Riders holding shoulders?

[Kiwi Stoker]

I think they are practising a bunch technique.

DH was competing in a 160km cycle challenge and riding in a large bunch. He saw a guy have a front tyre blow out on a downhill (he heard the tube go) and the two guys on either side the rider grabbed an arm each and helped him slow down to the side of the road.

Also bunch ridiers "help" each other ie if they need to adjust a shoe or something on the bike by holding the person up a bit.

[Catrin]

Thanks, I have passed the information along!

[bmccasland]

I got "pushed" that way when I was having trouble breathing. A much stronger rider rode by my side, pushed me, keeping me in the slipstream of the other riders, so my feet kept the same cadance, but I wasn't really working. All the while he was talking to me on trying to get my breathing under control (exercise induced asthma). I think we rode this way for a mile on the levee path.

[chicagogal]

I agree with what everyone else said. It is a bunch/pack skill. It is really useful if you need to look over your shoulder. Most people can look back for a quick second to see if there is a car coming or something without losing his/her line. However, a longer look back, to see if the whole group is together, for example, is more difficult. Put one arm on the shoulder of the rider next to you, and look over your opposite shoulder. Your partner will help you hold your line, so you can look back.