AG TRAINING · GROUP RIDING
How to Prepare for Your First Group Ride
Preparation, safe following, passing warnings through the group and managing the pace.
On your first group ride, prioritise safe, predictable riding. Before setting off, check the pace, distance, meeting point and regrouping locations after climbs. Tell the coach this is your first time and ask where to position yourself.
What should you check before leaving home?
- Check tyre condition and pressure, brakes and that wheels are securely fitted.
- Adjust your helmet. Prepare clothing and front and rear lights appropriate to the weather and visibility.
- Carry water, suitable food, puncture-repair supplies and a charged phone. Check the route and refill points in advance.
Hold your line and maintain a safe gap
Look beyond the rider ahead to traffic and the road surface. Sudden braking, hard accelerations and unannounced changes of line affect riders behind. Adjust your following distance to speed, visibility, surface and experience. Leave more space in wet conditions and on descents.
Do not overlap wheels. If your front wheel overlaps the rear wheel ahead, contact can occur when that rider changes direction. Before passing, check behind and assess traffic. Where conditions allow, pass on the left with sufficient clearance and announce your intention.
How does the warning chain work?
The first rider to notice a hazard, slowing, stopping or a turn gives a warning. Riders who hear or see it pass it backwards, giving those at the rear time to react. Confirm signals with the coach before riding. Use a spoken warning if taking a hand off the bars would compromise control.
What should you do on climbs, at junctions or if you fall behind?
- Keep your own pace and spacing on climbs. At AG Training, we climb with individual gaps when appropriate and regroup afterwards at an agreed safe location.
- Assess traffic and signs yourself as you approach a junction. You do not have to cross just because riders ahead have done so.
- Tell the coach or a nearby rider if the pace is too hard or you have a mechanical problem. Maintain a safe pace and line when closing a gap.
- Do not start if fog, darkness or rain prevents safe visibility. If conditions deteriorate during the ride, stop somewhere safe and reassess the plan.
Plan nutrition at home before a long group ride. Choose a straight, quiet section or a stop to reach for food or a bottle. What to Eat and Drink on a Long Ride
See the group training page for the general programme. Before your first session, confirm that week’s time, route and pace with the coach. Group Cycling Training in Istanbul
AG Training
AG Training founder and head coach, former national-team and professional cyclist Ali Gülcan.
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