Group Ride Meltdown! | How to do a Rotating Paceline for Beginners

[@GlycogenCycling]

I built a cycling marketplace app called VeloFlip! Check it out on the App Store apps.apple.com/us/app/veloflip/id6444815074

[@SnowSkiingIsLife]

Okay, I'm a new rider with little experience in group rides or a pace line like this. Watching this makes me want to avoid cycling groups altogether. I could literally feel the fun being sucked out of this.

[@GlycogenCycling]

Most are not like this. Definitely do group rides they are a lot of fun.

[@SnowSkiingIsLife]

@@GlycogenCycling Okay, glad to know that this is the exception and not the norm. Thanks!

[@gungho6798]

Choose your level and skill of riding . I stay with lower group. 15 mph

[@QiuyuanChenRyan916]

This is not the norm and behavior like this in both of my club is banned and you will also be cited on the provincial rider license registration system too. This type of constant rotation is also more skilled, I used them only with the group( 12-14 riders) of endurance rider when we go beyond 125miles ride.

[@kmonsen]

Yeah, just thinking about getting into group rides. Giving it a second thought now. I'm just dabbling in triathlons so this seems terrifying to me.

[@NeilSalaria]

This is exactly why I cycle alone or at max with a couple of friends who aren’t dickheads.

[@GlycogenCycling]

Yeah…

[@hookflash699]

Same!

[@charlieruns7953]

I used to ride in large pacelines. I moved to, Florida and started riding alone before I caught on with any groups. I enjoyed it so much, I never sought put group rides. No pressure to keep up or not drop anyone. Ill go out 4 to 7 hours and just do what I want. Pure bliss.

[@syrus3k]

I can't see that happening in the UK.. all the people I've been cycling out with would never scream like that in a million years. What a jerk. Sure the guy fucked up but going mental is just stupid.

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

@@syrus3k USA style lol, pulls the 45 out of the jersey pocket ?

[@elmoreglidingclub3030]

What a blast!! Nothing more enjoyable than a Sunday morning with a so-so rider who drops f-bombs at you because he thinks he’s all that. If he were, he’d be on a pro team. This kind of crap is exactly why I mainly ride solo. Was part of a great group and really enjoying riding until a woman in the bunch decided to let me have it about “coasting” in the pace-line. Well, I sorta had to b/c those in front were coasting. But me being the newest I guess she decided I had to be her tirade target. I ride for fun and was, at that point, completely done with it.

[@S9999Frank]

Riding correctly in a pace-line has to do with safety, which is why emotions can overflow. Also good to remember that especially in races, other riders can be close to their physical limit, so no surprise that their fuse can be a bit short. If you dont know how to ride a pace-line, just sit on the tail, and in time you will know what to do. Nobody dies from a little yelling, but doing mistakes in a tight bunch can cause serious injury, which is why emotions can get pretty elevated.

[@thysonsacclaim]

@@S9999Frank Driving cars is also about safety but I don't get out of my car and yell at someone if they cut me off. Nor do I curse them out. Because that's childish.

[@elmoreglidingclub3030]

@@S9999Frank Agree, agree, agree. I will argue that emotions need to kept in check as well. They lead to loss of focus and tension. Just relax and ride.

[@slowcyclist4324]

@@S9999Frank a rider is close to their physical limit, then they’re in over their head and shouldn’t be riding in the group. The only time you should be riding close to your limit is on an indoor trainer where nothing happens even if you make a judgement error due to fatigue. Outdoor rides should always be done well within zone 3-4 so that you stay alert and fresh. If you find it too difficult to talk to your group mates during a ride, you’re riding too hard. Slow down or take the group lead and deliberately SLOW the pace down.

[@iwontreplybacklol7481]

Not a bicycling story but a motorcycle story. Joined up with the group at a coffee house, we ride on the freeway to go to stunt spot. Ppl in the front who are stunt regulars are doing wheelies and other stunts on the freeway. I had a couple of power pulls for some fun, no stunts. So at the stunt spot Im standing there watching them do stunts and some blonde biatch on a hayabusa who thinks she was all that comes up and starts bitching at me for riding 'too fast' and attracting cops. Basically, she knew she couldn't go karen on the stunt guys, but the new guy was fair game. Dont worry, I exacted my revenge served cold on her bitch a$$ later. Never rode with that group again.

[@deepbeeps]

Yeah, this looks like a REALLY FUN group to join!

[@reddiver7293]

Was thinking the same thing.

[@TK0808]

Hard training is not fun. At 85-90% of maximum heart rate no one is laughing. But it gets you into fantastic shape.

[@wsbygt]

@@TK0808 I bet those riders arent there for fun and I also bet that FUN RIDERS arent welcome. This my kind of group.

[@iraplayz5401]

@@wsbygt wtf is wrong with you

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

I've raced and trained in groups, I've never seen anything like this before. Is this a USA thing?

[@Shoeless_DA]

Watching this makes me appreciate being a mountain biker.

