Most group rides are designed to have some form of test of rider fitness and skill. Sprinting is one such activity that will do just that. However, beyond strength, fitness and endurance, sprinting requires a significant level of bike handling skills to be done safely….for ALL concerned.
As a GROUP ride, we are first and foremost concerned with the safety of the GROUP. This means that it is incumbent on those wanting to participate in a designated sprint to firstly decide if it is safe for the GROUP for them to do so. This means being aware of what needs to be considered when making that decision…..
The Golden Guide to Sprinting (during a GROUP ride)
- Sprints are dedicated points in a group ride where there is a point further down the road considered to be the “finish line”.
- If there are to be sprints during a group ride, Ride Leaders will usually (but not always) refer to it during the briefing (although most experienced riders will know it’s happening as the group will commence to speed up and spread across the lane).
- Sprints should only be conducted in locations where it is completely safe to do so – eg: limited likelihood of oncoming traffic, preferably two lanes available, wider lanes if only single lane available, etc
- Not all riders will want to participate; it is therefore incumbent on those who are participating to communicate their intentions and be respectful of those who aren’t. In almost all cases, only about 3 or 4 riders in a group of 20 will be interested…in participating OR the result!
- Riders wanting to be involved in the sprint should decide early and position themselves so they do not need to break from the inside of the group to participate – if you are “boxed in” and can’t safely move to the outside line, TOUGH!! Your bad; you miss out; your mate(s) prepared themselves better. Deal with it and ride to the ‘line’ with the group.
- Sprint participants need to be aware of their surroundings and look up to see what’s in front of them (not down at the road/wheel in front of them!).
- Sprint participants need to hold their line and not drift from side to side – this is where most crashes will occur.
- Sprint participants should NEVER cross the line into the oncoming traffic lane
And please, please, please remember, it is still a GROUP ride and not a race; there are no medals, money or podium girls at the end – if that’s what you’re after there are plenty of “real” races around the traps to get your juices flowing (cue Rocky theme music…)
If you have any feedback or questions on this or any other aspect of riding in SPR’s group rides, please do drop your friendly training and development sub-committee an email at development@southperthrouleurs.com.au