giving up the lead

[Miranda]

When you are the leader in a single pace line format... what do you need to do to give up the lead? i.e. vocal / hand signals, movement etc.

OK... Btw, I did find some old threads and links to this subject, but I still didn't know what to do recently. Here's the deal that has happened to me on my last two rides...

Even though the ride plan is to not be in an official pace line, I somehow ended up being the strongest on the front. Which I'm OK holding that steady for a while. But then start feeling like I don't want to do it forever (I want a drink, recover for a few seconds, etc.). BUT the cyclist behind me is 2" off my wheel... and so forth. And, big guys we are talking here too.

Situaiton #1

At my recent club ride. I'm only been to a few of these that my new ride partner has helped me venture out to. 2nd time meeting this guy. I must have looked steady and predictable for him to decide to suck my wheel. But, then I wanted a rest. I tried to verge off a bit. But, he stuck with me. Finally that day I crossed over to the center line to get a break.

Situation #2

Last night alone on my training ride prep-ing for my century event. My plan was to ride brisk (for me) and climb more. I pick up this couple along the way. Seemed like nice peeps. Chat as I pass etc.

Then, the guy is 2" off my wheel... his woman behind him. Again, I must have looked steady enough for him to choose to follow me that close. But... I was really riding harder than normal to do my "brisk pace" to train. Then... I needed a break.

Finally, at the next stop sign I just unclipped and let them go. He asked "do you want us to wait for you?". Which was nice to offer company... but I really needed to recover after pulling hard for that long & on a hill. I sent them on.

I think it's pretty brave of these peeps to suck wheel that close not really knowing me (riding habits etc.)???... BUT, then am I to also assume that their defensive riding skills are also good enough to not crash into me if I slow down, or what?

[OakLeaf]

I can't say I've really been in that situation - (too slow and short for anyone to seek out my wheel ) - but I think I'd act as though it was supposed to be a paceline. Which part of that is not taking a super-long pull. Pull for two or three minutes tops. Then give whatever signal you normally do in a paceline in your area, whether it's verbal or a hand signal; check your blind spot obviously, knowing that unlike a real paceline, you're not going to be able to count on the people behind you to let you know when it's safe to peel off; and pull sharply to the left without slowing down until you're clear. Rotate behind them to give them the message, whether or not you decide to stay on their wheel after they figure it out.

[tulip]

Talk to them and say something like, "let's do 2-minute pulls." Then after two minutes, pull off. Perhaps they really don't know how to ride a paceline and don't know that the pulling is supposed to be shared.

Perhaps this is a teachable moment.

[Pedal Wench]

Typical signals that I know of are a flick of the left elbow, or point down and out to the left, or shout out, "pulling off."

[OakLeaf]

In our Florida clubs, it's smacking your hip with your hand. Never seen that anywhere else, though.

[nolemom]

In our Florida clubs, it's smacking your hip with your hand. Never seen that anywhere else, though.

Since I have only ridden in Florida, I thought that was the accepted signal. Thanks for the heads up that it isn't universal.

[indysteel]

In our Florida clubs, it's smacking your hip with your hand. Never seen that anywhere else, though.

That's the signal we use in Indiana. I don't know that I would use it with strangers who just happen to get on my wheel though as it's not universally understood.

I'm not a fan of people I don't know getting on my wheel. If someone does, however, and I don't ask them to back off, then I do what I need to do to keep us all safe. That means pointing out road hazards and maintaining a steady pace. To get off the front in that situation, I would yell behind me that I'm coming off the front. Presumably, they'll be willing to pull at that point. But since I'm also not a fan of being on a stranger's wheel, I'd probably just let them go on without me or keep what felt like a safe distance.