[@malfunction2390]

Eh, lot of twats in mountain biking too

[@schadlarry]

Exactly. I couldn’t keep up with the fancy kits and attitudes roadies have. They have no problem taking the entire road either.

[@Cold417]

@@schadlarry What's "the entire road" mean to you?

[@schadlarry]

@@Cold417 More than the three feet you are allowed. When I road I took the least amount possible. I'd rather be alive than technically correct.

[@Cold417]

@@schadlarry sounds like you'd rather get squeezed by inconsiderates.

[@gcullen5331]

I don't care who someone is or what they've done - there is no need for rage/anger like that to anyone. No one is trying to crash on purpose. As soon as that level rage/anger comes out, I lose respect for the person.

[@iRyan876]

Exactly 💯 💯

[@brianluck84]

Yeah he could have used this as a teaching moment to help give the less experience guy more knowledge instead of chasing him away from group rides. Handled very poorly indeed

[@deltagchemistry12]

It also intimidates people from riding

[@ozgurinsan]

thats right.

[@wsbygt]

You have zero experience, cheers!

[@Shrimp0kUgel]

Couple things that we do on our group ride: * The rider at the front/left shouts "clear!" When its ok for the rider on the right to move left. * When you're the last one, you shout "last wheel" to the person on the back/left, so they know they have to move over and follow your wheel * When thwre are people that are drafting, i.e. not strong enough to take a pull or blew up, we should "last wheel, one back" instead, or "last wheel, two back", and so on. Structuring rides makes it safe, fun and its good teamwork collaboration too! Make sure there is enough communication, pointing out debris on the road , and other things. The club that i ride with is among the safest and beginner friendly groups, especially because there's a lot of structure, no cowboys, and a lot of communication.

[@damienmcc5009]

Came here to type the exact thing 👌

[@lucasbrunelle]

Guys like this hothead are why people don't get involved in the sport, ok so someone made a rookie move

[@brianluck84]

Every group has that guy that thinks he is tour de France material.

[@TChalla007]

when it becomes a safety issue I understand. I ride in Northern Ca, with some selfish idiots. Thats the problem with amateurs doing pace line. Just ride.

[@neoneherefrom5836]

When safety and expensive ass bikes are in play, tempers tend to flare. Lol It doesn’t take much to crash and at high speed it’s going to cause some damage either to you or your bike or both.

[@lucasbrunelle]

@@neoneherefrom5836 That guy's insecure for a reason, probably couldn't even handle a sand patch at speed

[@neoneherefrom5836]

@@lucasbrunelle perhaps

[@reflectionsdetail]

to keep from getting chopped, say "clear" so the rider knows when or about when their wheel is cleared yours. It takes a bit of time for people to get a "feel" to know when to move over and having someone say "clear" helps develop that feel

[@shepshape2585]

Absolutely right, and "last" when you're the last rider in a pace line so people know when to move back over.

[@jonnieringo7758]

And when someone is cutting too early, a simple ‘not yet’ will let them know that they need to delay their rotation a little longer.

[@DZ10able]

Communication and predicabtility is the key to group riding.

[@markcknudsen]

@@shepshape2585 Clear and Last are the only 2 things you should hear in a rotation!!!

[@twistedwires7318]

For those unfamiliar with rotating pacelines. Not knowing the makeup of this group makes it hard to truly assess or judge. However, here’s my take. This group was riding relatively fast. Therefore we should assume they’re all likely fairly experienced riders. The only reason anyone should have say anything is if there are people unfamiliar with each other. I know my friends and they know what to do. Silent, smooth, fast, safe, and friendly. We call out only rare and random stuff or if someone new is in the group.

[@phoenixtwelve1972]

Old master blaster fella was half wheeling and sitting in the middle squeezing people for a good portion of the footage.... then gets salty.... He needs to have a good look at his positioning before throwing little pebbles.

[@placidharmonics4221]

Wasn't the guy screaming the same guy who was wobbling all over the road throughout the whole video. . .

[@8rk]

Probably ran out of energy, got his ego hurt and taking it out on others.

[@endokrin7897]

I've ridden my entire life, many decades. Have rarely ridden with more than one other person. Every experience I have with a group, whether passing them on my bike, or while driving a car, has been a bad (often dangerous) experience. I'll never group ride. The more people in any group, doing anything, the more dumberer they all get. There is a huge difference between riding a bike, and riding a bike in a group. I think it's important for everyone, even non-riders, to recognize this. I'm the guy you see out in the country, riding by myself, bright clothes, minding my own business, and waving when you pass in your car. I'm NOT the guy in a group of 20 or more riders, taking up the entire lane, slowing down all the traffic, yelling at cars or at other cyclists. The only thing in common is we're riding bikes. That's where the similarities end.

[@NoahStephens]

In fairness, unless they have rabies, they are yelling to announce the presence of a car

[@8rk]

This. People all turn into apes with huge egos in groups of anything.

