Riding in a Crowd

[itself]

Well, physically and mentally I am prepared for the Tour de Tucson. But I am really nervous about riding in the "crowds." I have been training all alone, as I always do. Remember I am on a recumbent, so turning around is difficult. I have a mirror, but still, I have a feeling I will have to voice when I am shifting in any direction. I hope people are courteous...

What has been your experiences at events?

[radacrider]

Just add to your mental preparation that there may be riders across the whole range -- experienced, group, organized riders and those who are very new and all in-between. Try to keep your distance from others, look around often so you know as much as possible who else is around you and watch the riders you are coming up on - are they weaving (squirrely), are they riding smooth and steady. If you are moving one way or the other use hand signals, if safe to do so. I use hand signals when riding on the road and I need to move from the shoulder into the traffic lane, even if I know no car is around, because you just don't know.

Have an awesome ride and enjoy it.

[indysteel]

Hopefully you'll see fewer new riders on the century route. Still, your best strategy is to ride very defensively. Use a lot of voice signals and keep an eye out for riders overtaking you without announcing themselves. Stay to the right and hold your line as much as possible. Be especially careful entering and exiting the SAGs. Hopefully riders will spread out as the ride progresses, especially since the century offers a staggered start.

[alpinerabbit]

some rules of paceline riding apply - feather the brakes, don't slam them.
don't weave. in curves, keep your line.
keep the distance to the person in front of you and do not keep watchng their wheel, it puts you in a trance. Watch their butt and just in front of them so you can react to whatever they are doing.

at least you are not racing - packs are one reason why I don't want to try a race.

[OakLeaf]

If your experience is like my 'bent friends' you probably can't see much of the road ahead of you, but you should point out any road hazards that you do see. Finger-point on the side you're passing the hazard on; a verbal warning is helpful too ("road kill," "hole").

Always use both hand signals and voice signals ("slowing," "stopping," "right turn").


And for the more ladylike athletes among us ... use a hand to shield your spit, and call out a warning before you blow a snot rocket.

[Zen]

Sorry I'm no help
Riding in crowds, I hate it and avoid it.
you never know what someone else is going to do. Just like driving a car but with a lot less steel around you