Scared in Group Rides

I have read a lot about group ride etiquette, but I am still scared because I feel too crowded in. I went on my first group ride (Team Velocity in Fullerton, CA's slow group apparently goes at 13-15mph for 30-35 miles).

Although none of us are trying to draft, we are still riding close enough together that if one rider falls, we might topple over like Dominoes. We either have no bike lanes or a very thin bike lane...so the bikes are either in the traffic lane or about to fall into the water ditch (I don't know what you call the strip of concrete that collects water that lies between the street and the curb).

Also, I am very clumsy, so I cannot lift my hand (neither left nor right) to signal any warnings. I can barely lift my hand for a few seconds to scratch an itch or wipe my nose.

I tried to stay towards the back to give myself more space, in case anyone in front of me swerves or makes sudden stops due to tire popping/dead animals in the bike lane, etc.. However, the group told me that I should try to ride in the group or else they will accidentally lose me, ie. at Traffic Signal stop lights, etc.

I have no problem keeping up with the pace...which is just right for me (not too hard, but hard enough to be a slight challenge).

Any advice?


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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

TigerMom congratulations on completing your first dreaded group ride ;) Just keep riding with a group, it does get easier everytime you do it. Make sure to keep alert and try to have fun :)

You might want to find a group that doesn't insist on riding in a tight pack, at least for now since you are evidently a very nervous and tense rider. The group rides I do have cue sheets so riders can find their way and don't have to stay tight with the group. Most riders string out, too. Frankly, your ride does sound a bit tight, especially with a nervous rider in the pack (that would be you).

Getting more comfortable on the bike in general will also help. It sounds like you are not at all relaxed when you ride, not able to take your hands off drink water or signal.

Keep riding, though; it will get better!

As long as you feel like you could find your way back home if you did get dropped, I'd tell them not to worry about losing you and that you are more comfortable riding in the back of the group. Since it is a pace you feel comfortable with, you can probably keep up and manage not to get left behind.

If they aren't ok with that, or you aren't on the chance you do get left behind, then I'd find a different group or at least wait until I got more comfortable riding, could make signals, and generally feel more secure in my riding skills.

Don't watch the wheel infront of you, look at the rider's hips. Really does help and stops "wheel fixation".

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Originally Posted by Kiwi Stoker

Don't watch the wheel infront of you, look at the rider's hips. Really does help and stops "wheel fixation".

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Thanks for that tip. I'm also learning to ride in a group, and find my whole body tenses up because I'm so nervous. I'm working on it, and the group I've started with is small, all women, and helpful, and is a no-drop group. I'm hoping to get more comfortable and confident, but so far it's not taking.

another thought to consider is that if you are riding in an area with a narrow shoulder, the courteous and right thing to do legally is to ride single file. any time you ride in anything other than single file you should be alert to leaving a space ahead of you for someone on your left to drop back into should there be traffic.

Second thought is use your words,you can always call out gravel, hole, glass just as you pass it. Yes the hand gesture is better but voice works too.

If you develop a strong riding relationship with one more people, you will often find that all of the communication happens non verbally unless your are stopped. You develop a set system of points hand shakes and hand waves, as well as signaling when you are dropping back etc.

Pack riding skills are necessary but come with practice and clear communication with the leaders. Perhaps they could assign someone to wait for you if you get dropped at a stoplight so that you can ride at the back of the pack and learn by watching and pulling forward when you feel ready to.

The more you ride with this group, the better you will get to know some of the other riders' habits. See who handles the bike well, and try to get behind them on the rides, or just say you are more comfortable in the back. (Someone has to be last, so why do they care if it's you? Or is there a sweep?)
I have trouble letting go of my bars to signal for everything, so i do a lot of calling out.
Good luck! I've learned so much from my group rides, hope it improves for you.

It will get better with time, I promise! My first bike was really stable, but I still felt like I could crash at any second if I so much as moved my hands a tiny bit. Now my bike is a relatively twitchy, racey bike, but I'm forever pointing at things and moving my hands all over...hoods, drops, tops...feels perfectly stable. It just takes time. Eventually your bike will feel like an extension of you. :)

For now ride where you feel most comfortable. You can always get back in the middle once you are familiar with your bike and its handling.

I do less and less group rides as the years go on. Although I ride with a more "social" group and they are very experienced riders, some of them are twitchy enough to make me stay in front of them... there is one particular woman who races me on the downhills and then can't keep up with me the rest of the time. I admit I love dropping her on climbs. She's very twitchy and actually has tried to pass me on the right. There's others like her, and I can't figure out why, after riding for 20+ years, these people don't have better skills.
I think some of it is riding in large groups. With more people, there's more room for problems. The rides I lead tend to be smaller groups, and then of course, I have "control." I've been known to use my teacher voice to "help" people ride safely; like the guy who was trying to make a left turn across a busy 2 lane road from the right lane, when I was sweeping. I can still hear myself saying "Get in the lane!"

