Group Starts & Group Riding:
- Recognize that in a large group there will be riders who ride at your pace. If you have not been scheduled to ride with similar paced cyclists, find these riders at the start through open dialogue.
- No matter what your pace is, do not be in a hurry at the start. This is a tour, not a race! If you purposely ride the first 5 miles at a slower, controlled pace, you will find a comfort zone.
- Riding safely in big groups requires communicating with other riders around you. Call hazards, call when passing and listen to others. Give hand signals when stopping or turning. (Be sure to check out MS 150 Tips - Vocal Warnings)
- Maintain your personal space. Ride smoothly and predictably. Ride in a straight line. Do not weave. Avoid sudden sideways movements.
- Passing on a bicycle is a two-way event. The passer and the passee both have responsibilities that will make the pass safe and friendly. The passers have the responsibility to ease up as they approach and wait for safe conditions to pass. The passees have the responsibility to listen, hold a steady speed and line, and go to single file to make room for the passers to get around.
- Listen and respect the Ride Marshals, Medics and HPD officers - they are looking out for your safety.
- Common group riding mistakes include riding in pacelines when you are inexperienced with the general process, overlapping the wheel of the rider in front of you, riding more than 2 abreast and crossing over the center stripe. (Read more on Road Rules for Cyclists.)
The bottom line is to ride friendly and respect the communities that we ride through. Enjoy the ride - Remember that this is a fund-raiser to find a cure for MS, not a race!
