How Not To Be A D**k On A Group Ride

[@gcn]

Do you know one of "those riders" on group rides? 🚲 Let us know in the comments below 💬

[@miket2646]

Yup, they make the rides more fun :)

[@endcensorship874]

Don't be that guy who has an excuse for everything ... why he got dropped, why he gave everyone the drop, why he didn't point out the hazard, why he forgot his spare tube, why he never pulls.

[@johnandrews3568]

Anyone who brings a radio and plays it thru a speaker on a group ride is 100% a dick and 100% of the time has crap music playing.

[@job9902]

Punctionality? Wtf ....punctuality !

[@francesstager997]

🤣🤣🤣@@job9902

[@ridercanada1]

Someone who continues to talk to you on a climb when it's clear you can't get enough oxygen as it is!

[@gcn]

There is a nice way around this, ask a really complicated question at the foot of the climb, and simply reply with "why's that?" or "tell me more!" when they finish talking!

[@ridercanada1]

@@gcn Solid strategy!

[@gcn]

@@ridercanada1 tried and tested for many years!

[@johnandrews3568]

Haha that's me... you're welcome. 🤣

[@michaelmappin4425]

Nobody is better at launching snot rockets onto myself than me.

[@gcn]

😂

[@mommamooney]

This would be me as well

[@joowwwllllll666]

That’s why I do it the Scandinavian way

[@michaelmappin4425]

@@joowwwllllll666 I am not familiar.

[@rangersmith4652]

Being ready to go at the appointed time doesn't mean pulling up in your car needing to air a tire, get your shoes on, etc. at the departure time. It means being ready to go.

[@Fercough]

Yes. 100%.

[@JonCannings]

Never a true'r word spoken!

[@arfarzam]

That’s when you clip in.

[@twinpiperzed7222]

Hey can you guys wait 15 mins ? , No , there’s 15 of us and one of you , meet us on the route .

[@brosettastone7520]

Set your ride announcements to “CLIP IN TIME: “ Instead of departure time and maybe people will better understand

[@kevinparrish5379]

I believe the word you were seeking was “punctuality”. Also, one thing that wasn’t mentioned was “wheel sucking”. Take a pull, especially if you’re all at the same level.

[@oscarweasley2618]

Punctionality!

[@DEAR7340]

Taking a pull: You can make it a short one, but definitly pull through. It's the thought that counts.

[@Gebimble]

So glad someone else saw it - thought I was losing my mind!

[@izmael_kneafcy]

1. Holding the brakes at half pressure on every decent. Rather than breaking with purpose. 2. Not pedalling on any negative gradient. Gear down and keep the pace moving. Rolling roads are the worst for this. 3. Not using mudguards in winter. 4. Coming underdressed and complaining about being cold. I can’t feel my hands and toes! 5. Bringing no fuel and then bonking. That’s a very quick way to see you next week.

[@JonCannings]

Great suggestions!

[@gcn]

Some great options here... we could name a few presenters 🤐

[@nipheon]

The mudguards one hits so close to home for me. I only do gravel group rides and the amount of a**holes showing up in muddy conditions without mudguards is really annoying. I don't want to be spray painted with mud, thank you very much.

[@izmael_kneafcy]

@@nipheon Thats super inconsiderate, no guards no ride! 😂

[@nipheon]

@@izmael_kneafcy Unfortunately not true for the group I ride with. I love the organizers, but that's a rule they don't have. :(

[@slomo3937]

I‘m just riding alone…

[@gcn]

Nothing wrong with that, we love a solo ride too ❤

[@ThisHandleIsAlreadyTaken839]

Don't worry, you can be a dick while doing that as well if you try hard enough 👍

[@MrKrakowian]

Me as well 😊

[@ghostdog6471]

Me to

[@Fercough]

Yup. Cycling time is me time.

