By Lars Hundley
So, you’ve decided to step up your game and join the local hammer-fest. These fast-paced group rides can be intimidating, exhilarating, and a great way to improve your fitness. They’re also a fantastic way to get unceremoniously dropped in the middle of nowhere if you’re not prepared. Here’s how to avoid that fate.
First off, know what you’re getting into. If you’re unsure about the pace, check if there’s a local bike shop organizing the ride. Shops often describe rides with average speeds. No luck there? Scope it out in advance on Strava. You can usually find the ride and see how fast people have been going. Better yet, do you know anyone who does this ride regularly? Ask them. They can give you tips about the route, warn you about upcoming sprints or climbs, and generally help you navigate the group dynamics.
Competitive group rides aren’t your leisurely weekend coffee rides. These are the cycling equivalent of fight club, minus the, well, fighting (usually). Riders will attack, sprint for town signs, and generally try to rip each other’s legs off—all in good fun, of course.
Before you show up, make sure your bike is in working order. A mechanical issue won’t just ruin your ride; it’ll ruin everyone else’s if they have to go around as they leave you in their dust. Check your tires, brakes, and drivetrain.
Position is crucial in these rides, but the ideal spot can vary depending on the group’s dynamics. Some fast groups operate like a well-oiled machine, with everyone expected to take turns at the front. Others are more like informal races, where it’s every rider for themselves. Some will regroup after particular climbs or sprinting points, some do not.
When the ride starts, try to gauge the vibe. Are riders rotating smoothly through pulls, or is it more chaotic? If it’s a rotating paceline, be prepared to take your turn at the front – but keep it short if you’re not sure of your capabilities. It won’t do you much good to take a hero pull if it means that you fall off the back after you finish.
If it’s more of a race-like atmosphere, then staying near the front – but not on it – is often a good strategy. Aim for the first third of the group. This gives you a buffer when the inevitable surges come. If you’re at the back when the pace picks up, you’ll be playing catch-up all day.
Remember, observation is key. Watch the experienced riders and mimic their positioning. They know the drill and where it’s safest and most efficient to be. And don’t be afraid to ask for advice – most riders are happy to share tips with newcomers, as long as you’re not asking mid-sprint!
Speaking of surges, expect them. Lots of them. These rides often have an accordion effect: fast, slow, fast, slow. When the pace eases, move up. When it’s fast, hold your position. Whatever you do, don’t let a gap open in front of you. Once you’re off the back, it’s often game over.
Drafting is your best friend. You’ll need to be comfortable safely riding close to others. Tuck in behind someone’s wheel and save energy.
Know the route, or at least stick to someone who does. Nothing’s worse than getting dropped AND lost. Also, familiarize yourself with any sprint points or climbs where the pace is likely to pick up.
If the ride is longer than 25 or 30 miles, make sure you carry enough to eat and drink. Bonking on one of these rides is a sure ticket to Dropsville, population: you.
Lastly, know your limits. It’s great to push yourself, but be realistic. If you’re really struggling, sometimes it’s better to ease up and ride at your own pace than to blow up spectacularly and have to call someone to pick you up because you’re too exhausted to pedal the rest of the way home.
Remember, everyone gets dropped at some point. It’s part of the learning process. If (when) it happens, don’t get discouraged. Note where you lost contact and use that as motivation to get stronger.
Most importantly, despite the competitive nature, these rides should be fun. Enjoy the camaraderie, the shared suffering, and the post-ride war stories. Before you know it, you’ll be one of the regulars, looking back to make sure the new guy isn’t getting dropped… too badly.
Every group ride course has a flow and learning it is key to surviving because you know how to gauge your energy. You learn when you *have* to stay on and when it will let up and can plan accordingly. You’ll only learn that by doing the ride.
Yes, it’s important not to panic during those surges and assume that you’re the only one suffering and give up. Often, the pace is about to go back down and you just need to hang on a bit longer. Once you’re familiar with the ride and know how long those surges tend to last and where they typically happen, it becomes much less stressful.