Chances are that the weekly club run will be the biggest group you ride in each week. Therefore, it’s the perfect opportunity to practice your bunch skills.
Practicing your bunch skills now in a safe environment (most likely in a reasonably sized group with familiar riders) will mean you are a lot more comfortable in larger groups at sportives and races later on in the year.
The key to riding in a bunch is to be smooth, with no sudden movements and no sudden braking, and to communicate with your fellow riders to point out hazards in the road. However, here are four specific things to work on during the club run.
- Stay close to the wheel in front without braking sharply.
Practice easing off the pedals when you get too close to the wheel in front rather than applying the brakes. This way, your riding remains smooth and predictable and you are not grabbing a handful of brake, which in turn requires the rider behind to brake, resulting an accordion affect through the group.
- Don’t push your rear wheel backwards as you get out the saddle.
This is something a lot of riders new to bunch riding do as they are used to training alone. It causes real problems for the rider behind you, as your rear wheel may come into contact with their front wheel – so practice getting out the saddle smoothly. Your club mates will be very thankful.
- Practice following the wheel in front on descents.
I know of many riders who are very strong when the road goes uphill but can’t follow other riders down the other side. This means after the hills they end up in a group with all the riders they have just dropped.
- Learn bunch etiquette and, in particular, no half-wheeling.
Half-wheeling is when you ride slightly in front of the rider next to you, inadvertently pushing the pace on. Practice riding at a smooth and consistent pace, particularly when you come to do your turn at the front of the group. Don’t get carried away – this isn’t your chance to show how strong you are.
Don’t forget that your club mates will be equally happy to see your bunch skills improve, so don’t be afraid to ask for advice.
