Question: I’ve been enjoying my weekly group ride for years, but lately, one rider has been causing problems. He’s a popular guy, but he constantly disrupts the pace, surging ahead on climbs or seemingly at random on the flats. This constant surging beyond the supposedly accepted pace for this ride is causing some riders to get dropped. Most of the group doesn’t seem bothered, but it’s really affecting my enjoyment of the ride. How can I address this without coming across as the bad guy? — Tom R.
RBR Replies: You’ve touched on a common issue in group rides. It’s tricky when one person’s riding style affects others, especially when that rider is well-liked. Here are some strategies to consider:
Talk to the rider privately. Approach him before or after a ride and explain how the pace changes affect the group. He may not realize the impact of his actions. Be friendly and focus on how a steady pace benefits everyone.
Suggest a paceline format. Propose that the group adopt a more structured riding style where each person takes a turn at the front for a set time or distance. This naturally regulates the pace and gives everyone a chance to lead.
Speak with the ride leader. If there’s an official leader, discuss your concerns with them. They might be able to address the issue with the whole group without singling anyone out.
Create a “no-drop” policy. Encourage the group to adopt a rule where the pace is set by the slowest rider, or where the group waits at predetermined points for anyone who falls behind.
Split the group. If the ride is large enough, suggest creating two groups – one for those who want a steadier pace and another for those who prefer a more variable tempo.
Lead by example. When it’s your turn at the front, maintain a consistent pace. Others may follow suit, setting a new norm for the group.
If this is not a competitive group ride, where riders expect to be left behind if they can’t hold the pace and get dropped, the goal should be to keep the agreed upon pace. With some tactful communication and a few adjustments, you should be able to address this issue without causing tension in the group. If all else fails, you might consider finding or starting another group that better matches your preferred riding style.
With a little discipline in the rest of the group, we find the best solution is to just let that one rider go….meaning, everyone else sticks to the agreed upon pace and the rider that is causing the problem will find themselves out ahead solo. At that point, the problem rider can decide to keep riding by themselves or rejoin the group.
When the road becomes a bit vertical, it is ALWAYS a group problem! The ability and “style” varies widely. When I see a bit of a bump in the road, I see riders each at a different “pace”. I also see riders all across the road as some slow way down and “block” the group. My aging legs wish to hold a certain cadence range, etc. My knees ache if I’m “forced” out of my “normal form”. My practice has been that, once I’m over the top, to slow WAY down until the group re-forms. I explain (often in advance) that I am NOT showing off or shaming others (and most of them drop me like I’m standing still in head winds)!
In the bike club I belonged to, there was always an official ride leader that kept to the advertised average pace for the ride. The club made it known that if someone wants to ride ahead of the leader and do a faster pace, then he/she is considered to be on their own. I would also suggest speaking to the ride leader if one is so designated. He/she should speak to the group before the ride stating that if you want to do the advertised pace, then simply follow the leader.
I was leading a paceline once when a couple riders decided to start a break. My take was the same as James’, I let them go. A mile and a half later we reeled them in, and they were complaining that we hung them out to dry since we didn’t chase them. I just shrugged — nobody else in the paceline wanted to chase them down, either!