Re: {DGBC} Saturday accident - standing surge

[Victoria Tate]

Really good stuff from everyone.  This has been such an interesting topic of discussion.  I would like to add a few things.  

It is extremely important to be predictable in a pace line.  Especially when riding with inexperienced cyclists.  

Communication is vital.  If you are going to pass someone, announce your presence "on your left".  Passing on the right is extremely frowned upon (unless you are doing the Chicago Triathlon.)   

The more you train together, the more you will develop your own language of communication.  You will often hear me yell out "Hold your line!"  This usually occurs when we are going down a hill, around a turn or through a town.  Another phrase-"Single File!"  This means move into one line as soon as possible.  Make room and let the riders on the left merge in front of you.

When you are behind someone who is a tad erratic, give some space between your wheels and find nice words to use to explain to him/or her that they could use some improvement.  

Drinking water is important.  Try to do it when you are in the front of the line or the back of the line.  If you need to take a drink in any other position, make some space between you and the rider in front of you when you reach down to get your bottle.  Do not take your eyes off the road!

Don't assume that if there is a little space between bikes, that someone is falling off the back.  You can usually tell if a rider is unable to hold their position due to fatigue.  In that case, announce your presence, "On your left", and move in to close the gap.

As a Pedal Head, you represent a team that is inviting and friendly.  That is why we have such a presence at the MS Ride.  It is okay to request that an inexperienced rider stay at the back of the pace line until they get better handle skills.  Don't let your adrenaline turn you into a jerk and say things that are mean.

Newbies-we don't want to scare you but at the same time we kind of do.  This is a sport that requires extreme concentration for the safety of all.  We do it because it is fun.  It requires communication, patience and teamwork.  I do not look down upon someone who wants to hang in the back and enjoy the draft without coming to the front and share the work.  I would prefer you do that until you are ready and have a grasp on the whole thing.

Here is one of the video playlists I played in Cycle Camp:  Videos Worth Watching!  13 minutes of information from different points of view.  The rotating pace line is my preferred double pace line for the Pedal Heads.  I find that it is much safer than the double peal out we have used in the past.  It has a longer learning curve, but having 2 abreast is far safer than 4.  Practice practice practice!  Our route for Saturday gives us plenty of time to do just that: 50ish Route 7:00 at Lemon Tree.  (In case of rain, check your e-mail).

Your Loving Captain,

Vicky

On Mon, May 6, 2013 at 11:55 PM, Phil <phil.d...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello everyone,

I thought this might be a good time to mention another issue related to paceline safety. It doesn't occur as frequently as wheel overlap but can be equally hazardous.

We've probably all seen a sprint finish where racers push themselves backwards off the saddle to throw their bikes forward. Unfortunately, the converse can happen when you get off the saddle to stretch or climb. The bike can move backward - a movement usually referred to as a standing surge.

If you must get off the saddle in a paceline you should either increase pedal pressure as you stand or get out of the saddle more slowly to minimize the rearward surge. Either technique, or both, will help compensate for the tendency of the bike to move backwards.

One of the best ways to practice is to ride alongside someone going uphill and continue getting up out of the saddle until you can consistently match their position without moving backwards.

HTH,

Lee

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[Matthew Stokwisz]

Anybody doing the Wednesday night waterfall glen ride?  My girl is looking for some riding partners. She's just getting started in the sport. Thanks

Email call or text me 

6307761734

Matthew Stokwisz

Operations Manager

McCook Cold Storage

630.776.1734

On May 7, 2013, at 8:16 AM, Victoria Tate <vicky....@gmail.com> wrote:

Really good stuff from everyone.  This has been such an interesting topic of discussion.  I would like to add a few things.  

<B60.gif>It is extremely important to be predictable in a pace line.  Especially when riding with inexperienced cyclists.  

<B60.gif>Communication is vital.  If you are going to pass someone, announce your presence "on your left".  Passing on the right is extremely frowned upon (unless you are doing the Chicago Triathlon.)   

<B60.gif>The more you train together, the more you will develop your own language of communication.  You will often hear me yell out "Hold your line!"  This usually occurs when we are going down a hill, around a turn or through a town.  Another phrase-"Single File!"  This means move into one line as soon as possible.  Make room and let the riders on the left merge in front of you.

<B60.gif>When you are behind someone who is a tad erratic, give some space between your wheels and find nice words to use to explain to him/or her that they could use some improvement.  

<B60.gif>Drinking water is important.  Try to do it when you are in the front of the line or the back of the line.  If you need to take a drink in any other position, make some space between you and the rider in front of you when you reach down to get your bottle.  Do not take your eyes off the road!

<B60.gif>Don't assume that if there is a little space between bikes, that someone is falling off the back.  You can usually tell if a rider is unable to hold their position due to fatigue.  In that case, announce your presence, "On your left", and move in to close the gap.

<B60.gif>As a Pedal Head, you represent a team that is inviting and friendly.  That is why we have such a presence at the MS Ride.  It is okay to request that an inexperienced rider stay at the back of the pace line until they get better handle skills.  Don't let your adrenaline turn you into a jerk and say things that are mean.

<B60.gif>Newbies-we don't want to scare you but at the same time we kind of do.  This is a sport that requires extreme concentration for the safety of all.  We do it because it is fun.  It requires communication, patience and teamwork.  I do not look down upon someone who wants to hang in the back and enjoy the draft without coming to the front and share the work.  I would prefer you do that until you are ready and have a grasp on the whole thing.

