For me a group ride is sometimes one other person. I generally ride alone because I've had so many close calls and wrecks I don't trust anyone. Besides, in group rides other people tend to like to talk and not pay attention. Riding alone is the safest bet so I don't mind it, I have enough to worry about with traffic.
Keep looking for an experienced group to ride with, they're out there, you intuitively know if they're good. Around two days a week I ride in a group; the first group, is around the Regents Park loop (Lonodon) all the riders are unknown to me, but, they all know what they're doing, I've never felt nervous or twitchy, if I did, I'd drop out, then pick up another group. Club rides can be a bit sticky and undisciplined, espciallly if you find youself in a drop ride, a none drop should be easier. It very much depends upon your level of fitness. Don't get run ragged, it's not a smart way train.
I ride by myself for the most part, 40-50 miles per week, I was thinking of joining a club, but your video changed my mind! Like drving, you get all these A holes! And my work schedule makes it inconveinent
What I've noticed on group rides over the past 25 years is there are simply more a$$holes in the sport. Guys that drop $8K+ on their bikes, pimped-out with $1000 worth of kit, and think that they're pros literally. They believe this gives them the right to bark at everyone on the ride. Too many people on rides now a days have that entitled attitude and ego to match. Recently on a local group ride I got dropped, was riding on my own for several km - guy comes by me with 1 on his wheel. I get in on the back for a km, they slow down so I pass and do a pull. Suddenly, I hear all this yelling from behind me. The guy rides up to my side and tells me to move over to the right of the bike lane and asking me wtf I was doing? My line has, and will be, about 8" to the right of the solid white line. Evidently, he wanted me to the right of the halfway point. He literally spent the next 5mins riding on the side of me trying to get a rise from me and talking long $hit about how unsafe I was being in a group. I eventually told him to f%*k off and he couldn't deal with that. ROFL But seriously, attitudes like that - people talking to grown men like they're 9 year olds never happened in the past. There was a greater amount of respect and unity out there. Now, it's seems like it's every swinging d1ck for themselves which is sad.
The problem with, or the experience you had with different etiquette between different groups is; There is no etiquette, people make it up as they go! Experienced or non experienced I have seen dumb stuff, but they lecture others. Some people want to run the group, another wants to win the group ride, others just play games. I really don’t like group rides anymore as they are cocky, or there is too many egos. It is supposed to be a group ride, but it is amazing how so many treat it as something else. In fact people don’t even want to stop for a mechanical , then they leave the guys helping and mechanical person behind.
The way you describes club rides, it seems like a race.. people elbowing to prevent someone from jumping ahead?? Makes ni sense. I ride pickup rides.. we just ride as a group and take turns pulling. Thats about it. Some of the older people and newbies stay in the back and just draft. Doesnt bother me. We even have a couple of guys that only want to pull. I love them. Lol
As far as the racing "etiquette" goes, screw that. It's like Conan said; What is best in racing? "To crush your enemies, to see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women." Otherwise... It's all about group dynamics. Ride safe and remain situationally aware. I had a riding buddy who really elevated my game. His reward for putting up with my newbiness was that my willingness to work hard inspired him and we worked well together.
Great advice; I’m a reasonably experienced road cyclist and I agree with everything you say. If a spitter’s spit hits me then I definitely shout at them, every time. A disgusting habit! And is there ever a genuine need to do it? I love the way you marshal and then present your thoughts. It’s a real skill and a delight to watch. Keep up the good work!
I just started watching biking videos yesterday and this is the second one talking about guys blowing out their nose while riding. I've been riding for a couple of months and, thank God, haven't seen that one yet. How disgusting.
Enjoyed the video. Personally only ridden with one friend who is a stronger rider so haven't been in a group. I see group rides happening in Durham on the weekend but I typically head out when sun is coming up and they leave later in the morning. I'll have to get involved next season and gain some experience. Good advice in this video. Thanks
Many thanks for this! I have my first ‘cycling event’ coming up next week, and I’m pretty anxious as I have never before ridden in a group. It’s just over 70 miles long with about 150 riders and it’s not a race as such, but I’m expecting some, if not most, to consider it as one. I don’t really care if I come last to be honest, and I’m more worried about doing something wrong, but your video has really been a help!!
Cheers Jon. Great stories and advice. My take away on this is: know the rules, be nice and be predictable. Except for when it comes to racing, where you: psych 'em out, hit 'em hard and take no prisoners ;)
There are old riders, there are bold riders, but there are no old bold riders. Old timers rule: Don’t join a group ride until you’ve mastered rollers, which means you can balance yourself without dabbing or grabbing a support for 45 minutes. The main thing is to be able to hold a real line no matter what
I used to get drop all the time when I started cycling for the first year and less in the second year, now years later I pulling at the front! Went from riding in the c group to pulling at the front in the elite group!! Great pointers I hope that many riders especially the new to cycling ones will follow this to the t. Lol even some season riders could learn a lot here! Thanks for the video very informative!!
