Miss Manners Rides

from Outspokin', Conejo Valley Cyclists

Safety in group rides is the club's number one concern. But to make riding more enjoyable for all, it's good to know basic ride "etiquette", especially when riding in a paceline.

Things not to do in a group ride:

• Don't sit in sucking wheel and letting other riders do all the work and then sprint around them at a hill.
• Don't pull through at the front and then show how macho you are by going faster than the established pace. Check your computer as you get to the front and try to maintain the same mph (or kph if you're a Eurosnob).
• At stoplights don't take off like a rabbit. It takes others a moment to clip in and the riders at the back will have to do an anaerobic interval to catch back on. Start slowly until the group is reformed.
• Don't pass other riders on fast descents without yelling out a warning "on your right/left" etc. before overtaking safely.
• Don't whine.

Things to do:

• Introduce yourself to new riders and make them feel welcome.
• Do your share of the work if you can. If not, stay at the back and try not to disrupt the paceline.
• When at the front warn other riders of problems by yelling out "stoplight", "car up", "walker right", or whatever's appropriate. Be sure to lead riders around and point out obstacles such as rocks, potholes, loose gravel, etc. Or yell it out if you don't want to take your hands off the bars.
• Take your drinks, open Powerbars, remove arm-warmers etc. when at the back, not the front of the group.
• Have fun and be cool.