Touring Pace Line
Pace Line Basics
Riding in a pace line is a fundamental, efficient cycling skill that all members should know well and be confident in participating. For the benefit of club members who are not aware of what a pace line is or do not know the proper technique of riding in one, this is an instructional page. The club prefers the double pace line as it is deemed safer than the long distance pace line.
The purpose of a pace line is to increase the speed of a group of riders without unduly taxing the energy of it's participants. The goal is efficient speed, at a pace that is faster than the average rider in the group can manage alone. More often, the average club ride will utilize the double pace line. Since our group rides are longer and slower as a rule, the leaders may spend several minutes at the front before changing. While at the front it is important for the leaders to warn the group of hazards in the road ahead by indicating the danger clearly to those behind them. Use hand signals and shout if necessary. The riders behind you are relying on you to keep them accident free. Keep the amount of time spent at the front to no longer than several minutes.
Double pace lines are more dynamic and fluid because it's in constant motion with the front leader changing often. It is faster and demands more teamwork and skill from the people participating. For the purposes of BCC group rides it is best to keep the riders involved in this type of pace line to between 3 and 10 individuals. These pace lines work well for riders working to pull a "dropped" rider or riders back up to the main group. Or, as efficient tempo training.
The diagram above shows a double pace line in motion. Assume
that the wind direction is from the top right of this page. The lead rider will
pull off to his left into the wind and joins the receding line
while the rider immediately behind him now leads the pulling line. Both
lines have their own purpose: the receding line will shelter the
pulling line while offering the riders in it a slightly slower pace while
the pulling line alongside will maintain the groups forward speed. Here
is another example...The wind is from the front left of the riders...
Points to remember when riding in a pace line:
- Be predictable and don't do anything suddenly without warning. The rider behind you is trusting your good judgment!
- Do not overlap wheels with the rider in front.
- Do not brake unnecessarily, Warn others behind you well in advance if you have to stop due to a mechanical or because of a traffic signal.
- While at the front, try not to increase the pace. When getting to the front, some riders will subconsciously feel they are not going fast enough and pick up the pace without realizing it. Use your cycling computer.
- When it comes to long gradual hills, remain in the pace line and let the speed drop a kilometer or two. Steeper hills are best handled by each individual as determined by his/her ability, it's safer and the group can reform down the road when it's safe to do so.
- If troubled by a rider who doesn't hold his/her line, stops unexpectedly or does anything else offensive, bring it to their attention politely. Ask them to refrain from the problem behavior.
