eccc whippet Posted March 19, 2018 Posted March 19, 2018 So you decide it is time to jump onto the back of a group and give it a try...a few tips. Ask permission to join the group...some groups dont want people hanging on the back or mixing in the group...due to the risks involved...an inexperienced rider could bring the whole group down. learn the hand signals used by cyclists (google cyclist hand signals...lots of info) once you have been accepted... make sure you can keep up...find out what the avg speed is of the group and then decide if you can keep up...it helps if there is a slower group following the same route...just in case you get dropped or have a mechanical issue. Make sure you are aware of your surroundings and familiar with the route...if the group splits and you find yourself getting dropped... ...makes sure you can see the person behind you...rather slow down and stick with the slower riders...dont get caught in the middle on your own. The group should also be aware of dodgy areas and close the gaps and make sure everyone is accounted for. Make sure you have all the correct gear...lights...tools...tubes...etc. minimum requirements... At least one tube suitable for the wheel on your bike...road or mtb.tyre leversa pump which can pump to the required pressure...ie mtb 2-3 lb (high volume)...road bike 8 lb + (high pressure...low volume) or a CO2 inflator with spare cartridge. it is handy to have other stuff like a small pair of pliers...basic cycling tool...with a chain break as an added bonus...and glueless patches have also proved to be handy on occasion. a cellphone with at least the group leaders contact number and maybe even another group members number...just in case. most groups will have a no helmet no ride policy. early morning rides will require lights as we go into winter...some groups will insist on at least a back red light. feel free to add anything i might have left out or correct. I am trying to find a way for the front rider and back rider to link...and possibly visitors...so that we can see if there is a problem at the back of the group or if someone has taken a wrong turn...i think garmin and strava have ways to communicate...i will be doing some research.
CogitoErgoSum Posted March 19, 2018 Posted March 19, 2018 So you decide it is time to jump onto the back of a group and give it a try...a few tips. Ask permission to join the group...some groups dont want people hanging on the back or mixing in the group...due to the risks involved...an inexperienced rider could bring the whole group down. learn the hand signals used by cyclists (google cyclist hand signals...lots of info) once you have been accepted... make sure you can keep up...find out what the avg speed is of the group and then decide if you can keep up...it helps if there is a slower group following the same route...just in case you get dropped or have a mechanical issue. Make sure you are aware of your surroundings and familiar with the route...if the group splits and you find yourself getting dropped... ...makes sure you can see the person behind you...rather slow down and stick with the slower riders...dont get caught in the middle on your own. The group should also be aware of dodgy areas and close the gaps and make sure everyone is accounted for. Make sure you have all the correct gear...lights...tools...tubes...etc. minimum requirements... At least one tube suitable for the wheel on your bike...road or mtb.tyre leversa pump which can pump to the required pressure...ie mtb 2-3 lb (high volume)...road bike 8 lb + (high pressure...low volume) or a CO2 inflator with spare cartridge. it is handy to have other stuff like a small pair of pliers...basic cycling tool...with a chain break as an added bonus...and glueless patches have also proved to be handy on occasion. a cellphone with at least the group leaders contact number and maybe even another group members number...just in case. most groups will have a no helmet no ride policy. early morning rides will require lights as we go into winter...some groups will insist on at least a back red light. feel free to add anything i might have left out or correct. I am trying to find a way for the front rider and back rider to link...and possibly visitors...so that we can see if there is a problem at the back of the group or if someone has taken a wrong turn...i think garmin and strava have ways to communicate...i will be doing some research.Marshalled groups usually have a marshal leading the group and another at the back to keep an eye on the crawlers. It is best to contact the group organizers beforehand to find out their "rules". I personally wouldn't just latch onto an unknown group mid-ride Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk
Forthelove Posted May 22, 2018 Posted May 22, 2018 Come ride with the JHB MTB CLUB, there is a sweep at the back and a leader. Four levels of riders , newbies to race snakes safety in numbers and NEW TRIALS every week. Lots of ladies and all ages from 20 to strong 60!! If you want adventure or traning to complete a race. Welcome feeling . Pleasent atmosphere and not commercial Must have tubbless and helmets bottles of hydration . Glasses a must. Look them up on web Strongly recommend.
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