[@curtvaughan2836]

When I see dogs in a dog park it reminds me of cyclists in group rides. All it takes is for one jerk dog to create chaos in the whole group of dogs. I never take my dog to dog parks, and I have never ridden bikes with more than one or two people. I mostly solo, and have been riding since I was a kid. I'm now 72. Fact is, you rarely see real professional road cyclists throw cussing tantrums like the guy in this video.

[@ToThePointCT]

These are definitely not proper cyclists these are like the poxy show offs I see every Sunday that get no joy out of cycling which begs the question why they do it

[@GiArK]

Suffering

[@neoneherefrom5836]

There is joy in suffering. Lol

[@bencumby9132]

To them it's fashionable. Expensive new bike and accessories. It's the latest thing and all the new clothes to go with it!!!

[@roadcyclist1]

​@@bencumby9132no. That's you hating on them for being able to afford those things and you not able to. Get over it.

[@EAlc-f9t]

@@roadcyclist1ehh, anyone with a decent job can afford that. I mean, most people spend thousands on their hobby anyway so this is no different…get over yourself.

[@joaromero1862]

The best idea 💡 ride by yourself. Only your strava and say hi 👋 to other cyclists on the road.

[@kidsafe]

It's good to learn pack riding skills, even in very small groups of 5 or 6 people. I'm always shocked when I come across, say, avid randonneurs who aren't familiar with rotating pacelines or even drafting in general...and also not optimizing other things like on-bike nutrition/hydration.

[@S9999Frank]

If you only ride by yourself, best not to show up at gran fondos as riding with hundreds of people while only training alone, is how a crash is guaranteed to happen.

[@joaromero1862]

I am well versed on how to ride in groups. I dont do grand fondos anymore. Now is all about enjoying the ride. Unfortunately at any gruppetto there's tje one who believes he's the new INDURAIN.

[@S9999Frank]

@@joaromero1862 I've found that a thick skin is sometimes needed when a yelling person shows up. The best trick is to look and act more pro than the average guy in the group, then there is usually little yelling. Plus there is a joy to going fast through helping and getting helped by others, gran fondos are great fun to me 🙂

[@Abe18874]

@@S9999Frank Buy, actually seasoned cyclist DON'T own the grand Fondas.... Period. Learn to coexist. Especially in the U.S.

[@Oakpathetics]

I don’t believe anyone would have actually enjoyed this ride.. were these people even friends or a random group of haters who still like to meetup for some sick reason?

[@2WheelsGood.01]

Roadie rage is hilarious. You're riding a f'ing bicycle, relax, its supposed to be fun. - Former roadie and crit bro

[@mhthmusicvideos]

interesting, the club I ride with, when we are in a rotating paceline, when pulling through, the rider to the left who's just rolled off says 'clear' once you have moved far enough ahead of them to move to the left without the risk of chopping their wheel.

[@siriosstar4789]

Boys , it ain't the Tour de France . chill ! This is why i don't ride in groups . it's taken all too seriously .

[@jamesoneill2662]

This ^

[@johnhancock7111]

😂😂😂😂😂 they really on the freeway bickering

[@tuliolopez9749]

Nice video. I do group rides and have become pretty good at cycling. I try to stay away from groups that are too structured - takes the fun out of cycling and there is usually one person that wants to be the boss and scolds others.

[@tromBoyer]

The structure is what makes the ride safe, crashing takes the fun out of a ride! But an asshat will ruin any good situation - rides & everything else

[@danielfontes3120]

I would rather Ride alone doing Mt. Climbs and enjoy myself and the Scenery than deal with group ride etiquette!!! Especially on Flat Fl. roads......Theres alway a Bossy "Know it all" in Group rides :/

[@squashit339]

I'm new to road bikes and like someone else said. The fun just got sucked out of that ride! I don't understand why anyone would want participate in this, it looks super stressful. Bicycling is supposed to be fun and I don't even understand the purpose of doing this to begin with. Is it some sort of game? I ride for fun and the exercise, not to see how fast I can go or impress others. I think I'll stay away from group rides 😳

[@LugnutsK]

I think it can be good to complain early and complain often. Better than ignoring it and letting the anger slowly build up and finally burst out, on someone who may not even know something is wrong

[@GlycogenCycling]

Right. If someone is doing something wrong just be nice and let them know what they are doing wrong. Don’t accuse them but explain the situation. People will be more eager to comply when you are courteous and nice about it versus exploding.

[@Gregorius421]

Thanks for explaining the rules of rotating. I wanted to learn it, but couldn't find any guides. Nice that video popped up... 3 years after 🙂

[@murcon001]

I was riding with a group for 2 years. I was invited to join a Pace Line run. There was 7 of us on a constant rotation. It was awesome being in a group of riders who knew how to run a pace line. The speed you can generate is at least 10% faster than if you are riding alone. Never had another rider call out someone else like this man did. Totally disrespectful.

