Tips on Cycle Bunch Riding

Cycling in a group has a number of advantages over riding solo, such as a reduction in energy expended through the use of slipstreaming and having someone to talk to. If you are new to this type of activity, try to find a group that suits your level of fitness.

If you are not confident riding in a bunch, then don't get caught in the middle of bunch. To get out of a bunch, where safe to do so move to the left and slow your speed down. You are better off sitting at the back and a safe riding distance away for margin in error. This is about 1-2 bike lengths initially. Also, get used to the surges a bunch has and watch the wheels in front. NEVER overlap wheels with the rider in front of you.

Always ride with your head up in a bunch looking forward. This ensures you can see the reactions of the bunch and any changes or hazards. You should not focus on the rear of the wheel of the rider in front. Focus 1-2 riders ahead. By focussing on the person you will be more aware of what is happening in the bunch. It wont take you long to judge the distance between you and the rider in front. Bunch riding is good as you can chat to the person beside you and the km's pass by quicker. However, always ensure you are looking forward and not facing the person you are talking too.

Bunch Formation
Riders should pair off in 2 by 2 formation. You should not sit directly on the wheel of the rider in front or overlap the wheel, try to maintain about a 30cm - 60cm distance off the rear wheel of the rider in front.

Position on the road
Riders have the right (in all States of Australia) to ride 2 abreast and occupy a full lane, however common sense should apply. If you are on a busy narrow road it may be safer to ride single file.

Riding too close to the gutter also can create problems for riders. You may scrap your pedal on the gutter or if there is movement on the front of the bunch you have little margin for correction if you run out of road.

The lead riders
The two riders on the front have a huge responsibility. They must set the pace, call all road obstacles and warn the bunch of any traffic changes. All road obstacles should be relayed through the bunch.

The tailenders
The riders at the back of the bunch experience surges more than the front of the bunch. Also depending on the size of the bunch the tailenders may have to wait for traffic changes/signals where the front of the bunch has passed through. Just because the front of the bunch proceeds does not mean that it is safe for the entire bunch to proceed. This also means that the tailenders often have to chase the front of the bunch down. Hopefully the bunch realises there is a split and takes the pace off until re-grouped.

Rolling over
The amount of time the lead riders spend on the front will depend on weather conditions and when it is safe to roll over. This gives every one a chance to go to the front. If you feel that you are not fit or strong enough to do a turn, go to the front, advise your partner and both immediately roll off. Do not suddenly pull out of the line prior to getting to the front. This only leaves gaps.

The roll over procedure is simple. The two front riders, on a safe section of road, move out approximately a meter. This will leave a gap for the following two riders to move through. The two riders rolling over will simultaneously wave the following riders through. They then soft pedal until the bunch has passed them, whereby they slot in at the rear. 


Pace line
The formation is similar to a chain, where the rolling off the front occurs at speed by the lead rider. The way the rider rolls off is usually dependent upon the direction of the wind. The rider always rolls off to the side the wind is coming from. In the case of a head or tail wind rolling off to the left towards the gutter is generally the best way. 

The rider rolling off immediately starts soft-pedaling dropping speed. The rider coming through does not pick up speed. Surging through by the lead rider only strings the field out making it hard for those moving back down the line to move back on to the forward moving line.

Riders in the slower pace line must stay on the wheel. Do not stop pedalling.

Those riders not able or wanting to join the pace line should stay slightly off the back of the line containing the riders coming off the front. You will get good cover here, plus not disrupt the riders in the pace line.

Riding position and techniques
When in a bunch never have your hands on the top of the bars where you can't reach the brakes. Ride on the hoods or drops where you can touch the brakes.

When in a bunch, movements should be subtle including braking, avoiding obstacles avoiding. Riders overreacting or exaggerating avoidance causes a domino effect throughout the bunch and the bunch becomes untidy.

When a bunch gets to a rise there can be 'roll back' when a rider gets out of the saddle. This can be a nervous moment for those behind as it causes their bike to slow down dramatically and can create chaos in a tight bunch of riders. When starting a hill climb, try to maintain forward pressure on the pedals as you get out of the saddle so your speed remains constant.

The only way you can learn the skills of bunch riding is to practice. If you are not sure stay down the back until you are confident enough to join the bunch. If you are nervous or lacking confidence, consider the safety of the other riders first before joining the bunch.