[@JeffRElliott]

that was one impressive snot rocket from Connor

[@gcn]

Practice makes perfect, he tells us! 🤧

[@johnandrews3568]

The bigger the rider, the bigger the snot rocket

[@ZOB4]

On our group rides, if the first person is half wheeling we just let them go, and everyone else stays together as a group rather than speeding up. Usually they’ll realize they’re all alone and get the hint. It’s the standing policy of our club

[@gcn]

Great policy! We love to hear it 👐

[@Smaug1]

In my club, one guy invariably likes to ride off the front of a moderate pace group, showing the group he's a Fast Guy. Then 3-5 others will make a game of keeping up with him. It works out OK though, as that guy sometimes doesn't know the route, misses a turn, and we don't wait for him. I won't even shout for That Guy any more. I always wonder why these guys don't just bring a slower bike or deflate their tires a bit and stay with the group while STILL getting their preferred level of workout.

[@thefamilyk]

I've found being upfront rather than trying to convey information passively is much more effective. Someone will know that half wheeling is bad if you tell them in private, but if they keep riding alone, it will take longer to realize (if they ever do) what they're doing wrong.

[@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589]

It's psychological. If they didn't beat you, it wouldn't be worth it. @@Smaug1

[@yokaidigital3033]

@@Smaug1 yeah that’s my group too there’s three of us and one always a bit ahead of us while we’re going at our own pace

[@treyquattro]

that throw & catch between Si and Conor is one of the most impressive things I've ever seen at GCN! Looking forward to the 2024 outtakes video...

[@JonCannings]

😮

[@teqai]

The guy that constantly tries to tell you what to do, it can ruin entire rides.

[@Smaug1]

We have someone in our group who likes to socialize in different parts of the pattern, but shout directions to the person in front. 🙂 It always ends with: "If you want to lead, then c'mon up here and lead."

[@dougfarrington59]

Well it depends if you’re constantly doing the wrong things…………

[@gcn]

Never fun having a mansplainer on the route 👀

[@olbucky9413]

@@gcnproblem with some club rides is people who confuse being fit enough with knowing how to ride in a group…who’s going to educate them if they confuse counsel with criticism? I’ve no problem with femsplaining if it benefits the group😊

[@raybarber9837]

We had a young lady on a group ride, who struggled up the climbs, cross-chaining on the big ring. I bit my tongue, even though I wanted to offer some advice. At the coffee stop, I did say there's no shame in dropping to the small ring on a climb. She replied that she didn't know how to change the front gears. After a bit of tuition, she dropped me on every hill. You're right, don't offer advice.

[@darrellstyner0001]

. Charging past the lead rider and creating a gap on a pace line. . Riding between lines when the group is riding 2-up. . Never taking a pull on the front, then coming around at the last min. to "win" all the sprints. . Light riders who get pulled for miles to the base of a climb, then take off and leave the heavier riders to struggle up long climbs with no help. . Heavier rides who get pulled up a long hill, then leave the climbers in the dust on the descent.

[@johnlieto8906]

just loved this one!! Manon was so spot on with the half wheeling complaining!

[@user-yx1qk4sk5t]

As a self-aware a**hole, I always do solo rides.

[@SystemParanoia]

The editor finally got to play with rotoscoping 😁 Love it haha

[@jesuspascualcamino]

Until recently I used to organise the group rides at my club and I always included a small reminder of etiquette. The snot rocket reminder was there for a specific chap who probably never got the hint. This should be mandatory for every group rider, both new and regular, great vid!

[@gcn]

You could repeatedly send a link to this video, at the exact time the snot rocket is mentioned to the rider... here it is 👉 gcn.eu/azs (thank us later!)

[@jesuspascualcamino]

Ha, ha, I will! And thank you from now ; )

[@gcn]

@@jesuspascualcamino we aim to please!

[@contactking]

Manon's Bird... Priceless. :)

[@christoffels1547]

I once pitched up for an MTB ride on which we agreed the average speed would be 23 kph. Needles to say I got dropped one hour intro the ride, the group had an average speed of 32kph. So much for "a chilled group ride". One good thing from this is that we were at least 8 riders who were fed up with this and formed a group for those who are not D**cks and now we have some of the best rides in town in my opinion. - Cheers from Kimberley, South Africa

[@gcn]

If it's not there build it 🙌 Great to hear that you're pulled the cycling community together!

