Sportive and Group riding etiquette

WEATHER:

We’ve ordered the weather but things change around here from one hour to the next, our advice is, pack everything!

FAFFING ABOUT:

Faffing about is an essential part of cycling, but please build in enough time to ensure that you can faff to your hearts content and still be on the start line ten minutes before set off time.

RIDE MARSHALL GROUPS:

We’re looking forward to lots of you riding with our Ride Marshalls. Some of you will be less experienced at group riding and we wanted to offer some guidance to ensure the safety of you and your fellow riders.

RIGHT IMPORTANT BIT:

Your Ride Marshall will also repeat this on the day, but there’s a lot to remember:

GROUP RIDING ETIQUETTE:

SPEAK UP!:

Communication is vital in a group and especially on these roads which are often busy with other cyclists and vehicles.

Your view is restricted by other bikes and you must communicate to ensure everyone remains safe and there are no pile ups!

Here are some common commands which we regularly use on ur rides. PLEASE listen out for these and shout out and pass onto your group:

STOPPING– vital to call when coming to a stop. If you don’t there’ll be a pile up and split tyres

SLOWING– If you’re breaking heavily, tell people!



RIGHT TURN

CLEAR– it is OK to pull out at a junction

CAR UP (This is subject to regional variations but what we use in Yorkshire)

– a car is coming from the front towards the pack

CAR BACK- a car coming from behind

LINE OUT– some riders prefer to stay 2 abreast when a car is trying to pass – on these roads we don’t think that works – lining out at least lets drivers know that you are trying to make room and perception makes a big difference to the way drivers will respond to you

HOLE LEFT– hole/obstruction on the left hand side of the carriageway. If riding 2 abreast, outside riders are aware the inside riders will be moving out and to give room if safe to do so
HOLE RIGHT– as above but on the right

HOLE MIDDLE– bet you already guessed this one?! Riders will split around the hole

GRAVEL– there are LOTS of gravel spots on the routes, shout to warn your fellow riders with an indication of where the gravel is (middle, all over, left etc)

KICKING BACK:

When you stand up out of the saddle, your bike immediately loses speed – this will cause people immediately behind you to either crash or swerve. Think about who’s around you as you cycle!

When you need to raise out of the saddle, do so on your full downward pedal stroke and push hard as you do – this should maintain your speed whilst rising you out of the saddle.

KEEP A BREAST OF THE SITUATION:

Never ride more than 2 abreast

LINE OUT:

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, when a car is behind you please LINE OUT – you might not normally, but please do on this sportive and create space where needed so cars can get through

SLOW, SLOW QUICK, QUICK, SLOW:

Groups will generally ride at the pace of the slowest. If you are struggling and feel that you are too slow, then let your Ride Marshall know that you will be dropping off the back and you will be picked up by the group behind, and ultimately by the sweeper if needed. (It’s not a real sweeper, it’s a man or woman on a bike!)

If you feel that you are stronger and could go faster than the group, then just let your Ride Marshall know that you’ll be going off on your own!

Try to have a turn on the front as well as sitting in the pack

LOOK OUT FOR YELLOW BADGES:

Our Ride Marshall's have a small yellow hi viz badge on their helmets identifying them by name or by the word Ride Marshall's  so they are easy to find. Whether you are in a group or not, if you have any problems at all, then just let one of them or one of our Marshals know.

IF YOU WANT TO GET A HEAD GET A HAT:

Helmets must be worn

COME PREPARED:

Bring spare inner tubes, water, basic repair kit and snacks just in case you get peckish between feed stops.

Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for our glorious UK weather conditions.

RELAX:

It’s going to be a fun day and a great way to meet other FLAB’s and having a nice social ride at a pace that suits you. Enjoy!

STILL GOT A DAFT/QUESTION?
We’re used to daft questions so ask away  fatlads@fatladattheback.com