Riding with others

Bunch Riding - tips from Randwick Botany club

As the Group evolves, attracting less racing and more recreationally oriented riders who may lack the necessary skills to ride with utmost safety in a bunch situation, it is vitally important to learn this art whilst out training on the busy and sometimes dangerous urban streets.

The only way you can learn the skills is to practice. However, I am sure that practice without basic knowledge of the responsibilities of bunch riding will get you no where. So here is a list of ‘do’s and don’ts’:

1. The correct formation
Riders should pair off in 2 by 2 formation. You should not sit directly on the wheel of the rider in front. Try to maintain about a 30cm – 60cm distance off the rear of and slightly off to the side of the rider in front.

The reason you offset slightly is to get better vision down the line, giving you more time to react to any problems.

2. Sitting the wheel
You should not focus on the rear of the wheel of the rider in front. By focussing on the person you will be more aware of what is happening in the bunch.
Try it. It wont take you long to judge the distance between you and the rider in front.

3. Position on the road
There is no way that motorists will ever become more courteous towards riders, however, we have clearly defined rights that in simple terms allows riders to occupy a full lane, ride in pair formation and have the same responsibilities as motorists.

Riding too close to the gutter also can create problems for riders. Slipping off the roadway into the gutter can bring you down as you try to get back over the lip of the gutter. Great skill is required to hop out of the gutter, so if you find yourself in this position, slow down and stay in the gutter until it flattens out. Then exit at an angle.


4. The lead riders
The two riders on the front have a huge responsibility. They must set the pace, call all road obstacles and warn the bunch of any traffic changes.
When approaching a set of lights the lead riders have sole responsibility in making the call. It will either be “lights…stopping” or “rolling”. Remember that the bunch is one vehicle so if the bunch is committed to roll don’t make decisions in the middle of the bunch to suddenly stop. This will cause heavy braking towards the back of the bunch.

When entering a roundabout or turning at an intersection the lead riders must call “clear” or “car coming”. All calls should be relayed down the line.

5. The tailenders
The riders on the back also have a huge responsibility, particularly the rider on the right hand (outside) side. This person must call the bunch across lanes or warn of trucks, cars etc that are approaching when on narrow and/or single lane roads.
When crossing over lanes the call is either “wait” or “over”. It is important that the instruction is relayed up the line and when crossing over the bunch moves as one and does not fragment. The rider on the outside rear must maintain a distinct hand signal until the maneuvre is completed.
On a narrow single lane road the last rider must warn of cars behind. A call of “car up” is a simple call that all should understand.

6. Rolling over
The lead riders should not attempt to stay on the front too long. Five kilometres is plenty. This gives every one a chance to go to the front. If you feel that you are not fit or strong enough to do a turn, go to the front, advise your partner and both immediately roll off. Do not suddenly pull out of the line prior to getting to the front. This only leaves gaps.

The roll over procedure is simple. The two front riders, on a safe section of road, move out approximately a metre. This will leave a gap for the following two riders to move through. The two riders rolling over will simultaneously wave the following riders through. They then soft pedal until the bunch has passed them, whereby they slot in at the rear. (this is done in the Park)
On the road – the person on the front on the right handside – calls “rolling”(after letting the person on the left know they will roll) the person on the front left soft pedals to allow the person on the front right to move in front of them. Now the person that was on the front right is now on the front left – and the person that ws second wheel on the right is now on the front.
If you are in the line and must pull out, advise your partner and both should drop to the back of the bunch.


8. Avoiding holes, rubbish, obstacles, other riders etc.

You must call all obstacles – this means calling and pointing!! Just calling doesn’t work especailly when it’s windy or lots of traffic.
Calls and pointing out of “holes” “rubbish” “glass” etc etc must be done from the front 2 riders and every subsequent rider in the pack right down to the back of the pack.

Another problem involves the ‘roll back’ when getting out of the saddle, particularly up an incline. Do not stop pedaling during this action since you will fall back a fair way, straight back into the rider behind who generally has to break hard or undertake a sudden swerve. Prior to getting out of the saddle make sure you are at the top of your pedal stroke and keep the pressure on the pedal.
In summary, being fit and capable to hang onto the bunch is not enough. Without taking away the enjoyment of the ride it is imperative that every rider hones his or her skills. If you want to improve ask one of the more accomplished riders. If you are not sure stay down the back until you are confident enough to join the bunch. If you are nervous or lacking confidence, consider the safety of the other riders first before joining the bunch.

Safe Riding