[@tosh8377]

Lol. A whole 10%

[@memyselfundeye]

@@tosh8377its clearly more than 10% if done properly. 11% is not out of the question 😂

[@thehappytwo5442]

Master blaster is a super fun dude to be around.

[@robertandrews3055]

I watched this video several times and it seems to me that the guy who had the meltdown was sketchy to say the least. When in the paceline he often seemed to drift to his left coming very close to the riders in the line who were slowly moving back. Even as he drifted back he seemed to be a bit too close to those on his right. I understand the need to stay tight enough to increase the aerodynamics of the paceline, but I think he took it a bit far. Also, he needs to understand how to control his anger. Lastly, I don't know how the guy he was yelling at didn't get off his bike and confront him in the middle of the street. You just don't treat other people this way!

[@hobmarg]

Better to ride off and not bother engaging. Especially when you know there are cameras rolling… also fighting in clipless shoes is not going to go well. Dude who rode off “wins” this little confrontation. Rager dude is a complete idiot.

[@rickie1233542]

Exactly. I'd have to confront him for that shit.

[@GoonieGooGoo910]

I watched it several times too. I think Master Blaster has serious control problems, and he’s not that great a rider himself (as you noted) constantly right and pinching other riders to the shoulder. It should be clear lines. The same problem with the girl, pinching riders. If there was a problem, mr self selected ride leader should communicate and not blast people. Riders behind or getting chopped should communicate that he’s moving too early. This whole thing is about mr ego being boss.

[@Dozadoesit]

@@GoonieGooGoo910​​⁠yeah, the locked arms; spinning out of cadence (with group… it’s flat); lane drift; and eventual need to speak out aggressively is a big no for me and would at least garner a clap back if it was aimed at me.

[@endokrin7897]

You people saying you'd confront him for yelling are part of the problem. No offense, honestly. The guy 'getting yelled at' did the right thing: he rode off. The mature and safe thing. He just thought "f-this, I'm leaving." That's the ONLY good response. Imagine yourself getting yelled AT, getting mad and hopping off your bike in the middle of the road, and yelling BACK at him. Now imagine the video is posted on KZbin forever.

[@MrSailor7x]

We shout CLEAR and LAST for moving over. That way you can keep your eyes forward. Works well on Pacific Coast Highway in our group of 8 paceliners

[@WillPower46]

Welcome to Counties Manukau Cycling Club and why it has basically died because getting abused and sworn during your recreation time is not fun at all.

[@chopperz127]

Being very new to road riding (2 total group rides thus far), this was a very Informative video. Thank you

[@GlycogenCycling]

Glad I could help!

[@crailwah]

He should have just let him know upfront and avoid being that annoying guy who thinks he’s the best rotating pace liner in the world

[@dwaynerandolph3565]

Hello there, I’m Dwayne from Ontario California. I got into cycling in 2000 & truly love the sport. It took me about 1 to 3 year’s to learn riding etiquette within myself & a group. It wasn’t until I started racing I fully grasped “ALMOST” everything there is in the sport when riding. Sometimes we as cyclists can be over bearing & rude to one another when we are supposed to be bigger than other athletes, a genuine camaraderie. I understand the guy’s frustration but cussing another cyclist is a bit out of line. What if a child was in a car with his parents who admired the beautiful kits & machine’s we ride thought of imagining one day to be “LIKE US” riding an enjoying ourselves? That would’ve been all lost because of the profanity that was directed angrily at another cyclist. Thanks for sharing this video & please as a reminder it’s our responsibility to welcome and support one another when we are out riding our bikes ❤️✔️

[@Abe18874]

Dickheads DO NOY need to be tolerated. Ever.

[@steveoc64]

I had the privilege of riding a big semi sketchy descent with some pros once (Team Liquigas retiring to town from a stage at Mt Lofty). Fast, relaxed, really close together ... and everyone was just chilling and enjoying the ride and having a laugh. The pace and the risks seemed ridiculous, but they were all there to help out and keep it upright So different to these sort of group rides. Get the same thing in the world of programming computers. There are experienced pros that are great to work with - they are fast, take risks, and really enjoy the work. Then there are the amateurs that have all the gear, massive opinions about whats right and wrong, an equally massive chip on their shoulder about God only knows what, and have extreme meltdowns at the drop of a hat. There are a lot of non-pro bike riders as well that seem to have serious mental issues, and are no fun to be around - on or off the bike.

[@threeonamatchventura]

As a driver , can I ask what you think I’m supposed to do? You’re blocking a traffic lane completely. I’ve honked to announce my presence politely and got attitude. I’ve tried passing in the oncoming lane, got attitude. What are drivers supposed to do to pass these groups?

[@GlycogenCycling]

Wait until it’s safe. Not hard.

[@threeonamatchventura]

@@GlycogenCycling Safe for what and who? I could get my car rear ended going too slow. Slow traffic is supposed to keep right. Also, when it is safe to pass with the dotted center line I’ve been confronted miles down the road for doing so safely and legally. What’s your opinion on that?

