Paceline Guidelines
Be predictable and safe by riding a straight line. Practice this skill
by yourself by riding with your
wheels on the white line along the edge of the road. You'll find that
it's easier if you look ahead 30 feet rather than directly in front of
your wheel.
Smooth, steady, communicate and predictable are the bywords. Keep the pace steady. Avoid surging when your turn comes to lead the pack, avoid braking suddenly, avoid swerving abruptly. Ride relaxed, stay focused, communicate. This makes you a safe cyclist and a pleasure to ride behind.
Don't let your front wheel over-lap a rear wheel. If that bike swerves, the contact will usually knock you down. If you do overlap (echelon paceline) make sure you're at least a foot or two to the side.
If you are the leader of the paceline stay focused on the road, traffic and lights. Keep your eyes on the road and ahead of you at all times. If you are behind the leader use peripheral vision and observe the rider in front of you.
Ride only as close as you are comfortable. Two to three feet is OK for starters. Look ahead, not just at the wheel in front of you and ride with your hands near the brakes. If you get too close, soft pedal or move out into the wind a bit to slow down. Soft pedaling is better than coasting. It causes less reaction behind you. If you must brake do it smoothly and with the rear brake so the person behind notices you using the brake. Keep pedaling (soft pedal).
When you're leading, remember that you're the eyes and ears of the whole group. It's your responsibility to “point out” or “call out” or navigate smoothly around stuff on the road; “glass” “branches” “potholes”, “pedestrians”, ”runners”, “dogs”, “wildlife” “road kill”, as well as turns and stops (slowing signal) that others may not be able to see because you obstruct their view. People behind you will relay this info to the back of the pack.
As you take the front, maintain that speed. The former leader will signal by raising the left elbow or left arm off the bars or by sitting up and moving over (usually to the left). He'll slow down, so you don't have to accelerate. Just pull through smoothly and wait a few seconds for the former leader to catch on the back and then ramp it up slowly. You should see your cycle computer go up a mile an hour at a time.
Take your turn at the front and then pull off and let someone else share
the work. If you are tired
take a short pull. When dropping back, stay close to the line. This
enhances the group's draft.
Call out "car back!" when there's an overtaking vehicle. This is especially important on narrow roads when the group is in a double paceline (2 abreast). Riders need time to move over or ease up to let the car pass. In general, since we ride on roads with traffic it's never a good idea to ride more than 2 abreast. "Car Back" is more than just a warning. It means DO SOMETHING. “Car up” is called if the road is narrow and a car is approaching in the front.
Drop back a bit more on climbs. The rider just ahead might stand and decelerate slightly; in effect, moving backward toward your wheel. Also when you stand up (call out standing) and make a conscious effort to stand on a downward power stroke and push your bike forward so you don't drop back into the person behind you.
Have fun and if you don't understand what's going on or why don't be afraid to ask. Many times there are a lot of unspoken subtle things happening especially with a group that's ridden together for a long time.
For Your Protection: Century Ride Protocol
Helmets Are Required.
Safety Rules MUST be observed at all times.
Stop at all stop signs.
RIDE SINGLE FILE on the right side of the roadway -- leave adequate stopping distance between riders.
Obey all traffic laws.
Observe good road manners.
Make sure your bike is in good condition -- especially your brakes and tires.
All riders MUST carry some form of identification, including your emergency contact phone number.
Every minor MUST carry a medical release form signed by parent or guardian. If you have a medical alert bracelet, please wear it.
Bicycle Maintenance Checklist
Maintaining your bicycle is important for your safety. Equipment that is worn out or in need of tightening or alignment is not dependable.
Cleaning, adjustments and minor repairs are within the capabilities of most bicyclists. However, major adjustments and repairs should be done by a trained bicycle mechanic.
Print this list and use it to check all the bicycles in your home.
Handlebar position -The handlebars should be tight and properly aligned with the front wheel.
Caliper hand brakes -The levers should not be able to touch the
handlebars before the brakes are fully engaged and the wheel is locked.
Brake shoes should have at least a 1/6-inch rubber braking surface and
be centered over the rim. The nuts holding the brake shoes to the arms
should be
tight.
Pedals -The pedals should be firmly secured to the crank arms and turn freely. Rubber treads should be intact.
Wheels -Test for proper balance by picking the bicycle up and spinning the wheels. The wheels should not rub against any part of the frame, fender or brakes. Check to see that rims are free of rust, dents or kinks. Replace missing spokes.
Tires -The condition of the bike's tires will affect its handling. Make sure you keep the tires pumped up to the pressure recommended in your owner's manual. Check with a tire gauge. Replace tires when tread is worn smooth.
Chain -A chain in need of adjustment will make a cracking or grinding
noise. When a chain is in its proper position, it should have
approximately
1/2-inch of lag.