The more you ride, whether alone or with a group, the easier riding itself will be. The easier it will be to lift a hand off the handlebars for instance. I remember when I wasn't comfortable grabbing my water bottle and drinking during a ride and, worse yet, putting it back in the bottle cage. One time my husband made a comment about drinking, I think reminding me to take a drink so I don't get dehydrated. I told him, "I don't' drink and ride!" I used to only drink when stopped at a signal or for a break. But that all changed. I routinely grab tissues from my back pocket and blow my nose one handed and put the tissue back. I'm quite the expert at that technique! :D

So, ride, ride, ride, and you'll get more comfortable with the actual act of riding. When you are more comfortable handling your bike, it will help your comfort in a group.

Being around other more experienced riders can teach you a lot, too. I agree to keep an eye out for riders that you feel comfortable being behind. Maybe even buddy up with someone and make it known to that person and others that you would like to stay behind them specifically. You should let others know that you are a little nervous. They can then help you out with tips and/or just watch out for you in various ways. Most cyclists are ultra friendly and willing to help each other out. It's one of the things I like about the sport and riding with others.

I'm familiar with Fullerton, though it's one of the few places in So. Cal I think I've never ridden. Wait, I take that back. I know I rode through Diamond Bar and Brea to get to the Santa Ana bike trail. We must have gone through part of Fullerton. Anyway, I live in Upland, having just moved a few months ago from Rancho Cucamonga. I lived in OC growing up (Huntington Beach), and have also lived in Orange, Anaheim hills, Anaheim and Brea. But I didn't start seriously riding until I lived in Rancho Cucamonga. If you haven't ridden the Santa Ana river trail, you really should. It's one of my favorite rides. A great one that involves no stopping, unless you want a break. And no cars!

I have often ridden it from Yorba Linda Regional Park. It's 44 miles to the beach and back to that point. But there are many places to get on the trail.

Speaking of riding in traffic with no bike lanes, though, this is something you'll get more used to in time as well. My husband has taught me that when I'm in the bike lane, to actually ride closer to the traffic than to the right side of the lane, because most of the debris is further to the right. I have also found that cars often give riders far more room than necessary and, while we should all be cautious of cars, in time it becomes less scary to ride along side them, bike lane or no bike lane.

Also, when you are in a group, the cars are far more aware of your presence than if you are riding alone. You are less likely to be hit when in a group.

Finally, if it's possible to find a smallish group that rides in areas you are more comfortable with for a while, I recommend you do that. Our club has a women only ride on Sundays and it's the perfect place for newer riders to get used to riding in a group. They don't ride in major traffic and are very unintimidating over all. Hey, if you want to drive up to RC, you can do that ride any time. ;) (My club is Cycling Connection. http://www.cyclingconnection.org/ )

TigerMom, I think it is a good thing that you are starting out with group rides. I've been riding for two full years now, but I've probably done no more than 12-15 group rides. Most of my riding is solo - whether on road or mountain biking. There is only one way to get used to group riding and that is to, well, ride in groups. You are taking a wiser approach than I did :cool:

As you get more comfortable riding in general the things that trouble you know will pass. I remember when I didn't dare move a hand off a bar, and even drinking from my Camelbak was a challenge. Now I can do everything I want with my left hand - the right not so much, but I did focus on moving my left hand to keep myself from grabbing a handful of front brake.

Small groups are certainly less intimidating than larger, and not all groups ride close to each other. If you are more comfortable in the back, then stay there - just make certain you have a map or know the way back to your car if you should get accidentally dropped. Congratulations on your progress and keep riding :)

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Originally Posted by Jiffer

The more you ride, whether alone or with a group, the easier riding itself will be. The easier it will be to lift a hand off the handlebars for instance. I remember when I wasn't comfortable grabbing my water bottle and drinking during a ride and, worse yet, putting it back in the bottle cage. One time my husband made a comment about drinking, I think reminding me to take a drink so I don't get dehydrated. I told him, "I don't' drink and ride!" I used to only drink when stopped at a signal or for a break. But that all changed. I routinely grab tissues from my back pocket and blow my nose one handed and put the tissue back. I'm quite the expert at that technique! :D

So, ride, ride, ride, and you'll get more comfortable with the actual act of riding. When you are more comfortable handling your bike, it will help your comfort in a group.

Being around other more experienced riders can teach you a lot, too. I agree to keep an eye out for riders that you feel comfortable being behind. Maybe even buddy up with someone and make it known to that person and others that you would like to stay behind them specifically. You should let others know that you are a little nervous. They can then help you out with tips and/or just watch out for you in various ways. Most cyclists are ultra friendly and willing to help each other out. It's one of the things I like about the sport and riding with others.

