Three Questions and Answers about Riding in a Group
Do I have to ride as fast as the others?
No. If it makes you uncomfortable, don’t go so fast. The lead rider should notice you slowing down and set a slower pace. If not, just signal to the sweep rider and drop back. You’ll catch up at the next stop along the way.
Is it better to ride side-by-side or in single file?
Actually, it’s usually best to ride in a staggered formation, so each rider has room to move from one side of the lane to the other. Each rider should have at least a two-second cushion ahead of them and behind them, and a staggered formation allows for that. Of course, riders pull up side-by-side at a stop sign. And, when visibility is low because of turns or fog or anything else, when approaching a toll-booth, and when the road surface is iffy, single file is best.
We’ve got a pretty big group. Should we divide into smaller units?
It’s always a good idea to have buddies look out for each other. If you divide into smaller units, it makes riding in city streets easier. What’s more, it one of you has trouble, just the smaller unit can stop to help instead of everyone on the ride.
Yet, there’s no denying it: Unless you plan to ride exclusively around the Southern United States, you’ll face some chilly winters. And even before it...
