Courtesy in Groups

Hey all-
This is a little missive regarding riding in groups. Not working pacelines - just on group rides. We've been over many points previously; this is just a reminder. It applies to all ride paces, whether road or trail.

There are several people who reliably and generously lead rides. While the practice of using cue sheets has fallen off, the routes have become pretty standard. As seasons shorten and lengthen, there may be some variations, but the rides rarely reach terra incognita. Many of us have been riding these routes for two or three years. Many of us live in the area. The problem arises when a ride leader is never relieved - always forced to be in front, because people in the group claim to not know the route. This is patently silly. To force a ride leader to drag our honky butts for 20 or more miles is not only ridiculous; it's inconsiderate. Pulling out of line to pass a leader without taking a turn in front, is not only inconsiderate - it's dangerous.

Although these rides may not be engaged in a paceline, it is still incumbent on the riders to take their turn(s) pulling. When the leader fades left, or slows down, don't stay behind him(her) - take your place in the lead. Ask about the next turn. Thank the person you're relieving for pulling. Follow this pattern, and everyone on the ride gets a shot at being in front, and no one is overworked. The pace will naturally pick up, and everyone will learn(belatedly) to be aware of where they are; both on the ride and in the group. We can't, after so many years of riding together, continue to be a flock of baby ducks, blindly following the ride leader, never learning the names of the roads and streets we're riding on. We can make every ride a learning experience; we can put out some effort to make it more rewarding to lead rides - for everyone.

The more critically aware of our environment, the better ride leaders we'll all become. Then we can give the ride leaders we have a decent break, while developing more ride leaders. Watch. Listen. Learn. Lead.

The good news is, we still have several weeks of good riding left before the darkness falls. Our annual fun rides - SCARY and TOAGY. YEE-HAAAH!!!