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. We will refer to two types: the double pace line and 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 long distance pace line. Since our group rides are longer and slower as a rule , the leaders may spend several minutes at the front before pulling off and taking a position at the rear. 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.

The diagram at the left illustrates how the leaders are changed in a long distance pace line, as it has been done during our group rides. Each leader will agree that their time is up and signal to the pair immediately behind them to pull the group through. Each retiring leader will than move to the left and right respectively and soft pedal to allow the group to pass. The problem with this method is that it takes up a lot of road space. Many uncaring motorists find a double pace line twice as annoying than a single one, and seeing four abreast drives them apes !! Take your positions in the rear quickly while the group moves forward efficiently and settles back into a nice, tight double line.

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.

Brampton cycling club rides are voluntary events. However, we must obey the rules of the road as set by the Ontario highway traffic act and practice safe riding skills to avoid injuries. Club tour rides endeavor to keep all participants in a group environment throughout the ride. We shall try to make the rides enjoyable for fast riders as well as riders whose current physical or technical condition limit their performance. The tour leaders are skilled cyclists and we rely on their experience and judgment. We will support their effort in making our club ride a safe and enjoyable event. Please note that tour rides are open to Brampton Cycling Club members only. Guests from another club affiliated with the Ontario Cycling Association may be permitted to join a ride only if they have signed a club waiver before the ride departs.

This is a suggested set of rules for tour participants

1. All riders shall be at the tour start location at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
2. Tour leaders will check that all riders have adequate bike and safety equipment. All participants in Brampton cycling club rides shall wear an approved cycling helmet. Riders failing to show safe riding requirements will not be allowed to participate in the group ride. Riders are responsible to ensure their own bike is roadworthy !
3. The tour leader may appoint an assistant tour leader depending on group size and the ability of the individual participants. We ask that the person selected as assistant not refuse to help. The tour leader and the assistant will decide which is to lead  the "faster" group and the "slower" group.
4. The tour leader(s) will decide when and if because of safety reasons his or her group will split into smaller sections.

Guidelines

1. Splitting the group to better manage the club ride will be entirely the tour leaders decision. If the number of participants exceeds 25 or when the road and/or weather conditions may jeopardize the safety of the riders and/or other users of the road.
2. Assess the ability of the participants before the ride departure time.
3. The "slower" group will leave first, the second group will leave a gap of 5 to 10 minutes and the two groups will eventually join together at the refreshment stop.

Remember to obey the rules of the road !  Ride as close as safely possible to the right shoulder !  Don't aggravate motorists or other users of the road !  Ride safe.