Rule 1 is: DON'T HALF WHEEL. Our local bunch ride last week had a really nasty crash, with 3 people going down, and, if they would've taken down more people if they hadn't been at the back of the bunch. Everyone was pretty shook up, and afterwards, we were discussing it, everyone thought it was likely that the person who went down was half wheeling, and the person in front of them just touched their brakes and BOOM..... bikes everywhere. We were doing about 35 km/h on a fast flat section, that you do need to pay attention on, because, when something goes wrong at speed, it goes really wrong. interestingly, that whole bunch is a really experienced group, who have all been riding together for at least 5 years. Nasty stuff, having to do first aid on the road, while waiting for an ambulance.
Great video. I’ve never risen in a group. Little nervous about it. 99.9 % I’m a solo rider. I guess I’m nervous about how I would perform with these guys. Lol. Maybe next season I’ll give it a shot. Keep up the great work 👍🏻🇨🇦
Join a club ride. Usually they have different levels within the club and you can find yourself with like riders. In my club there are A riders who race and go fast; there are B riders who ride a good pace and are more predictable; there are C riders who are a little slower but sometimes a bit scattered and ride a shorter distance; then there are D riders which are newbies who are slower and are taught all the safety and etiquette before moving to the Cs. For me, I like the pace of the Bs best and the riders are more predictable which makes it safer, but I often ride with the Cs because they don't take it as seriously as those in the As & Bs thus it's a little more social and enjoyable but maybe a little less safe. It keeps me on my toes though. But what I'm saying is you'll probably find a spot for yourself within a club ride. Their goal is to keep you so they're often accepting of new riders.
Great video as usual, Jon. Big fan of your channel. And also a bit jealous of your Trek Emonda. I drive a Trek Domane SL6 myself. I have a question for you. Do you think the Bontrager Wavecell helmet is worth the money?
Thx so much bro and nice bike. Nah. I got it because I know the bike shop so well. But I liked my Giro aether more, but I think the wave cell is the safest helmet I have used
Hey Jon. Great channel. Just join recently. Club ride story. I remember joining a new club My first group ride I go to the front to pull , a family of raccoons decided to cross the road. I had to hit the brakes when looked behind me , everyone was in the ditch. What did I learn? Run over the family! I never heard the end of it
Oh…….in closing, it’s amazing that you guys do these videos endorsing group ride eddyket and from the responses - all you do is further alienate riders…..
My thing is people who panic in a group ride and something is called out and they either grab their brakes or swerve out of the way. Sometimes it's unavoidable but take the straightest line around an obstacle. All this weighs on your #1 though is paying attention.
I ride in a group where we ride the shoulder of the road in single file. One guy rides a few feet in the road. From time to time my front wheel will sort of be half wheeling him since he slowed down and I am riding pace, he is in the road where I am on the shoulder of the road along with everyone else and he'll yell at me. I am of the opinion he should be in single file like everyone else, and he should not be in the road where I could move a bit faster than him. If he wants to ride in the road cause maybe he feels safer cause he can see everything, go to the back.
Hey JM I had a rider like u .this guy was riding just ahead of me the entire way just before the.end flew .rite pass him he starts yelling at me bc I passed him heaven tried to bumpl me.byu he missed and crashed badly .after I won I went up to him an put him straight .I hate bad sportsman ship in anyone theirs really no reason for it .if someone passed me big deal I never get mad
I’ve found myself really close to running into parked cars only to be saved by a fellow rider. Once im locked in and going 💯 i faze out and thats dangerous. Kidos to you I ride a caad 12 I know you ride a caad as well not sure if you still have that bike…
It's already dangerous enough, I don't need 10 dummies in front of me that can crash any second. Could you tell me where to plug 🔌 in the charging cable for the the dura ace
Hi Jon u learn a lot but tell me what u do before cycling 8 y ago. And what was the inspiration to go into cycling so deep? Greetings from 🇦🇹enjoy Halloween 🎃
I'm somewhat newish to group riding. I was under the impression that half wheeling was staying halfway way up someone's rear wheel. From your description, it sounds like half wheeling is something that only happens at the front. I could use some more pointers on this from some folks here. Thanks.