[@harbinger117]

Didn't know Si is also a Carly Rae fan. I always have her songs in my playlist whenever I go ride or run. Man just went up in my books among my favourite cyclist personalities

[@gcn]

Please do not encourage the singing! 🙉

[@adamsandler4076]

I love the boldness with which you talk about (and show) snout rockets :) My wife hates them. I also love how Mannon stood in front of a road marking thanks to which I was able to track that most beautiful road (Near Girona, Spain). I just added it to my bucket list. Thank you :)

[@ridercanada1]

Nice catch Connor!!

[@gcn]

🫴

[@Falaxuper]

The editing and sound design on this one is spot one! Haha

[@adamweb]

Don't be that person who doesn't want to take a pull on the front... this can trigger some groups to just drop you faster! 😂

[@philstannard5563]

Yes and if you haven’t taken a pull on the front all ride, don’t comment on how fresh you are feeling at the cafe post ride, and how tired everyone else is looking. And especially don’t do this on your first ride out with the club. Sure fire way for everyone to hate you.

[@jemthompson8174]

@@philstannard5563 and if it is fast group ride and you haven't pulled, don't slingshot past everyone on the sprint at the end.

[@yules_3000]

Be nice on the descents. Don't cut your mates when descending, even if you're a much faster descender. Especially if you drafted all the way up ;)

[@afroshredder]

Dont you mean punctuality????? hahahaha

[@gcn]

It is indeed! At least we can be puncture'al with our reply 😁

[@johnandrews3568]

Glad I'm not the only one who caught that!

[@mountainmusic77]

As an American I just assumed punctionality was one of those words that you all in the mother country say and spell the "right" way.

[@JustSayNotoGravel]

Fab to see the GCN team out on the road and in such a nice location. The angels of cycling at The Sanctuary of Angels. More like this please!

[@revelationdetailers894]

I mainly ride solitary, but sometimes ride with a group. As to music, I have my wireless ear buds but only in my right ear so I can hear conversation and even vehicles approaching even though I have my Garmin rear radar. Great video!

[@schuerfrau]

You could also try bone conduction headphones. They leave both ears free and you still hear your music :)

[@yokaidigital3033]

Great video, I usually ride with a couple of friends one tends to out pace us but we allow it. The other and I stay at our own slightly slower pace. But I definitely could see if he took off without notice it would be a jerk thing to do especially since we’re both like twice his age.

[@Gazmaz]

Look at that smooth road!

[@gcn]

not wrong! They nearly stopped to play a bit of 🎳 it was so smooth!

[@jbkltc4469]

jump starting green traffic lights is the worst for me. it really disrupts larger groups, when the guys in the front "race" on while half of the group has not even clipped in yet...

[@charliehayes-f9m]

So accurate and hilarious presentation by all.

[@charlesjungclaus]

I loved how you pulled out another half dozen (unscripted?) moves right as you wound up the video- then I read a bunch of comments with even more! So many ways to watch out for lol😂

[@MisterAndyS]

On "punctionality" [sic], one of our local rides lists start times as 9:05, 11:05, etc. We mean it. At the :05 we're rolling unless you've messaged someone.

[@scottbelongie9051]

Great video loved it especially snot rockets.

[@Smaug1]

Our club posts "average pace: 14-16 mph, no-drop ride". Someone invariably decides they want to go faster. Others keep up, but there is invariably one or two people that get dropped on a no-drop ride. Not cool.

[@gcn]

Rules are rules!

[@grobbosixtyone]

You need a zapper fence like in Zwift

[@draconianTL]

Need a better ride leader. We have the classic A/B/C groups and if anyone pushes the ride leaders, they're not on the next ride.

[@ryanmix9421]

I thought you might bring up sending attacks vs. riding hard at the front. Seems there is a bit of etiquette around this in fondos and some fast group rides (maybe not the fastest ones). If you're taking a pull and want to give it the beans, that's fine, but try to limit the slingshot attacks as it isn't a race.

[@karlcos]

Loving the content, but I have to ask, What the hell is Punctionality? 😂

[@gcn]

It's the cool way of spelling punctuality 😎

[@karlcos]

@@gcn haha, I like it! 😎

[@gregvassilakos]

GCN is long overdue for a video on snot rocket blowing technique.

