Posted on June 16, 2010 05:56
Now that the riding season is in full swing, it is important to keep in mind the rules of thumb for how fast to pace the group during a ride. The most general rule of thumb is that the group should travel at about the speed limit. However, the speed of the general flow of traffic, as well as road conditions and construction, should also be considered.
The leaders need to keep in mind that when they assume the responsibility to lead a ride, they give up to right to ride however they want. They need to assess the abilities of the members of the group, and only ride as fast as the least experienced rider in the group can handle. This also pertains to the choice of road situations and conditions, such as hairpin turns, mountain roads without guardrails, or unpaved or under-construction roadways.
On the other side of the “responsibility coin”, each of the individual riders in the group needs to recognize if and when they are being influenced by the desire to keep up with the group, and begin riding beyond their abilities. If the group is travelling any faster than what the individual is comfortable with, they need to speak up and let the leader know that. If it appears to the leader that everyone is keeping pace, then the leader is not likely to reduce the speed.
It is when a less experienced rider tries to ride beyond his abilities in an effort to keep pace with the group that an accident is much more likely to occur. And as everyone that has been involved with an accident situation on a ride knows, an accident pretty-much dampens the upbeat spirit of the ride, no matter how minor the injuries or property damage.
So remember, we ride on group rides for EVERYONE to have fun, so if you are not comfortable with the pace, PLEASE SPEAK UP ! By the same token, the ride leaders are obligated to assess the abilities of the members of the group, monitor the group for stragglers and rubber-banders, and to ride at a slower pace if requested to do so.
Ride Safe, and Have Fun !
Ted Zitnay
NH-E Chapter Educator