Here is one of the video playlists I played in Cycle Camp:  Videos Worth Watching!  13 minutes of information from different points of view.  The rotating pace line is my preferred double pace line for the Pedal Heads.  I find that it is much safer than the double peal out we have used in the past.  It has a longer learning curve, but having 2 abreast is far safer than 4.  Practice practice practice!  Our route for Saturday gives us plenty of time to do just that: 50ish Route 7:00 at Lemon Tree.  (In case of rain, check your e-mail).

Your Loving Captain,

Vicky

On Mon, May 6, 2013 at 11:55 PM, Phil <phil.d...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello everyone,

I thought this might be a good time to mention another issue related to paceline safety. It doesn't occur as frequently as wheel overlap but can be equally hazardous.

We've probably all seen a sprint finish where racers push themselves backwards off the saddle to throw their bikes forward. Unfortunately, the converse can happen when you get off the saddle to stretch or climb. The bike can move backward - a movement usually referred to as a standing surge.

If you must get off the saddle in a paceline you should either increase pedal pressure as you stand or get out of the saddle more slowly to minimize the rearward surge. Either technique, or both, will help compensate for the tendency of the bike to move backwards.

One of the best ways to practice is to ride alongside someone going uphill and continue getting up out of the saddle until you can consistently match their position without moving backwards.

HTH,

Lee

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[Victoria Tate]

I had someone take exception to my point about drinking water and he had valid points.  Take a read: 

"I believe there is no better or safer place to drink than at the back of the line, same goes for grabbing food out of pockets and any other housekeeping etc. . . A good line will rotate frequently enough that anyone regardless of ability should be able to wait their turn at the back to drink. Riders in the front who inadvertently slow down, wobble, bob, or weave while reaching for/returning their bottle can really unsettle neighboring nerves, or worse. Even the best riders have been known to butter finger and drop a bottle. I am sure I don't have to tell you the havoc that can, and most likely will cause from the front of any line!"

I've dodged one of those dropped bottles and was lucky to have done so.  I stand corrected.  Drink at the back of the line.

From the Heart,

Vicky

[Debwesley]

I'm contemplating a nice safe walk.....

Sent from my iPhone

On May 8, 2013, at 9:48 PM, kaz_...@comcast.net wrote:

This is all too scary, I think I will return to running.

---

From: "Victoria Tate" <vicky....@gmail.com>
To: "Pedalheads" <pedal...@googlegroups.com>
Cc: "DGBC google groups" <downers-grove...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 8, 2013 9:42:22 PM
Subject: Re: {DGBC} Saturday accident - standing surge

I had someone take exception to my point about drinking water and he had valid points.  Take a read: 

"I believe there is no better or safer place to drink than at the back of the line, same goes for grabbing food out of pockets and any other housekeeping etc. . . A good line will rotate frequently enough that anyone regardless of ability should be able to wait their turn at the back to drink. Riders in the front who inadvertently slow down, wobble, bob, or weave while reaching for/returning their bottle can really unsettle neighboring nerves, or worse. Even the best riders have been known to butter finger and drop a bottle. I am sure I don't have to tell you the havoc that can, and most likely will cause from the front of any line!"

I've dodged one of those dropped bottles and was lucky to have done so.  I stand corrected.  Drink at the back of the line.

From the Heart,

Vicky

On Tue, May 7, 2013 at 8:16 AM, Victoria Tate <vicky....@gmail.com> wrote:

Really good stuff from everyone.  This has been such an interesting topic of discussion.  I would like to add a few things.  

<B60.gif>It is extremely important to be predictable in a pace line.  Especially when riding with inexperienced cyclists.  

<B60.gif>Communication is vital.  If you are going to pass someone, announce your presence "on your left".  Passing on the right is extremely frowned upon (unless you are doing the Chicago Triathlon.)   

<B60.gif>The more you train together, the more you will develop your own language of communication.  You will often hear me yell out "Hold your line!"  This usually occurs when we are going down a hill, around a turn or through a town.  Another phrase-"Single File!"  This means move into one line as soon as possible.  Make room and let the riders on the left merge in front of you.

<B60.gif>When you are behind someone who is a tad erratic, give some space between your wheels and find nice words to use to explain to him/or her that they could use some improvement.  

<B60.gif>Drinking water is important.  Try to do it when you are in the front of the line or the back of the line.  If you need to take a drink in any other position, make some space between you and the rider in front of you when you reach down to get your bottle.  Do not take your eyes off the road!

<B60.gif>Don't assume that if there is a little space between bikes, that someone is falling off the back.  You can usually tell if a rider is unable to hold their position due to fatigue.  In that case, announce your presence, "On your left", and move in to close the gap.

<B60.gif>As a Pedal Head, you represent a team that is inviting and friendly.  That is why we have such a presence at the MS Ride.  It is okay to request that an inexperienced rider stay at the back of the pace line until they get better handle skills.  Don't let your adrenaline turn you into a jerk and say things that are mean.

<B60.gif>Newbies-we don't want to scare you but at the same time we kind of do.  This is a sport that requires extreme concentration for the safety of all.  We do it because it is fun.  It requires communication, patience and teamwork.  I do not look down upon someone who wants to hang in the back and enjoy the draft without coming to the front and share the work.  I would prefer you do that until you are ready and have a grasp on the whole thing.

[Bolton, Gary]

This has been a very good discussion on pace line safety.  Lot's of good tips and suggestions.  Group riding is a skill that requires practice.  The key is riding consistently so others gain confidence and security in what to expect in your riding abilities.  You will also feel more secure in following someone else's wheel.  

Sent from my iPhone

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