first group ride advice?

[Darby361]

This weekend I will doing my first group ride! It is advertised to be well within my abilities, and I am very excited! I ride a lot with my friends, but I expect in a large group things go differently. What do I need to know about riding in groups? Etiquette? Rules? Safety concerns?

Thanks!
Trish

[F8th637]

I'm contemplating my first group ride as well this weekend. Looking forward to what everyone has to say!

[missymaya]

I would first try to talk to the group ride leader and explain the position your in. Etiquette: If this is your first group ride try not to spit or blow your nose on anyone, which means, if your in the back, do what you want, but anywhere else and be aware. I hate it when people spit and I get their junk on me .
As for safety, just be sure to be steady when you ride. It makes people nervous and you nervous if your steering is real jerky. Try to find a wheel that is steady to follow. That will help you stay steady as well. Let people know when there is crap on the ground like glass or a hole and signal where (or yell) and let people know whether or not your slowing. It's funny and scary when I ride with the fast group b/c they never say anything and the potential for crashes is truly frightening but when I ride with my ladies group, no problems, people know what's coming their way.
If anything, find someone to take you under their wing and show you the ropes. When I first started group riding, my group had a beginners training session and beginners group (for those who couldn't make the sessions). Or, if there is a group of you who haven't ever ridden in a group ride, maybe ya'll could start a beginner's ride with a few experienced riders to help you along.
Hope this helps and of course, have a great ride!

[JenLeath]

If anything, find someone to take you under their wing and show you the ropes.

I joined the same group as a friend of mine, I just stayed behind her and copied what she did. When she swerved, unclipped or gave a hand signal I did the same. It was nice. Even if you don't know anyone, cyclists mostly are very eager to help out a newbie. They remember how it was in the beginning for them.

Good Luck
Jen L

[Melstar]

Clock a couple of miles under the belt before going on a group ride.

The group I went with didn't have a 'beginners' group, so I ended up roughing it out with the 'intermediates'. I got totally dropped by everyone and my friend & this other guy had to pull me all the way back.

It was really awkward cuz they tried striking up a conversation with me but I was so Damn tired that I didn't feel like talking.

But yea, get a couple of miles under the belt and spin along at a low gear.

[F8th637]

Clock a couple of miles under the belt before going on a group ride.

The group I went with didn't have a 'beginners' group, so I ended up roughing it out with the 'intermediates'. I got totally dropped by everyone and my friend & this other guy had to pull me all the way back.

It was really awkward cuz they tried striking up a conversation with me but I was so Damn tired that I didn't feel like talking.

But yea, get a couple of miles under the belt and spin along at a low gear.

LOL Thank God the group I am considering has a 'no rider left behind' policy.

[Darby361]

Thank you ladies, the ride went real well! I rode 36 miles and had a blast. I learned a lot from riding with these experienced people, and look forward to the next ride. Thanks for all the tips, they came in handy!
Trish