[@jeobstel]

​@@GlycogenCyclingyou are so full of yourself. Cyclists are supposed to get out of the way asap. People like you and the riders in this video are perfect examples of why people get hit by cars and no one feels sorry for them.

[@reddiver7293]

Cycling can be intense, riders can be intense. I used to ride in groups and there would be hissy fits over this and that. Yeah, group riding is a good way to increase speed. But if you're not pro or in competition, what's wrong with riding solo? At least you don't have to be around this kind of bad vibes.

[@andrerodriguez7603]

Nice how you are explaining how to work in a pace line. But seeing these cyclists in this video illustrates one thing I find with most riders these days. No one has any idea of how to ride a wheel. This was the sloppiest pace line I have ever seen. Since the wind is from the left, everyone should be about a 1/2 wheel back, behind the rider in front of them, and just to the ‘right side’ of the rider in front of them. This position is the safest spot in case the guy in the front of you stops pedaling, like the guy in white leg warmers was doing. So when this happens you ride up to his right side without hitting his wheel. Another major rule in a pace line is not using your brakes, or using them very lightly. To see proper pace line riding look at pace lines on the track in a velodrome. Or in a team time trail in a stage race. You can get some good pointers this way. Oh, one more thing, to avoid clipping as what was referred to in the video. When you are about to pull off the front, give a even short burst of speed just before you pull off, this will help if the guy behind you just happens to be over lapping your rear wheel.

[@msm624]

And the guy yelling and cursing at the end is exactly why roadies get a bad rap instead of explaining to the other rider what they did wrong

[@joshuahaines7829]

90% of the riders here are all over the shop. Weaving, swinging, not holding lines...

[@the.noob.cyclist]

Protip: after my pull and the guy behind me clears my wheel, I yell "clear" so he knows to move over. Not only is this safer, but means you'll likely be right on his wheel/draft sooner than if he has to guess/look over.

[@GlycogenCycling]

Yep thats always an option as well. The person moving over should be able to move over properly with or without that help however. But if you are in a paceline where the person in front of you is consistently too far ahead then definitely communicate so it’s smoother

[@rodlake1112]

Less yelling the better. This really isn’t necessary and is really kind of insulting to the guy pulling through.

[@goldenretriever6261]

I don't like people yelling clear. It's up to the rider being passed to adjust to the rider in front.

[@Nobleazure]

Not a pro tip, pros don't do that

[@binghamhumber]

I ride with a pretty big club, so the skill levels and familiarity with each other can be a mixed bag, ride to ride. When I'm with a crew who know and trust each other, the rotating paceline is pretty quiet. But if there are folks on the ride who are inexperienced or new to RPLs, it just makes sense for everyone to be vocal on "clear" and "last wheel".

[@1ezroller]

There is no need for this kind of reaction on group rides unless someone punches you in the face or throws a twig in your spokes. All kidding aside, there will always be mistakes on group rides. Multiple abilities bring about situations. A good rider understands that and is ready for whatever happens. Leave the egos at home, bros. Rotations on a group ride are always going to be sloppy. Did you guys register for this race and there is money on the line? Practice rotations with a group that all know each other or your race team. Good rotations are super tight so be ready. Bikes are already stressful with crazy motorist so why yell at each other?

[@alazymonkey5716]

crazy motorists *video starts 8 byciclists in TWO lanes (one just on the sidewalk anyways) as they yell at each other how dumb they all are. Some stop on the CROSSWALK and others randomly in the two lanes while spouting "SHUT THE FUCK UP" to one another* Not to say some motorists aren't crazy.... but maybe; more realistically, HUMANS are just fucking crazy man. Motorists and you bicyclists all the same ^_^ (I also recognize this video is a literal example of what not to do.... but you can find this situation in any town really... again; HUMANS)

[@chrisbarrington798]

When did ridings bikes in the middle of the road become OK? I was told growing up never ride on the road you will get run over. Now them same ppl ride in the middle of the road. I ride bikes alot but I stay on side walks not out in the road, and no single file ?

[@hutchy_4297]

bicycles have the same rights, and rules as any other vehicle and are not allowed on sidewalks in most places. They told you that because you were a kid:)

[@chrisbarrington798]

@hutchy_4297 they have insurance?? No , so what if a biker causes a accident? Soon enough all bikers will have to register and be insured to ride the road with cars

[@johnansell3832]

Which is why I would never cycle with the serious cyclist groups as they are so far up there own backside its unreal.

[@warrenreid3207]

Seems like a high percentage of Yuppie BMW drivers are attracted to being a “roadie.”

[@Joaquim.Oliveira]

Solo rider here, to you guys that do group rides , good luck and have fun . If it gets stressful, ask yourself,” is that why I love cycling?” . Happy riding guys 🚴🏽

[@cicirunner]

I was always that guy that tried to be a hero and pulled too long. People would get mad but I would just pull at the same speed as everyone else so I never understood why people were mad if I sustained the same speed on my own in the front for 3-4 minutes. Now I know it was because I was disrupting the pace line.