[@JonCannings]

"How To..."

[@sarahday2292]

Group is making a left turn(North America so across traffic)and people up front yell it’s clear to go and then they suddenly change their minds and yell “Wait!” When I am already starting to cross. Creates total mayhem. I prefer to ride alone or with just 1 or 2 friends.

[@jacksonbangs6603]

From my experience, don't stay in the front of the pack to long. Doing so will eventually make you tired and you will slow down the group. Take turns pulling in the front and the pace of the ground can stay consistent.

[@gcn]

Team work makes the dream work 🙌 Nobody likes a hero

[@LyThiHa80]

It's amazing, I love you guys and I love bicycles too!

[@chrisbspear]

If it is just me and a mate, i like "intercept" rides where we ride towards each other on an agreed route. If one person is a little late, the other one is not stuck by the road.

[@renegadetenor]

I've found if you're going to sing, choose songs with lots of kind of choppy phrases, so you can catch a breath in the regular way. Songs like 'Come Sail Away', don't work well unless you're Sepp Kuss riding with Dan Lloyd:)

[@francesstager997]

Great video-- and I love the new jerseys!!!

[@ivarbrouwer197]

New road to film on? This asphalt looks fresh and scenic.

[@mommamooney]

I haven’t done any group rides. All the cyclists I know are really really good and I started in October. I’m slow. It’s one of the reasons I wasn’t even interested in cycling. Just doing my thing

[@JustSayNotoGravel]

Plenty of base miles on your own is the perfect way to start!

[@EMC2Scotia]

That half-wheeling bit is the funniest thing I've ever seen on a GCN video.

[@joshualukereynolds]

My friend is very good at encouragement, but on a hill climb I dont want him to tell me how far to go, or how good we are doing I just want silence so I can concentrate on not dieing going up haha.

[@needs-vs-wants]

Riding solo on a narrow road, I always ride towards the side to allow a trailing car to pass ... want to make sure they can get to where they need to and not do something stupid to endanger me. On Group rides, there's always that talkative guy who rides towards the center of the lane and blocks a car from passing ... often ends up with the car making a high speed pass at a bad spot.

[@PRH123]

One category of D are the punctual ones, main skill is arriving early, occupying the moral high ground, usually not so good on the bike. Everyone knows you leave 30 minutes after the appointed time :)

[@nicolatout1595]

maybe a vid on Group etiquette when riding on roads. I went out with a new group before xmas and it was embarrassing, all over the place, holding up traffic when no need to, ridinf 3 abreast and more..not riding with them again 🤦‍♀️

[@gcn]

Your wish is our command 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2THoaWJpsl_a9U - These are general rules for all group rides, it's worth checking in with your group to see if they have any specific guidelines🙌

[@magnaviousyk3118]

Mostly I ride alibe, but one thing I love to add is if someone is leading on the climb and you're drafting, he deserves to be in front during descent

[@johnstrac]

I did get a fly in my mouth once and spat it out without thinking, spat to the wrong side ! I'd also say the best way to deal with a half wheeler is to sit up and let them f off.

[@jigglypuff4227]

Always a pleasue to see Connors huge bike frame

[@kevinderung8524]

"conversational pace" is my favorite, but the pre ride pace vs the during ride pace seems to experience HR drift lol

[@gcn]

There is always someone who gets carried away!

[@on2play736]

2:29 Manon moment of all time BEST right there! BwahahahaHAHAHAhahaha!!! The best ever!

[@gcn]

Glad you appreciate it!

[@osm6435]

What about when you go on a Autumn/Winter/Spring group ride & you are on your Winter bike with mudguards and half the group on summer bikes, no guards - then expect you to sit on their wheel when roads wet & eati spray?

[@outoftheshed8407]

You don't have to sit on.

[@bando-q8t]

As someone who just started doing group rides for the first time in 15 years I needed to know this, thank you. What annoys me in the group are the people who fan out all over the road at junctions/traffic lights and then weave all over the road as they try and clip in again. Also each ride usually has an arrogant (often older) and extra confident guy who feels it is his place to make digs at all the other riders. I mean it's cool for friends to have a laugh with each other but I'm not that keen to hear my new 'nickname' within 5 min of meeting a new group.

