Riding together is a major part of Watt Warriors club life and a great way to enjoy road cycling with fellow enthusiasts. Safe, enjoyable group riding takes teamwork. This page brings together the principles and guidelines followed on all club group rides and at mass cycling events where we represent the club together.
Principles of group riding
- Safety – Everyone on a group ride is responsible for riding safely, and safety is our top priority. Follow traffic rules, communicate clearly, anticipate hazards and take other traffic and conditions into account. Equipment matters too: helmets are compulsory, clothing must suit the weather, and bikes must be properly maintained and checked. Above all, we look after one another and never leave a fellow rider behind. Everyone has both the right and the responsibility to speak up about unsafe behaviour.
- Respect for our surroundings – A Watt Warrior respects the surroundings and other road users. Leave no litter and choose stops where any repairs can be made without inconveniencing others. In built-up areas and among other traffic, keep the pace moderate and the group in an orderly formation to minimise disruption.
- Positive energy – We bring positive energy to group riding by encouraging one another and helping newcomers learn the skills of road and group riding. There is also room to challenge ourselves and ride fast. That is why we offer different pace groups, as well as rides and time trials focused on speed and testing our limits.
Rules
- Ride captain – Every group must have a designated ride captain. The captain makes sure the ride is safe and follows the plan, giving instructions that all participants must follow. Before setting off, the captain goes over the riding guidelines and explains our shared practices where needed. When riding through town, the captain must ensure that the group only increases its pace once it has left the town. Let the captain know if you need any adjustments so these can be taken into account.
- Pace groups – We aim to offer several pace groups with different target average speeds. These are average moving speeds, which depend on factors such as the weather and group size. The aim is to finish the ride within the agreed range. Sometimes the group’s fitness or the conditions mean the average is higher or lower. That is fine, as long as everyone gets home with some energy to spare.
Choose a pace group that suits how you feel that day and your intended training intensity. As a general rule, riders should also be able to take their turn on the front. - Helmet – An approved cycling helmet is compulsory on all Watt Warriors group rides.
- Bike and equipment – A well-maintained bike in good condition is safer and more enjoyable to ride. Before a group ride, check your brakes, tyre pressures and that all essential components are securely fitted. As the autumn evenings grow darker, make sure your bike has suitable front and rear lights. Your bike must be suitable for group riding. Time trial and triathlon bikes may only be used when riding outside the group.
Bring tools and spares for minor repairs, such as a pump, inner tube and multitool. - Adjusting equipment – Wait until the group has stopped before making repairs, adjusting equipment or adding or removing clothing. If anything needs immediate attention, tell the other riders and ask the group to stop while you deal with it.
- Hand signals and communication – Hand signals are an important part of communication when riding in a group.
Important safety signals include:
1. indicating the direction of a turn
2. raising a hand when slowing down
3. pointing out dangerous obstacles and potholes
4. indicating when moving aside for other road users
Alongside hand signals, riders must communicate clearly in other ways. Call out when slowing down (slowing!/stopping!), and do the same for obstacles or changes of formation (see Formation). Always judge whether it is safe to take a hand off the bars. For example, when passing major road damage, it is safer to call out and keep your hands on the bars so you can control the bike safely. - Ease off – If the pace gets too high, call out clearly, “Napsu pois!” (ease off), so the group knows to slow down. You can also make this call for another rider.
- Anticipation and predictable riding – A good rider stays alert to traffic and rides predictably. Communicate problems early and avoid last-second swerves. When taking over on the front or leaving a junction, accelerate smoothly and gradually so that riders behind do not have to close gaps. Avoid unexpected manoeuvres that do not belong on a group ride.
- Formation – We normally ride two abreast, in two parallel lines. Unstructured formations where riders spread out across the road are not allowed. The captain chooses the formation to suit the traffic and conditions. At narrow bridges, tunnels and similar pinch points, we ride single file. Communicate clearly when changing formation.
- No-drop principle – Nobody gets left behind. If someone falls behind, the rest of the group must slow down until everyone is back together. Then adjust the pace if needed, or split into smaller groups. If a rider has a mechanical problem, the others must stop and help.
- Litter – Take your bar wrappers, empty gel packets, damaged inner tubes and other waste with you, and dispose of or recycle them properly. Littering is prohibited at all club events.
- Insurance – Every rider participates at their own risk and is responsible for insurance covering themselves and their equipment.
- Arrive on time – Please arrive in good time, ideally ten minutes before the scheduled start. This gives everyone time to go over the route and group riding guidelines.
- Hygiene and health – Only join a ride if you are well. Training while ill is neither safe nor beneficial, and you may pass an infection on to others. Take care with hygiene even when you are well: only clear your nose at the back of the group.