cycling safely and group ride etiquette

Naples Velo

Cycling Safely and

Group Ride Etiquette

Naples Velo

Cycling Safely and Group Ride Etiquette

Group Ride Overview and Benefits

Group Ride Etiquette

General Safety Guidelines

Area Group Rides

Questions / Answers

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Cycling Safely and Group Ride EtiquetteGroup Ride Overview and Benefits

Why do cyclists ride in groups?

Safety and visibility Camaraderie / fun / fellowship “Pushes” you to improve Mechanical assistance Racing is done in large groups “Touring” is done in large groups

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Misperceptions about group riding:

Isn’t drafting “cheating?” Aren’t I more likely to be involved in an

accident in a group setting? Don’t groups generally “frown” upon new

riders joining the group? What if I can’t “hold” the advertised

group ride pace? As a triathlete, isn’t group riding

counterproductive to my training?

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Bottom line benefits to group riding:

Pick the right groups and you WILL improve your performance

You’ll definitely become a more knowledgeable and safer rider

Groups are visible! You’ll be fully-prepared for mass

organized rides You’ll meet new friends

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Cycling Safely and Group Ride EtiquetteGroup Ride Etiquette

Maintain a group-rider “mentality”

YOU are responsible for the stream of riders behind you

Stay cool, calm, relaxed and observant Be predictable. No sudden movements! Pedal smoothly and in a straight line

(“hold your line”) Look “through” the rider in front of you

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General group ride guidelines: Pick the right group ride for you Observe and follow group “protocol”

Pace / speed limits Single vs. double paceline Rotation

Respect the ride start time Respect the designated ride

marshal(s)

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General group ride guidelines:

Be prepared, but be willing to share Never ride on your aerobars in a

paceline Hands ALWAYS on your bars Ride no more than two abreast Minimize “gaps”

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Group ride communication etiquette:

Use hand signals to indicate: Turns Slowing Stopping Road hazards Runners, riders Flats

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Group ride communication etiquette:

Use clear and audible verbal warnings: Turns Slowing / stopping “Heads up” to hazards / traffic “Runner up,” “rider up” Traffic circumstances

“Car up” “Car back” “Car left”, “Car right” “Clear!”

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Group ride “positioning” etiquette:

Pulling Pulling off and drifting back Pulling through; smooth acceleration Re-entering the paceline Calling in Sitting in Off the back

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Getting “dropped” in a group ride: Happens to everyone Know the course, sprint zones, and short-cuts Minimize your chances:

Avoid “red-zone” pulls Know your limits Keep gaps closed Watch for gaps ahead of you Stay “tight” in corners Avoid drifting back too slowly Understand the “accordion effect”

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Other group ride safety tips: Touching wheels “Soft”, controlled breaking Entering corners and turns Handling a flat tire or mechanical

mishaps Over-taking a runner or slower bike Out-of-the-saddle considerations Eating and drinking in the paceline Avoid looking back in the paceline

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Cycling Safely and Group Ride EtiquetteGeneral Safety

General ride safety tips: Properly-fitted helmet, positioned

FORWARD Glasses, regardless of conditions Gloves Lights, front and rear Mechanical supplies Speedometer in group rides Quick inspection weekly Food, water, cell phone

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Cycling Safely and Group Ride EtiquetteGroup Ride Etiquette and General Safety

Questions?

Comments?

Thoughts?

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Cycling Safely and Group Ride EtiquetteArea Group Rides

Ride Information Sources: Naples Velo “flyers” NaplesVelo.com Local area shop flyers

Choose a ride consistent with your ability:

Pace/speed Distance

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“Beginner” ride: Monday 6:15pm, the Bike Route

Easy / recover pace rides: Monday, 6:15pm, the Bike Route Monday, 7:00am, the Beanery Tuesday, 6:30pm, Naples Cyclery, B ride Thursday, 6:30pm, Naples Cyclery, B ride

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Moderate / tempo rides:

Wednesday, 7am, the Beanery Friday, 7am, the Beanery Saturday, 7:30am, 5th Ave. parking garage Sunday, 8am, Lowdermilk Park

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Fast, “race-pace,” no speed limit rides:

Tuesday, 7am, the Beanery Tuesday, 6:30pm, Naples Cyclery, A ride Thursday, 6:30pm, Naples Cyclery, A ride Saturday, 7am, the Beanery (North, South) Sunday, 7am, the Beanery

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Questions?

Comments?

Thoughts?

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Cycling Safely and Group Ride EtiquetteFinal Thoughts

Observe, learn and become a role model

Blend group riding with solo riding efforts

Step out of your comfort zone, introduce yourself

Get stronger and enhance your cycling performance

cycling safely and group ride etiquette

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