[@austinXonXfire]

Hey hold on… Carly Rae Jepsen’s newest album “The Loveliest Time” is amazing

[@stuartsharp7436]

I’m always late because I don’t understand puntionality.

[@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe]

I'm a bit slow on Things; Head badges have become quite Passe No! This is good to know. Thanks

[@carlosdeno]

Ridden alone for the last fifteen years, there’s nothing better. Enjoy it when you meet a stranger and have the craic, don’t do the egos and balloon heads life’s to short. Alone with your own thoughts, wins every time. 🚵🏻‍♀️❤️

[@gcn]

Are you never tempted to join a group ride?

[@Smaug1]

I disagree; I think a balance is good. In a group, there is a social aspect that just makes the miles and hours fly by. I ride 30 miles before I know it with the group, and get a free 2 mph from the draft when I want it. On the other hand, it's nice to get out alone and be able to stop for a pic or a drink whenever I want, and be able to change the route at my whim.

[@carlosdeno]

@@gcn Not now, I’m asked but retired now and I enjoy my own company, a very small social circle and I’m 100% sure it’s an age thing.

[@yokaidigital3033]

I am afraid to go alone, if I have an accident or a mechanical issue I would rather have a friend or two there with me.

[@carlosdeno]

@@yokaidigital3033 I respect and fully understand that. I like many I’m sure, if I see someone at the side of the road always ask if they’re OK. I’ve done a three mile walk myself, easy to do in the Peak District 😁

[@edmundhodgson2572]

On mtb group rides, if some one gets a puncture we wait and do press ups, punch trees, wrestle, etc. Roadies....

[@JonCannings]

🥊🌲🤼 sounds like my kinda ride!

[@denisdonohoe4278]

Definitely suggesting Carly Rae on next group spin. Speeding down a hill to Cut to the Feeling would be awesome.

[@stevedouglas3975]

Probably bit old fashioned but I always have a hankerchief in jersey pocket to blow nose. Winter or summer I need it.

[@karlj711]

every group has that one old 'coulda, woulda, shouda,' been a 'pro' who wants to push the pace when it suits them but immediately spits the dummy out if you A= Keep up, or worse still B= drop them. They will usually find a way to get in front later on & try to ride you into a ditch to show you the error of your ways.....

[@JonCannings]

Do tell, I reckon you've met someone in the past ..

[@gcn]

Lets be honest... we've all got someone in mind 😂

[@karlj711]

100% we have 😉😂

[@franklynj9]

keep up work n hope to see more

[@HopyHop1]

I have an issue with the breaking signal. The only time it can be used safely is when it won't reduce the risk of a collision. If there is an emergency which prompts the rider in front to slam on the brakes he or she is going to have both hands on the brakes and won't be able to signal.

[@davidcarino6500]

Good video on cycling 👌

[@leedorney]

That's an impressive catch @5.30 👌 #conor - I was in a small group (4) and I wanted to goto the toilet and their'd been a guy who just wouldn't get off my wheel all the ride he was RIGHT behind me I nearly couldn't see him but when I stopped he did too 👀🤦‍♂️😁 #dontbeadick

[@uptowndisco2]

anyone who snots over me won't be breathing through their nose when I catch them , fookin disgustying habit

[@martibullon3491]

Nice to see you in Girona

[@SIvers-or2ke]

Gotta say……sometimes…..and only sometimes, it’s good to be that guy. 😂 kinda like telling Dad jokes

[@radfordbean2164]

Also good if you're the last rider is to let others ahead know a vehicle is coming up from behind.

[@Mediocre_Bass_Player]

I will add this: If you are part of a paceline when it's your turn to pull be consistant with the pace. No HERO pulls for 30s then pull off!!! You are killing the guy who just did his pull.

[@LaurensvanRooijen]

I remember that one February ride in the North of Mallorca fondly when our entire group was doing a "Gangnam style" impersonation (singing the chorus included) every time we approached a circular traffic and the guide did that circular gesture with his right hand over his head, finger pointing. Safe to say the guide did not like it particularly while we had a good laugh... My specialty in terms of d**k moves is to jump into puddles and spray my mates - especially the Rapha-wearing kind on spotless Italian luxury steeds.

