Asphalt Green Tri Club

Every rider in a group or pace line has responsibility for the rider on their rear wheel.  Remember, their view of the road ahead is limited.  You should avoid sudden changes, warn them of obstacles, turns and stops.  Hills present an additional problem.

When you stand on a hill, your bike will suddenly and briefly slow.  To the rider on your wheel, your bike comes back to them, possibly causing the front wheel of the rider following closely to make contact with your rear wheel and do a face plant!

To avoid this potential disaster do the following:

• stand smoothly on the down stroke, don't stop pedaling and don't slow down
• as you stand push your handle bars forward slightly, helping not to slow down
• when you sit back down, keep pedaling and push your handle bars forward slightly, again helping to avoid slowing down

Practice standing and sitting without stopping your pedal stroke on flat ground first.  Then practice on a slight hill while alone.  Finally, practice on a good hill with a friend behind you - so they can give you feedback on whether your bike slows or comes back to them.  Your friend needs to leave extra room between your bike and their bike until you are accomplished and avoiding slowing as you stand and sit.

Until you are confident with this skill, shout “Standing“ to alert those following not to follow too closely.

When riding in a group or pace line, always move slightly to the side of the rear wheel you are following when you start climbing a hill.  This will prevent the bike your are following from coming back into your front wheel.

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