Someone asked me for tips while riding in a group when you are not
comfortable doing it and here is the response I sent her. If you
have additional tips that you use - please post them! I have been
riding for years and years and while I am comfortable riding in
groups, I also sit back and watch who I am riding with in a new
group. What I will do, is either stay in the front behind the
leader, or go to the back and watch how everyone in front of me
rides. The really good riders will ride in a straight line with very
little movement from side to side and will never make big huge moves
to go around something. They finesse the bike more. The newer
riders that are more uncomfortable than you – will look very stiff
and their shoulders will be in their ears!! When you start and stop,
you can ride with your foot on top of your pedal until you are sure
everyone is moving forward and then clip in – don't clip in right
away - someone might stop in front of you if they have trouble with
their pedal. I also ride on the outside – not the inside if you are
riding two by two. It allows you a place to move to – if the other
rider makes an unsafe move. Get in a habit of watching what is
happening up the road – at least 3 or 4 riders ahead of you. You can
anticipate slowing, stopping, avoiding obstacles by watching their
movement and not just the person in front of you. Bekki