[@robertashby272]

A real professional, pure bitterness and anger

[@MrTeff999]

I don’t understand why pace lines rotate with the faster line passing in the right. Maybe it makes sense in the UK. But in the U.S. and elsewhere, slower traffic stays to the right. If you’re on the right and you can’t keep up the pace - if you have to bail for some reason - you got no safe place to go. This once happened to me 11:31 and it was not just embarrassing, but some of the riders behind me were pissed because I slowed them down and messed up the pace line. (This on a weekly ride organized by Trek.)

[@oscarsanchezmendoza2274]

@10:00 min. white and blue kit has a big mouth, guys on bikes tend to get loud and act tough, lots of posturing. thanks for the book reference!

[@solitaryrefinement6787]

I've read that one. If you like it, look into Orrison Swett Marden and Napoleon Hill and Samuel Smiles too.

[@nagylevi3827]

All I see is a group of die-hard wannabe pros, taking up an entire lane next to a double yellow line and going at a killer pace, sucking any possible fun out of the amazing experience called cycling. I hope I'm wrong and am missing out with riding solo. But it doesn't look like it.

[@S9999Frank]

The fun of going at a killer pace is underrated. Usually guys riding together like that are the best of friends.

[@canaljkt]

i would never, ever, ride that group anymore, thats why i ride 100klm ++ solo

[@Oakpathetics]

Amen.. Riding in that group looks like a nightmare.. give me a solo ride any day

[@mkrug1149]

In Iowa this is illegal as you have to ride single file, what are the rules in this state where the video was taken?

[@samj1185]

I rode w/ a group 2-3 years ago but the 'abundance of conflicting opinions' soured it for me. I'll ride many happy solo miles before a single stressful mile. Plus, that group of riders believed 30 miles to be a long ride.

[@alpsalish]

What do you think is a long ride?

[@samj1185]

@@alpsalish for a regular training day, a long solo ride for me is around 60 miles. I usually solo between 35-40. I do enjoy the occasional century in a fast group also.

[@Chris-0703]

I got into cycling a few years ago after moving to Utah and have progressed pretty quickly from total amateur to Cat 4 racing. For the life of me I don’t understand why people want to ride in groups unless: 1) They are in a race 2) They are practicing for a race 3) They are practicing for a long cyclosportive that requires cooperation to finish by the cutoff This just does not look enjoyable and it doesn’t look like they meet any of the criteria above. If you aren’t doing any of those three then the only reason to cycle is for enjoyment and exercise, and doing it as safely as possible. As evidenced by three near-wrecks this is not as safe and instead of looking around and enjoying the ride, or having a convo with a few of your mates, you are white-knuckling and staring at the dude’s ass in front of you for hours. I just don’t get it. If I had to name my 25 top rides I’m 100% certain that they were not group rides. Can someone explain why you would want to put yourself through this if not 1-3 above? You are more efficient and can go further, but if it is just for fun/exercise, who cares?

[@neoneherefrom5836]

It’s the only way to practice efficiency through drafting, bro. And sometimes it’s nice to just let someone else captain the route.

[@th5841]

Riding alone was for me too boring. When finishing a 4-6 hour trip, I felt like a hero who had managed to pull off that. But I knew that I couldn't stay on being a "hero" for much longer before losing motivation. So I joined a group, and the 4-6 hours ride became second to nature. Low intensity Sunday morning rides, riding two abreast in talking speed. I became a enduro racer, riding the world's longest one day race, 540 km (340 miles) in 16 hours. Training on riding in the "chain" was an importaint part of the preperation.

[@future46r]

Total amateur to cat 4……. Um totally not trying to troll but that’s the same thing 😮

[@leedorney]

In my local area their was a few groups I used to ride, some more volatile than others, some guys get pretty sensitive during exercise and I've been on the receiving end as well, for just riding close for a split second. The big deal imo was: riders leaving too big a gap OR pulling over too fast OR flooring it when getting to the front.. i found riding to the furthest group warmed me up otherwise I'd be 'sitting on' and that's was another thing that some don't tolerate, something that done my head in was alternating speeds, we used to call these rides Chainy's or Chaingangs, when it's done right these're the sweetest thing ever 👌

[@kenrik2105]

Nice group ride. Everyone seemed evenly matched and able to pull through.

[@devdroid9606]

State the obvious first: ride single file if there are cars and no shoulder. If you hear "we have a right to use the road just like cars" just drop back and leave. Not worth arguing with those types.

[@KiaAlvin]

Thank goodness for mountain biking 😅

[@trevs9015]

If the guy was chopping wheels as he peeled off all the other guy had to do was get a short message across eg:I'll call clear when you can swing off" It's easy to get that message across when at the back of the line just match speed for a couple of seconds when you're last & doesn't interrupt the line.

