Jumping on the "A" train

[Josh.E]

I noticed we had a large group of the B ride jump on the A train as we passed coming out of hollywood this morning. I think this is great, in that it gives new and less experienced riders a chance to feel what it's like to ride with a high speed group leading into a sprint finish, a unique thing we can offer on a group ride, and very "tripleshot"

For those who decide to do this, I think it would be helpful to remember a couple points.

- Let the whole group go by, then jump on the back. If you feel comfortable with the pace, then consider starting to get into the paceline rotation. If it feels fast, let the A riders dropping back from taking a pull into the line in front of you.

- if you start rotating through the paceline and can't hold the wheel in front of you, signal and get out of the line BEFORE you let a gap form. Closing a gap takes a lot of work, and many of the people on the A ride have been turning themselves inside out for quite a while by the time we reach the B group just to stay in contact. Someone jumping in between and then letting a gap form can be quite frustrating if it then causes you to lose contact with the leaders.

- If you're still in the mix coming over beacon hill, KEEP YOUR LINE. Don't swerve, be aware of where riders are behind you on both sides, and don't hit your brakes any more than a light feathering to check your speed. As it ramps up to the finish line, everyone there is entrusting their own safety to all the other riders around them. A mistake can make a lot of peoples days turn very bad, very quickly.

[barton bourassa]

Thanks for this Josh. I think the key when jumping on a passing group is to make sure you let the rider who was pulling and is now falling back in line in front of you. Then, jump on their wheel. It is important to not interfere with the rythm of the passing group. Having had 2 groups pass me on this past weekend's Master's race, I speak from recent experience. The riders in the group that passed me did not mind if I jumped on and they appreciated the gap made at the end of their line.

One other thing I learned recently, not having been at the front for the sprint at the end of our ride much at all, is that during the sprint, EXPECT riders to pass you on the inside. This is something we do not do during the more controlled group ride up to King George. But when the sprint starts, make no sudden moves left or right, only forward!!!

Cheers all!

Barton.