders right behind I being one. Evidently as his wheel arrived right behind the wheel of the rider before him, that rider's rear wheel jerked backward, that rider responding to something before him. Rider four's front wheel touched that rear wheel, unbalancing him, touching wheels a second time---the undoing laid waste.
I need to say first that I don't consider myself the big expert on group riding safety. But I do think it's a good idea to pass along some of what I saw and some ideas about safer riding arising out of this unfortunate crash.
I do know sometimes triathletes and others who join group rides comprised of road cyclists, will often complain about the group road cyclists' overbearing vigilance and finicky, picky attention to how others ride. They will cry about the protocols and etiquette involved in group rides.
After witnessing the carnage wrought by mistakes and some inexperience intersecting on a group ride, I clearly understand why experienced roadies will do all in their power to insure a safer ride. It's only about safety. The difficult part is everybody out there has a different way of getting the desired result. It's trying at best to reconcile safety into a group with way diverse experience riding as such.
First something about role modeling on group rides. In a group of mixed skills, in my opinion, time trial bikes and clip-on aerobars have no place at all. Here's the deal: yes experienced riders can ride a paceline in an aero position as in a team time trial. Several things make this unsafe in a mixed group. In road cycling, the strongest-fastest get not just the attention of the other less skilled/fit riders, but more than that, they are role models whether they want that mantle or not. It's one of the laws of the pack.
The other riders drink in every detail about why these alpha riders are successful in the sport: bike brand, frame composition and geometry, drive train manufacturer, wheels, body position, shoes, helmet, saddle, everything. Because many are male, we all have too much of what Jerry Seinfeld has noted is an internal posture telling us that in a group of athletes all up to the same sport, "it's alright for me to take risks and use the most advanced equipment because I'm THE MAN." Get it? So less experienced riders show up with TT bikes and aerobars hoping they'll make them faster too. Because surely it's alright for them---they're one of the main guys too.
Everything the stronger riders do is being watched closely. Some of them are undoubtedly the strongest and more experienced and safer riders and know how to get it across to others. They are superb role models. Others are dangerous because they are so strong and get the attention, but they're not safe riders in a group. I don't have answers for this dilemma. But if you ride in a group, you must be aware of these dynamics.
There are some things I've learned from my experience in fast moving pacelines at home and in races, and also techniques my local mentors have taught me which I'd like to share.
If you really want to learn quickly and especially the really good stuff, then create an atmosphere that allows the more experienced, safe riders to teach you. Ask questions and don't be defensive if they become critical of something you do that looks scary to them. My advice is to carefully consider what's being said and why. Allow learning and teaching to occur. For some adults, I think this is a stretch. The benefits to you as a safe road cyclist are immense.
Obviously, if you get gapped like the number four rider in our crash, use caution in moving back in behind the rider before you. If you are in a paceline with a following rider and you desire to pedal standing, there is a safe way to transition from pedaling while seated to standing. All at once, as your right foot/pedal is moving to the 10-11 o'clock position on the chainring (sprocket), put your weight over that foot and climb up to a standing position as the pedal goes up and over the top of the chainring. This will maintain constant pressure on the bike's drivetrain and keep your rear wheel from stuttering backward seemingly toward the front wheel of the rider behind. He'll really appreciate it.
Ride on the drops (lower part of the handlebars) with a rider in front of you only if you have a high degree of confidence in that rider's bike handling skills. Otherwise ride with your hands positioned near the brake hoods. Braking in a paceline with a following rider however is only a last resort.
Ride with your front wheel slightly offset to one side or the other of the rear wheel of the rider before you. Always be looking for an escape route should a crash occur in your front. Know whether to exit to the right, off the road if the terrain allows, or as a second choice, to the left. This choice is a dangerous one though in the U.S. as this could put you into motor vehicle traffic.
Try to maintain a view of the paceline beyond the rider before you. This can give you a valuable second or more to react to something bad happening up the line. At the same time maintain a safe distance from the wheel you are following. Above all maintain your focus.
I'm sure there is much more to making it safe. But this can be a starting point for you. Don't let bad things happen on the road and enjoy the ride.
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