[@scottsutoob]

I used to teach paceline riding and then stopped riding much for twenty year, because life, ya know. Trying to regain some fitness now. Anyway I tried to join in on a group ride recently. Good lord so many retina melting blinking red lights it was really hard for these old eye to even look at the rider in front of me. I bailed in about 1 km. How do people deal with these blinding lights when riding a paceline?

[@scottnoyer4279]

We would always say “CLEAR” when the front rider gets past our front wheel, or about to. You get the feel/timing of it. If someone does it we would talk to them and teach them. Sometimes it happens because the at their limit and want to get in the draft asap. We are to teach the less experienced riders. If they keep it up after a number of rides, they are dropped or uninvited

[@MrShanebizzle]

Thanks! Didn’t realize biking was so intense!

[@fartz666]

If you're looking to go as fast as possible while using the least amount of energy, boy have I got an invention to tell you about.

[@GlycogenCycling]

😅

[@GlycogenCycling]

Well if you are talking car that’s not exactly accurate. A human on a bicycle is actually the most efficient.

[@ryanringer3896]

This dude is 100% one of those old golfer dudes you hate to be paired up with when you’re not the best

[@brianawd]

This is why I ride along on my road bike and tri bike!!

[@BroosDager]

Enjoyed the video, and your advice at the end Sir. Subbed.

[@plhrph1]

Group rides...not so much. After playing group sports my whole life the thing I loved about cycling was the solo aspect. Go when and where and how fast you want to, and if somebody on the ride screws the pooch--well, I don't have to look very far to figure out who it was.

[@westsidewheelmen]

OK, this is a pretty advanced concept for most non-racer Americans, but: as soon as the group made that left onto that headwind section where words were exchanged and friendships were ended, the wind was actually coming from the right. At least, according to the arrows. So, the lead rider, or the first rider to notice the wind direction, should’ve put a finger in the air, twirled it clockwise, and barked “echelon right“.

[@GlycogenCycling]

🤣

[@h31sman]

You better be ready to throw hands if you’re talking like that to me. This ain’t a SoCal ride I’ll tell you that. You’ll get your ish rocked talking like that out here.

[@paulwatson-work3544]

Great video - I have been ridding bikes for fun and transport since 95', but never wanted to join a group ride for this reason. Ive mainly stuck with mountain bikes and gravel as everything is much more relaxed.

[@tangomikefoxtrot]

algoritm is so special, i dont ride bikes and yet i watched your entire video lmfao

[@GlycogenCycling]

Legend

[@thhorwitz1]

If the person pulling through is beginning to chop your wheel, just let off the gas so you back up a bit. It's really not hard. You might have to move your wheel a little to the left. Again, not hard.

[@GlycogenCycling]

Yep. Mentioned that in the video. Also important to move over slowly and smoothly so person can adjust their speed.

[@thhorwitz1]

@@GlycogenCycling Once I was doing Mike's Ride on A1A and this guy kept pulling out of the rotation about 5 wheels back before his turn. So of course I would have to close the gap he left open and then pull, which as you well know can be a huge effort. I would stare him down a bit or tell him to head to the back. After telling him to just pull through, and I told him he didn't need to actually take a hard pull, just ride through, he turned at me and said, "what are you some sort of champion - shut up". I just laughed as some of the other riders told the guy to go to the back. Some people really don't understand what to do even if they've been riding or racing for years, it's frustrating.

[@Requiredfields2]

I agree. The guy doing the chopping was probably struggling with the pace and it was his unconscious way of slowing things down. Whereas, the guy getting chopped probably wanted to go faster. He could have politely told the guy chopping him, as well. Everyone needs to be able to live with the pace.

[@carlosenjuto3653]

Exactly right, just move across slowly, the rider that just pulled a turn is watching your wheel it’s all ok if you miss judge it a little (this is not a chop). A chop is when you suddenly vary your line greatly. And by the way there are too many calls in group rides that are not necessary ( like clear for example).

[@clacclackerson3678]

Some of these people don't seem to realise that they will soon be dust again. I avoid these sorts of people.

[@shepshape2585]

Flat, straight, palm trees. East coast of FL? Somewhere around Vero? I live in the middle of the state, but I've ridden up and down the East coast several times. Anyway, there were more than a few sketchy looking riders in that group. A rotating pace line is probably the best way to keep your legs fresh while riding at a good pace, but I have to be confident in everyone in the group to want to do this. I won't call anyone out specifically, but more than a few were having issues holding their lines, riding in the middle of the lane rather than the proper line, and coming over either too early or too late, and surging after doing so. And yes, communication is important. Whether in a single pace line, a double pace line, or a rotating pace line, always communicate.

[@LetsFlyThere]

You can tell that most roadies have never been in a fight. Screaming and yelling at someone is an easy way to get thrown around. That would be humiliating in cycling gear

[@jeanluc397]

how much money was on the line for that sprint in question ?