I'm familiar with Fullerton, though it's one of the few places in So. Cal I think I've never ridden. Wait, I take that back. I know I rode through Diamond Bar and Brea to get to the Santa Ana bike trail. We must have gone through part of Fullerton. Anyway, I live in Upland, having just moved a few months ago from Rancho Cucamonga. I lived in OC growing up (Huntington Beach), and have also lived in Orange, Anaheim hills, Anaheim and Brea. But I didn't start seriously riding until I lived in Rancho Cucamonga. If you haven't ridden the Santa Ana river trail, you really should. It's one of my favorite rides. A great one that involves no stopping, unless you want a break. And no cars!

I have often ridden it from Yorba Linda Regional Park. It's 44 miles to the beach and back to that point. But there are many places to get on the trail.

Speaking of riding in traffic with no bike lanes, though, this is something you'll get more used to in time as well. My husband has taught me that when I'm in the bike lane, to actually ride closer to the traffic than to the right side of the lane, because most of the debris is further to the right. I have also found that cars often give riders far more room than necessary and, while we should all be cautious of cars, in time it becomes less scary to ride along side them, bike lane or no bike lane.

Also, when you are in a group, the cars are far more aware of your presence than if you are riding alone. You are less likely to be hit when in a group.

Finally, if it's possible to find a smallish group that rides in areas you are more comfortable with for a while, I recommend you do that. Our club has a women only ride on Sundays and it's the perfect place for newer riders to get used to riding in a group. They don't ride in major traffic and are very unintimidating over all. Hey, if you want to drive up to RC, you can do that ride any time. ;) (My club is Cycling Connection. http://www.cyclingconnection.org/ )

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Jiffer, I have been riding these river trails. Thanks for sharing! Team Velocity in Fullerton is very nice and is the closest bike group to me. I love eyeing everyone's gorgeous bikes and talking bikes with fellow bikeaholics. Some day, when I get the courage, I'm going to ride from Rowland Heights to downtown Fullerton in order to start the group ride and then ride home. Until I am a stronger rider that can point at rode hazards, I'm not moving myself up to the intermediate group. How long it's going to take me to be able to lift one hand off comfortably....hmmmm. Maybe years.

But, I'm going to keep riding. I'm so clumsy that if I were to not keep trying every time that I was scared that I would hurt myself, I would just be sitting at home with the blanket over my head my whole life. Team Estrogen's encouragement and advice is a great help to aid my resolve to keep trying, and trying, and trying.:D

I am still not really comfortable drinking from a bottle and I have a lot of difficulty signaling with my right hand. I tend to drink at stop signs, lights, etc. or wait for a straight flat stretch. This is after 11 years :eek:. Hey, I know my limitations, and while I have improved a lot, I'd rather not crash while working on these skills. My DH can't understand why I can't lift my right hand off the bar, but have no issue with my left; it has to do with spatial awareness and balance. Usually, by the end of a ride, when i'm "in the groove," it improves and I have less issues.
I'm a ride leader and I'm able to get by quite nicely. I don't ride with aggressive groups when I do ride with groups. I also find that when I am in a group, my need for following safety rules overrules my coordination, and I can point out hazards with no problems.

Crankin - thank you for your comment about taking your right hand off the bar and still having issues with drinking from your bottle. I've chosen to not even attempt to learn to do the latter (I know I wouldn't drink enough), but it's been a bit troubling that I've so many problems taking my right and off the bar. I can do anything with my left - and I am VERY much right-handed. It helps to know that there are those with much longer experience who also has the same issue.

The last and most difficult part of retraining my braking habits after last year's faceplant has been learning to drink left-handed. Now, granted I haven't ridden nearly as much in the past year as I had been recently ... but it took probably 1,000 miles before I could even replace the bottle in the cage without looking, and it still feels very unnatural. I have to think about it every time, and I still catch myself reaching for my bottle with my right hand.

Catrin, I am also right handed, but I naturally do a lot of things with my left hand first, as well as my left foot. I do attempt to continually improve my signaling with the right, but I will never attempt the bottle with the right; I can barely do it with the left. I think one thing that scared me is that when i first started riding, DS asked me to pass him a sip of my bottle as he was coming toward me in the opposite direction on his cyclocross bike, which had no cages for bottles. We both slowed, I got the bottle out, he drank, but when he handed it back, I crashed, putting it back in the holder. I was going maybe 6 mph on a mtb, on the road. Five days later, I woke up with my knee the size of a balloon, and I had to have it drained. I used a Camelbak for like 6 years after that, until it started to bother me. If it's a very hot day, and I'm doing a long ride, I still will use the Camelbak for water and put Nuun or Accelerade in my bottles. But, I actually haven't done that in a long time.