Guest blog post by: Women of OZ NWA
Riding with a group can be loads of fun. Make sure you’re prepared for group rides with these tips from our friends, Women of OZ!
WHAT TO DO
- Announce oncoming traffic: When you spot oncoming traffic, loudly say, “rider up,” so your group knows they’ll need to share the trail without another rider/runner/hiker.
- Communicate when slowing and stopping: Announce when slowing or stopping, so the group has time to react.
- Clear the trail: If you need to stop, get entirely off the trail so others can pass.
- Yield to climbing traffic: The uphill rider generally has the right of way.
- Pace the climbs for the middle of the group: When the pack hits hills and climbs, it can be hard to keep the group together. It’s important for the riders at the front to consider everyone when establish the climbing pace.
WHAT NOT TO DO
- Show up unprepared: We’ve all been late to a group ride at some point, and we’ve all forgotten something important. It happens, but it shouldn’t happen often.
- Ride too close to your friends: Leave 1-2 bike lengths between you and the person in front of you.
- Get the whole group in trouble or in danger: When you decide to join a group ride, it’s like joining the Musketeers: all for one and one for all. For safety and efficiency, the whole group needs to move with one mind.
Let’s ride together!
