A few lessons from Simon
1. When approaching other bikers, rollerbladers etc.signal by putting your hand up in the air and give a slight wave indicating “move to the left”. Putting your hand in the air makes it easier for riders at the back of the line to see when riding in a big group. When riding in a small group putting your hand in the air may not be necessary. It is always good to combine signaling with shouting “riders up”.
2. When riding too close to another rider’s wheel “feather” your brakes and move slightly to the right or the left of the rider to avoid touching his/her wheel. When feathering the brakes you should stop pedaling. Always scan the wheel in front of you and the road coming up so that you are aware of potential slowing in the group before it happens. Another option is to stop pedaling and coast then move back to a comfortable position. Move back on the wheel you where drafting after running up the side of them due to their slowing.
3. Pulling in a single line should be for approximately 30 seconds. Riders can pull anyway from 10 seconds to 1 minute +. I recommend shorter pulls (20-30second) when riding in a big group of 10 riders + so that everyone gets a regular turn on the front. To indicate you are done pulling move the right elbow out (chicken wing like) so that others will know you are done pulling. Move to the left in order to allow the next rider to pull. To move left you flick the right elbow, to move to the right you flick the left elbow. When there is a cross wind blowing from the left to the right of the road you would always pull in to the wind when finished your turn on the front, so to the left side. Remember to not let-off the pedals until you are over to the side and are being passed by the next rider.
4. When approaching a corner gently slow before the corner by feather the brakes and then round the corner keeping a steady pace. Do not accelerate during the corner or after the corner or the results will be a broken pace line. Changing up to an easier gear before the corner is always a good idea. Avoid braking in a corner but rather slow to a safe speed before the corner. Keep the inside pedal up to avoid scraping the road. If you are drafting close then allow an extra wheel or two gap to the wheel in front of you before you enter the corner. The rider leading through the corner should look back and make sure there are not gaps and everyone is on before lifting the pace again.
5. Never go on aero bars in a group due to the fact that you want to ride in a position where your hands are able to tap on the brakes when you are in a pace line. Going in the drops is perfectly fine and is usually safer at high speed (I recommend riders practice riding regularly in the drops 10-20 minutes at a time if they are not comfortable doing this).
Debbie
