Ever watch cycling on television and wonder at the way the cyclists work together, even if they are on other teams, when riding in a break-away?They are doing so because they know that working as a team will give each one of them a better chance of winning the race by sharing the workload until close to the end of the stage.
That’s what pacelining is, you’re sharing the wind resistance with everyone else by taking a turn at the front of the line, making your way to the back and slowly working your way back up to the front.
I’ve signed up for the Tour of Battenkill Gran Fondo this spring and went out for what could be considered my first training ride yesterday. It was cold, very cold, colder than I like it to be when I’m on the bike. At one point, I started daydreaming about warm, sunny days and still being able to feel my toes while riding.
I also started thinking about pacelines and how strategic the technique is when used in a bike race.
1. Ride at a steady pace and pedal constantly (no coasting). Do not swerve or brake without warning. Pedal through bumps in the road—do not swerve around them. Don’t panic and jam on your brakes—the bike behind will run right up your rear wheel. Feather your brakes to modulate speed.Here are some tips on how to, what to look for and how to stay safe while traveling at high speed six inches off the wheel in front of you.
2. Do not overlap the rear wheel of the bike in front of you. If your front wheel touches the rear wheel of the bike in front of you, don’t panic, if you do you risk crashing and taking down riders behind you.
3. Keep your head up and your eyes scanning up the road as much as possible. Use your peripheral vision to monitor the wheel in front of yours while you watch the road and riders ahead. You can then better see the paceline slowing or accelerating, as well as traffic lights and stop signs and you will be better prepared to react to any situation.
4. Keep a constant distance to the rider ahead and adjust your speed by lightly touching your brakes as you continue to pedal. Maintain a steady-as-she-goes, predictable, smooth pace. Close any gaps gradually, jumping to close a gap and then slowing down creates a yo-yo effect that adversely affects the entire group.
5. When taking the lead do not surge or pick up the overall pace. As you take over you will naturally have to put out more effort. Learn to finesse your effort in order to maintain a smooth transition. If you are tired, make your turn at the front as short as possible. No one has to prove anything at the front. Also, watch for hazards. Ideally you will see a hazard far enough in advance to move the path of the paceline well clear of it. Ride through rough spots by rising slightly off your saddle and pedaling through.
George Washington Bridge
