So I’ve been, historically, a bit of a lone wolf when it comes to riding bikes. My background as an MTB rider probably has a lot to do with this – we don’t tend to ride in big groups – but now some six months or so after buying a new road bike, I’ve started getting out on regular group road rides and getting a feel for riding in a peloton.
And I really like it.
The first thing that struck me about riding as a group is that you have to start redefining what ‘fast’ means. Solo, I can put down some pretty quick times, and average a bit over 30km/h over 100km or so, depending on the route and the conditions. But in a good, fast, disciplined group, average speeds can skyrocket and even short sprint sectors can go faster as you benefit from the lead-outs offered by the group.
For example, I recently did a short training ride at Sydney Olympic park that averaged over 40km/h for the five laps of the circuit. I did a slight double-take as the times popped up on Strava later. Nearly 25km at more than 40km/h. Inconceivable. Well, not with a group. And that wasn’t even the fast group.
The next thing, obviously, is the camaraderie. Finding a good group delivers friendships, alliances, rivalries and, it’s true, the occasional bit of friction. But a bit of friendly barracking, a solid ride to fire up the endorphins and a coffee, a chat and cooldown afterwards can really set you up for the day and drive your motivation for tomorrow. It’s also a great way to fight off a hangover.
Third, it’s an education. The more experienced riders of the group have a wealth of knowledge to pass on, and those lessons can appear in surprising and sometimes painful ways.
For example, in the last few weeks I’ve blasted down fantastic roads I wouldn’t, ordinarily, even know about. I’ve been yelled at for splintering the group too early in the ride after chasing down another rider’s break. I’ve been hung out to dry with my nose in the wind by two much more experienced riders who blew past me after what seemed like an eon at the front. I’ve swept up by the freight train of the peloton, completely shattered, shortly afterwards. I’ve had my riding position and cornering technique critiqued in detail – both of which I’m now working on closely. I’ve chased NRS racers down breakneck descents, showing that the aforementioned focus on cornering can pay dividends. I’ve taken Strava KoMs thanks to the benefit of a group lead-out and I’ve been impressed and inspired in turn, every time.
I really recommend, if you’ve got a road bike, that you find a local group and get out there occasionally. It’s an experience every cyclist ought to try. You don’t have to be an A-grader or aspiring pro to get out with a group. There are rides for all experience levels, fitness levels, ages and genders. Just go and give it a crack. You’ll love it.