[@GlycogenCycling]

Glory. Can you really put a price on glory?

[@jeanluc397]

Maybe a bag of Cheeto's

[@stevehartwell1861]

Right side in this video must hold steady power, not accelerating. The left line must reduce power slightly. This creates the rotation, not accelerating on the right. Longer pulls kill the organization. Call "last man" when you are passing the last guy in the left column. Plenty of ego in many groups. I'd ride with this group.

[@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe]

Always have riden alone. Works out well as I have a much better ride. Thanks for this reminder.

[@cecilecorpuz5735]

Reason why I like riding solo.

[@SeanAnthony2025]

The right answer is you all look ridiculous. Bunch of Karens thinking they’re in a race hogging the road. You’re all holding up every other road user at 27mph

[@michaelstratton5223]

As a pure climber it's really hard for me to pull my weight in the front of an echelon on a flat or downhill, even with minimal wind. Best just to let them drop me and then pass them on the ascents, rather than wasting twice wattage of everyone else just to keep up.

[@David-nx2vm]

If it’s any consolation, those people only need to deal with that jerk as long as they ride with that group. Imagine the joy of living or working with that clown. That is the very reason I ride alone.

[@joynthis]

I know folks who have been riding for decades who are still confused by pacelines, and echelons leave them sobbing in the ditch.

[@gbp4429]

Yeah for a town line sprint! Do those count toward his CAT 4 upgrade points…?

[@kennyo6582]

Unless the road is closed for an event or a race, this is a mute point. It is illegal for any bicycle to block or impede traffic. They have to be single file. These self absorbed idiots are breaking the law, taking up the whole lane. This is why I ride mountain bikes. I avoid roadie group rides when I ride my road bike. I am talking about my home state of Texas, your state the law might be different.

[@arod4709]

Easy fix, clear and last.

[@jamegumm]

This video makes me glad I live in area with rollers everywhere

[@jaydicenso]

Great video on the finer details of a paceline! Sorry "Lance" joined your group ride...

[@dougsmith17]

Probably best at the start of rides to be clear on who „knows“ how to do this. I’m in a great group in Germany where they take the time to „teach“ and give an occasional push up the backside to get you back on track. I’m Scottish and see in the UK much more aggression which I put down to me not saying I’m new to the group so let me learn your rules and tell me when I’m wrong…in the end listen and understand the other point of view even if they’re aggressive towards you.

[@PowFairways]

What a bunch of kooks! Taking over the road, acting and dressing like they’re pros in the TDF. Biggest posers out there.

[@patricksexton1846]

This is why i have been mostly riding by myself for over 20 years plus being a triathlete its a penalty to draft !!! To much BS in a group 😮

[@karlr6810]

Dingdingding!

[@casualguy393]

Mr. Guttural Windpipes may have been right, but he went about it the wrong way. Waiting until he was properly irritated enough to start yelling and calling names is an excellent way to lose a tooth. You see folks, sometimes, when your herd of friends gets too big, and you need to thin it out some, it sucks to have to tell other people they are dicks because they are immature, and you hate to hurt their feelings. However though, if you are lucky, 1 or several of them do shit exactly like this and eject themselves out of the friendship, saving you the effort of having to kick them out. Have a good day and see you tomorrow at the same time. Don't forget to do your homework.

[@jonathanbunting3680]

Why do you push up? Why doesn’t the front guy drop off and join the back when he gets the call from behind? That’s what we do here.

[@GlycogenCycling]

That’s another option but usually you have uneven pulling lengths. If you are all very similar strength, rotating is a good way to have as much efficiency as possible.

[@Fatbikersrides]

I have had occasions where you have the super fit guy think he is in the tour and he would act like this. Everybody is out having fun so help each other teach them the right way and if you do this you might gain a friend.

[@bryanrodriguez8418]

If he yelled at the guys we ride with, he would get a beating!

[@Bjornj-fl6zy]

I’ll be honest, it always cracks me up when I get invited on a ride like this where these old dudes want to act like they are training for the effing tour. Nah im good

[@independentmind1977]

This is an exception to the rule and not something you see in every crew. You either choose to mentor in the group (ie. stop chopping…and this is why) or let your ego take over like a petulant child, rider 2 may have been wrong too, but the addressing of the issue was childish and put them into flight or fight. However, That is a disgusting display and one of the senior organizers needs to talk to this person! I would never ride with your group after watching this, period!

[@abark]

He was peacocking for the female.

[@sdcorrey]

Every time I start thinking I’d like to do group rides another video like this shows up in my feed reminding me why I don’t. Screaming dude needs an attitude adjustment.

[@ryanhall4745]

where is this. sort of looks like an Orlando ride I did many years ago?

[@GlycogenCycling]

naples. FL

[@ryanhall4745]

@@GlycogenCycling thanks.

[@AM-bl2cs]

dude has anger management issues

[@noz_redna]

Always an a-hole in every group ride. I don't miss this at all.