Riding with a group is one of the pleasures of cycling. It is also a skill, and nobody is born with it. This guide covers the basics so that your first outing is a comfortable one.
Everything here is general cycling practice. Your ride leader’s instructions on the day come first.
Choose the right ride
Pick a ride that is shorter and slower than you think you can manage. Read the description for the distance, the pace and whether the group waits for the last rider. Tell the organizer that it is your first time. A good group will be glad to know.
If you have a heart condition or another health concern, or you are coming back to exercise after a long break, talk to your doctor first.
The night before
Check the bike while there is still time to fix something.
- Tires: pump them to the pressure printed on the side of the tire, and look for cuts or bulges.
- Brakes: squeeze each lever hard. The bike should not roll, and the lever should not touch the handlebar.
- Chain: it should be clean and lightly oiled. Shift through all the gears.
- Wheels: check that both are tight in the frame and spin without rubbing.
- Saddle and handlebars: nothing should be loose or twisted.
- Lights: charge them, or fit fresh batteries.
If anything seems wrong and you cannot fix it, take the bike to a shop before you ride it.
What to bring
- A helmet that fits. Wear it on every ride.
- Two bottles of water.
- A small snack, such as a banana or biscuits.
- A spare inner tube that fits your tires, tire levers and a small pump.
- Front and rear lights, even in daytime.
- An ID, and a card with the name and number of someone to call in an emergency.
- Some cash and your phone, fully charged.
- Any medicine you take regularly.
- Sunscreen, and a light rain jacket if the sky looks doubtful.
Have a light breakfast an hour or so before the start, and arrive 15 minutes early.
How to ride in a group
- Hold a steady line. Do not swerve, and do not brake suddenly.
- Leave at least a bike length between your front wheel and the wheel ahead. Leave more on a descent or in the wet.
- Never let your front wheel overlap the rear wheel of the rider in front.
- Look past the rider ahead, not at their wheel, so you see what is coming.
- Keep both hands on the handlebars, close to the brakes.
- Follow traffic rules. Stop at red lights, and stay in single file where the road is narrow or busy.
- Leave the earphones at home. You need to hear the group and the traffic.
- If you need to slow down or stop, say so first, then move to the side.
Signals and calls
Signals differ a little from group to group, so ask the ride leader at the start. These are common ones.
- Turning left: left arm straight out to the side.
- Turning right: right arm straight out to the side.
- Slowing or stopping: one hand held low, palm facing back, with a call of Slowing or Stopping.
- A hole or debris: point down at it, and call it out.
- A vehicle coming from behind: call Car back.
- Pass every signal and call along, so riders behind you get it too.
Take a hand off the handlebars only when you feel steady. If you do not, a clear call is enough.
Pacing yourself
Start more slowly than you think you need to. You should be able to talk in full sentences. If you cannot, the pace is too high for now, and it is fine to say so.
Drink a little every 15 minutes, and eat something small each hour. Our guide to riding in the heat explains the warning signs to watch for and when to stop.
If you are struggling, tell the leader early. Turning back, or taking a shorter way home, is an ordinary part of group riding. You will go farther next time.
Find a ride
When you feel ready, look at our events page for upcoming rides. If you are still choosing a bicycle, see which bike is right for you.