By Coach Fred Matheny It’s easy to ride with a couple of like-minded friends. But it gets more complicated when you’re with a big group of people you don’t know, maybe fighting a strong crosswind. And in a cycling racing pack or the random groups that dominate centuries, it often seems like there are no rules at all. … [Read more...] about Echelons and Racing in a Pack: How to Avoid Getting Dropped
Paceline
Riding in Advanced Pacelines, Part 1
By Coach Fred Matheny You’re comfortable and competent when your usual group of 3 or 4 buddies decides to hammer into a headwind in a single paceline. All of you know the rules and you’re confident that no one will mess up. But now you're going to ride with a big group from a nearby city. You've heard stories of their fast double pacelines and echelons. You don’t feel … [Read more...] about Riding in Advanced Pacelines, Part 1
How To Ride In A Paceline
By Coach Fred Matheny Solo rides are a great part of the cycling experience. Nothing beats cruising along and looking at the scenery, or attacking a climb at your own pace and intensity. But riding with a small group can be even more fun. You cover ground faster, meet people, and experience the thrill of shared effort. Paceline riding isn't difficult to learn. Here are … [Read more...] about How To Ride In A Paceline
What’s the Proper Paceline Etiquette?
Question: I just moved to a new city and I can't figure out what's going on in the pacelines. Where I come from, the rider at the front pulls for one or two minutes, then signals (hand gesture or elbow movement) when he or she is ready for the next person to come through. But here, the lead rider goes as hard as he can until he blows up. When the pace slacks off, someone (not … [Read more...] about What’s the Proper Paceline Etiquette?
Is it OK to Coast in a Cycling Paceline?
Question: When non-racers ride in pacelines, they often stop pedaling when they are getting too close the rider in front of them. Experienced riders usually admonish them to "soft pedal" instead, but I find that the pause is useful rather than dangerous. It tells me that there may soon be someone braking (much like the brake lights on a car). What do you think? -- Lynn W. … [Read more...] about Is it OK to Coast in a Cycling Paceline?