In a group ride that is not a race you should never overlap the rear wheel of the rider in front. There is no benefit and too much risk of crashing. The best thing is to look at the outside shoulder of the rider in front as you will soon be able to judge the distanst between your front wheel and their back wheel without looking at their back wheel and you will also see what is coming up ahead so there should be no surprises with bends in the roads or hills.
Be predictable. Maintain SMOOTH lines and try to really be someone that people will want to ride next to or behind because you are SAFE to ride with. Everything starts from that point.
WTF are you and everyone else talking about…….I trained for 10 years for triathlons…..I could give a damn if a guy sucked my wheel for 50 miles……I road without drafting or worrying about drafting…..I avoided these dumb groups rides like the plague…….my favorite group ride story was when my buddy and I started a ride at a ‘Bucks on the east side of Tucson on Sunrise………a guy - who I later found out was a state masters champ - warned us not to get near the group and cause a crash on our tri-bikes……imagine our delight as halfway to Oracle we watched about 10 of them go down in a heap………they were probably going all of 15mph and nobody was injured……as I passed by mr state champ, I asked if we got too close………
For me a group ride is sometimes one other person. I generally ride alone because I've had so many close calls and wrecks I don't trust anyone. Besides, in group rides other people tend to like to talk and not pay attention. Riding alone is the safest bet so I don't mind it, I have enough to worry about with traffic.
thanks for your input, appreciate it
AMEN I love riding alone!
Keep looking for an experienced group to ride with, they're out there, you intuitively know if they're good. Around two days a week I ride in a group; the first group, is around the Regents Park loop (Lonodon) all the riders are unknown to me, but, they all know what they're doing, I've never felt nervous or twitchy, if I did, I'd drop out, then pick up another group. Club rides can be a bit sticky and undisciplined, espciallly if you find youself in a drop ride, a none drop should be easier. It very much depends upon your level of fitness. Don't get run ragged, it's not a smart way train.
I ride by myself for the most part, 40-50 miles per week, I was thinking of joining a club, but your video changed my mind!
Like drving, you get all these A holes! And my work schedule makes it inconveinent
Just having enough Fun to make for another sick weekend. See yall out there Bros.
What I've noticed on group rides over the past 25 years is there are simply more a$$holes in the sport. Guys that drop $8K+ on their bikes, pimped-out with $1000 worth of kit, and think that they're pros literally. They believe this gives them the right to bark at everyone on the ride. Too many people on rides now a days have that entitled attitude and ego to match. Recently on a local group ride I got dropped, was riding on my own for several km - guy comes by me with 1 on his wheel. I get in on the back for a km, they slow down so I pass and do a pull. Suddenly, I hear all this yelling from behind me. The guy rides up to my side and tells me to move over to the right of the bike lane and asking me wtf I was doing? My line has, and will be, about 8" to the right of the solid white line. Evidently, he wanted me to the right of the halfway point. He literally spent the next 5mins riding on the side of me trying to get a rise from me and talking long $hit about how unsafe I was being in a group. I eventually told him to f%*k off and he couldn't deal with that. ROFL But seriously, attitudes like that - people talking to grown men like they're 9 year olds never happened in the past. There was a greater amount of respect and unity out there. Now, it's seems like it's every swinging d1ck for themselves which is sad.
The problem with, or the experience you had with different etiquette between different groups is;
There is no etiquette, people make it up as they go! Experienced or non experienced I have seen dumb stuff, but they lecture others. Some people want to run the group, another wants to win the group ride, others just play games. I really don’t like group rides anymore as they are cocky, or there is too many egos.
It is supposed to be a group ride, but it is amazing how so many treat it as something else.
In fact people don’t even want to stop for a mechanical , then they leave the guys helping and mechanical person behind.
good points, thanks for sharing
Lone wolf rider here… no etiquette needed:)
LOL
I don’t understand why people set up segments to end at a stop sign instead of a short distance before it to allow proper braking.
I agree.
The way you describes club rides, it seems like a race.. people elbowing to prevent someone from jumping ahead?? Makes ni sense. I ride pickup rides.. we just ride as a group and take turns pulling. Thats about it. Some of the older people and newbies stay in the back and just draft. Doesnt bother me. We even have a couple of guys that only want to pull. I love them. Lol
As far as the racing "etiquette" goes, screw that. It's like Conan said; What is best in racing? "To crush your enemies, to see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women." Otherwise...
It's all about group dynamics. Ride safe and remain situationally aware. I had a riding buddy who really elevated my game. His reward for putting up with my newbiness was that my willingness to work hard inspired him and we worked well together.
good points!!
Thanks for the video. Great advice. I like the part about asking questions.
Great advice; I’m a reasonably experienced road cyclist and I agree with everything you say.
