A friend from back home posted this on another cycling list I
subscribe to. Enjoy it! Kevin

Scott's Spin: Group Dynamic

Judging by some group rides I've done lately, paceline etiquette
ain't
what it used to be. Some do's and don'ts for this brave new
world:

---Don't point out obstacles. Riders behind you will appreciate
the
challenge of not knowing what lies ahead. Gaping potholes, oil
slicks,
gravel -- all provide opportunities for cyclists to practice their
panic
stops, bunnyhops and rim-straightening techniques.

---Do sit in for 10 miles, then attack. Your fellow cyclists who've
been trading pulls into a stiff headwind will love it when you
sprint
ahead and force them to chase. After all, you're giving them a
better
workout. That goes double for dropped riders, who obviously
need more
training anyway.

---Do ride as far to the right as possible when the wind blows
from the
left. That way, everybody can enjoy a cooling breeze, not just the
leader. Plus, riding in the gutter improves bike-handling and
flat-fixing skills. Wind blowing from the right? Edge as far left as
you
safely can. Drafting riders will enjoy pedaling in the middle of the
lane, where they can more easily chat with overtaking drivers
tooting
their horns in friendly greeting.

---Don't take a steady pull when you hit the front. Think of your
time
in the lead as an American Idol audition. This is your moment to
shine,
so surge, surge, surge. Trailing riders will be impressed with
your
strength and say admiring things about you (especially the guy
who took
the pull just before yours).

---Do stand frequently, pushing your bike back as you rise from
the
saddle. With luck, your rear tire will rub the following rider's front
tire. This spares her the pesky task of swiping her gloved hand
on the
tread to wipe away the broken glass you didn't point out.

(Scott Martin wrote feature articles for Bicycling magazine for a
dozen
years. You can reach him at scottmartin@...)