QUESTION: I’ve been training consistently, and my solo rides feel strong, but every time I join a group ride, I end up struggling to keep up. It’s frustrating because I know I’m putting in the work. Why does this happen, and how can I fix it? — Jamie P.
RBR REPLIES: Great question, Jamie. Many cyclists experience this when they start riding with a group, and the good news is that it’s not necessarily a reflection of your fitness—it’s just a different skill set.
Riding in a group is as much about technique and strategy as it is about fitness. When you’re solo, you control the pace. You settle into a steady rhythm, which builds aerobic endurance but doesn’t prepare you for the surges and constant changes of pace that happen in a group. Those accelerations—especially after corners or on hills—tap into your anaerobic power, which isn’t often trained on solo rides.
Another factor is drafting. Riding efficiently in a group means staying close to the wheel in front of you, but this can feel intimidating if you’re not used to it. A bigger gap means you’re missing out on one of the biggest advantages of group rides: saving energy by letting others break the wind for you. If you’re constantly working harder than the riders around you, it’s no wonder you feel gassed.
Your position in the group also matters. Hanging at the back might seem safer, but it often makes things harder. The pace at the back can be inconsistent—speeds surge and drop as the group reacts to obstacles or changes in terrain. This “accordion effect” forces you to burn energy unnecessarily. Positioning yourself closer to the middle or front can smooth out the ride and make it easier to stay with the pack.
Confidence plays a big role, too. Riding close to others, reacting to quick changes, and navigating the group can feel overwhelming at first. That mental tension can drain your energy, even if your legs are strong.
To fix this, start by practicing your drafting skills with a friend or a small group. Work on riding closer to the wheel in front of you, keeping your movements predictable and steady. In your solo rides, introduce some short, high-intensity intervals to mimic the surges of a group ride. For example, sprint hard for 30 seconds a few times during a longer ride, then recover. This will prepare your body for those bursts of speed when the group accelerates.
If you’re feeling nervous about group dynamics, look for beginner-friendly or no-drop rides in your area. These rides tend to be more relaxed and focus on group etiquette, giving you a chance to adapt without the pressure of keeping up with faster cyclists. And don’t underestimate the value of persistence — riding with a group regularly will naturally improve your skills and confidence.
Remember, group rides are a different beast from solo training. Stick with it, and soon you’ll not only keep up but enjoy the camaraderie and energy that make group rides so rewarding. Let us know how it goes.
Don’t discount that your brain may be trying to keep you safe. If you don’t trust the group, then it will be harder to keep up.
Sorry, but the real answer is your FTP vs the FTP of the riders pulling away. For example, there is a Wed and Sat group ride in San Diego where the leaders are multi-time national champions and several of them have a 450w FTP. If your FTP is 200-250, this would be the wrong group ride for you. Choose a group ride with their ability slightly higher than yours and as your ability increases, work your way into harder group rides
Yes this is the right answer. Ride with a group ththat is not too fast.