If a spitter’s spit hits me then I definitely shout at them, every time. A disgusting habit! And is there ever a genuine need to do it?
I love the way you marshal and then present your thoughts. It’s a real skill and a delight to watch.
Keep up the good work!
thanks so much for the feedback!
I just started watching biking videos yesterday and this is the second one talking about guys blowing out their nose while riding. I've been riding for a couple of months and, thank God, haven't seen that one yet. How disgusting.
I am an amateur cyclist and I agree with everything you say.👍
thanks
Enjoyed the video. Personally only ridden with one friend who is a stronger rider so haven't been in a group. I see group rides happening in Durham on the weekend but I typically head out when sun is coming up and they leave later in the morning. I'll have to get involved next season and gain some experience. Good advice in this video. Thanks
thanks, glad you enjoyed
Glad I stumbled upon your channel! This weekend is going to be my first group ride, and this video was really helpful. Subbed!
awesome! hope you enjoy
Just the right video I am looking for. Great tips.
I am a relatively new subscriber and loving your videos Jon. Great content, great delivery of that content. Well done!
thanks so much
Many thanks for this! I have my first ‘cycling event’ coming up next week, and I’m pretty anxious as I have never before ridden in a group. It’s just over 70 miles long with about 150 riders and it’s not a race as such, but I’m expecting some, if not most, to consider it as one. I don’t really care if I come last to be honest, and I’m more worried about doing something wrong, but your video has really been a help!!
Great info and comments iam still learning myself fairly new to the sport 3and a bit yrs .🇦🇺🚴♀️
thank you, glad you enjoyed!
Great video & advice 🚴🏽♂️💨 I always do group ride and you’re 100% with all you just said 👍🏼😁
thanks bro!!
Nice, thank you for the awesome video :)
Cheers Jon.
Great stories and advice. My take away on this is: know the rules, be nice and be predictable.
Except for when it comes to racing, where you: psych 'em out, hit 'em hard and take no prisoners ;)
thank you!!
Great video with good advice.
thank you
I appreciate this video - as a novice, it is important to understand all these rules.
thank you
There are old riders, there are bold riders, but there are no old bold riders.
Old timers rule: Don’t join a group ride until you’ve mastered rollers, which means you can balance yourself without dabbing or grabbing a support for 45 minutes. The main thing is to be able to hold a real line no matter what
Nice pointers, Jon 👍🏾🙌🏾
thanks!!
Very useful your content, each post is super interesting.
🇹🇩🇹🇩🇹🇩
thank you!!
Jon, great advice!
thank you
Good stuff, Jon.
thank you!!
great tips jon
thanks
I used to get drop all the time when I started cycling for the first year and less in the second year, now years later I pulling at the front! Went from riding in the c group to pulling at the front in the elite group!! Great pointers I hope that many riders especially the new to cycling ones will follow this to the t. Lol even some season riders could learn a lot here! Thanks for the video very informative!!
thank you, glad you enjoyed!!
Rule 1 is: DON'T HALF WHEEL. Our local bunch ride last week had a really nasty crash, with 3 people going down, and, if they would've taken down more people if they hadn't been at the back of the bunch. Everyone was pretty shook up, and afterwards, we were discussing it, everyone thought it was likely that the person who went down was half wheeling, and the person in front of them just touched their brakes and BOOM..... bikes everywhere.
We were doing about 35 km/h on a fast flat section, that you do need to pay attention on, because, when something goes wrong at speed, it goes really wrong.
interestingly, that whole bunch is a really experienced group, who have all been riding together for at least 5 years.
Nasty stuff, having to do first aid on the road, while waiting for an ambulance.
thanks for sharing, appreciate it
Great video. I’ve never risen in a group. Little nervous about it. 99.9 % I’m a solo rider. I guess I’m nervous about how I would perform with these guys. Lol. Maybe next season I’ll give it a shot.
Keep up the great work 👍🏻🇨🇦
thanks so much!
Join a club ride. Usually they have different levels within the club and you can find yourself with like riders. In my club there are A riders who race and go fast; there are B riders who ride a good pace and are more predictable; there are C riders who are a little slower but sometimes a bit scattered and ride a shorter distance; then there are D riders which are newbies who are slower and are taught all the safety and etiquette before moving to the Cs. For me, I like the pace of the Bs best and the riders are more predictable which makes it safer, but I often ride with the Cs because they don't take it as seriously as those in the As & Bs thus it's a little more social and enjoyable but maybe a little less safe. It keeps me on my toes though. But what I'm saying is you'll probably find a spot for yourself within a club ride. Their goal is to keep you so they're often accepting of new riders.