[@HoldenDoesBikeStuff]

Lmfao manon flipping Conor off… hahahaha 10/10

[@rbonn3880]

Really great reminders, especially the snot rockets, which have almost ruined a relationship with the woman I love.

[@gcn]

We're glad to hear it's just almost!

[@manji001]

"...vicious cycle..." i see what you did there ;)

[@Titanius1066]

First group ride. A guy dropped back and tried blow a snot rocket on me. The next climb I powered on past them and needless to say, I did not go on a group ride with those people again.

[@gcn]

That sounds like a group ride to avoid! No need for snot rockets!

[@terryrl]

I don’t understand the need to even “snot rocket” at all. In all my years of living, I’ve only needed to do that if a bug flew into my mouth (very rare). Yet I know people who seem to do this often. Why??? Very gross.

[@warrenman-son-hing6271]

Manon pretending to be angry is funny

[@sam08463]

You guys should do a video at swains lane

[@jamesporter5630]

Good info yada yada yada…but what about the roads? I haven’t enjoys road surfaces like those on your route since…well, since never. I’d have to be surrounded by a group of madmen and asshats not to enjoy a ride on that route.

[@leissp1]

Conner hits a rock, a snot rocket hits Connor, Connor gets flipped the bird, Connor gets dropped, see you later Conner....Poor Connor!! At least he showed up on time????

[@JonCannings]

Haha. Conor got done dirty!

[@simonrichardson5259]

Nah he was late.

[@JonCannings]

@@simonrichardson5259 😂

[@FlyingGravelMan]

Is it ok to launch snot rockets on electric bicycles when they go faster than you but you were going so fast that you didnt expect anyone to be behind you? Asking for a friend

[@PhilOsGarage]

Connors bike looks hilarious next to Manon.

[@shaneglackin]

"Punctionality", that famous word that definitely exists.

[@overcookit1433]

But even when you are riding on your own, be sure there is no other rider behind you - it happened to me when I was closing up to another rider, he launched a snot rocket to the left side just in the moment I was ready to overtake him (as I live in Germany, this is the regular side for overtaking). Only in case you have someone in your slipstream for quite a while, it is the ultimate action to get rid of him😂.

[@rug212]

No way better to start a great group ride than a friendly snot rocket!

[@albertcolvin9952]

B4 I watched this I was blowing my nose in people's faces.

[@stianpollestad754]

Conner (the green giant) is pure gold 😂

[@danielbryan7378]

You forgot the groups 'Manchild' who will secretly pull your shorts to slow you down going up a hill, or take reckless moves with traffic, or attempt 'tricks' whilst riding. AND the same guy simply can't ride in a straight line thus endangering anyone who is on his wheel. Surely every group has one of these or is it just us?

[@FThisFThat]

Connor’s snot rocket or spider-man’s web? Damns! 😅

[@ErikAdiguno]

I am still new to group rides. Can someone explain further about that half wheeling thing and why it's bad? I don't get why the rider whose front wheel is half a wheel behind the rider beside him/her has to catch up back level... Is it a draft issue?

[@CharlesOram]

I think you mean "punctuality" :)

[@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589]

5:10 burying your STI levers in the dirt . . . only your mates will tell you not to . . .

[@ChrisCapoccia]

The big deal on half-wheeling in a double paceline is when you have a mismatch in capability. Big strong men need to let the petite women set the tempo when that's how the pairing works out. Otherwise, you have two similar riders on the front and they can both ride pretty hard without splitting the group

[@CarnivoreDMD]

I'm a snotter! Kind of a game....nobody wants me up front so I'm always in the slipstream.

[@JonCannings]

🤧

[@austinXonXfire]

Had a guy pull ever so slightly to the left away from the pack, yet still infront of me, blow a snot rocket out his RIGHT nostril, with his head turned to the RIGHT… Got all over my shin and I said “what the actual f*ck” and he seemed apologetic but seriously how did he think that was a good idea.