Nice video as always!
Gr8 video
thank you!!
Great video as usual, Jon. Big fan of your channel. And also a bit jealous of your Trek Emonda. I drive a Trek Domane SL6 myself. I have a question for you. Do you think the Bontrager Wavecell helmet is worth the money?
Thx so much bro and nice bike. Nah. I got it because I know the bike shop so well. But I liked my Giro aether more, but I think the wave cell is the safest helmet I have used
Hey Jon. Great channel. Just join recently. Club ride story. I remember joining a new club My first group ride I go to the front to pull , a family of raccoons decided to cross the road. I had to hit the brakes when looked behind me , everyone was in the ditch. What did I learn? Run over the family! I never heard the end of it
LOL thanks for sharing!
Oh…….in closing, it’s amazing that you guys do these videos endorsing group ride eddyket and from the responses - all you do is further alienate riders…..
My thing is people who panic in a group ride and something is called out and they either grab their brakes or swerve out of the way. Sometimes it's unavoidable but take the straightest line around an obstacle. All this weighs on your #1 though is paying attention.
thank you for your comment!!
What kind of cameras do you use to film? Any special microphone? Thanks
Can we just not spit at all period?
I ride in a group where we ride the shoulder of the road in single file. One guy rides a few feet in the road. From time to time my front wheel will sort of be half wheeling him since he slowed down and I am riding pace, he is in the road where I am on the shoulder of the road along with everyone else and he'll yell at me. I am of the opinion he should be in single file like everyone else, and he should not be in the road where I could move a bit faster than him. If he wants to ride in the road cause maybe he feels safer cause he can see everything, go to the back.
I agree, from the way you explain it, it sounds like he is in the wrong
When you ride in a group you does meet people much faster than you. Trust me 😸
true
Any veteran rides in Tucson, AZ ?
Hey JM I had a rider like u .this guy was riding just ahead of me the entire way just before the.end flew .rite pass him he starts yelling at me bc I passed him heaven tried to bumpl me.byu he missed and crashed badly .after I won
I went up to him an put him straight .I hate bad sportsman ship in anyone theirs really no reason for it .if someone passed me big deal I never get mad
true, thank you for sharing
I’ve found myself really close to running into parked cars only to be saved by a fellow rider. Once im locked in and going 💯 i faze out and thats dangerous. Kidos to you I ride a caad 12 I know you ride a caad as well not sure if you still have that bike…
oh wow! good thing for fellow riders
It's already dangerous enough, I don't need 10 dummies in front of me that can crash any second. Could you tell me where to plug 🔌 in the charging cable for the the dura ace
On the rear derailleur (for the new one)
@@waynosfotos thank you very much. I enjoy your videos as well.
In my next video, for sure
Hi Jon u learn a lot but tell me what u do before cycling 8 y ago. And what was the inspiration to go into cycling so deep? Greetings from 🇦🇹enjoy Halloween 🎃
I just fell in love with cycling, never did any sports before this
I'm somewhat newish to group riding. I was under the impression that half wheeling was staying halfway way up someone's rear wheel. From your description, it sounds like half wheeling is something that only happens at the front. I could use some more pointers on this from some folks here. Thanks.
In a group ride that is not a race you should never overlap the rear wheel of the rider in front. There is no benefit and too much risk of crashing. The best thing is to look at the outside shoulder of the rider in front as you will soon be able to judge the distanst between your front wheel and their back wheel without looking at their back wheel and you will also see what is coming up ahead so there should be no surprises with bends in the roads or hills.
This is a great idea, I will detailed video on half wheeling
🤙🏻🎯
thanks!!
Be predictable. Maintain SMOOTH lines and try to really be someone that people will want to ride next to or behind because you are SAFE to ride with. Everything starts from that point.
Bro your moustache getting thicker 😳 😁😅
LOL yes
You forget the water bottle crashes ...
Yes, for sure!
That moustache though
Lol
WTF are you and everyone else talking about…….I trained for 10 years for triathlons…..I could give a damn if a guy sucked my wheel for 50 miles……I road without drafting or worrying about drafting…..I avoided these dumb groups rides like the plague…….my favorite group ride story was when my buddy and I started a ride at a ‘Bucks on the east side of Tucson on Sunrise………a guy - who I later found out was a state masters champ - warned us not to get near the group and cause a crash on our tri-bikes……imagine our delight as halfway to Oracle we watched about 10 of them go down in a heap………they were probably going all of 15mph and nobody was injured……as I passed by mr state champ, I asked if we got too close………
this video feels really disorganized
Because he jumped cut it a lot. Not a fan of jump cuts.
thanks for the feedback