CycleDate 201806.5

Smooooooth Pacelines

Getting in a paceline is sometimes not voluntary ... it just happens.  If that is the case, you suddenly are forced with a decision: stay or opt out.  If you stay, you're going to have to develop some trust with the other riders pretty quickly.  5-10 minutes of a paceline should be enough to let you know if you want to continue -- else, opt out.

Everyone in a paceline has to TRUST you also.  For them to gain trust in you ... that's where smoooooth actions come into play.  Always be SMOOTH, this is rule #1.  When steering, pedaling, going for your water bottle, texting, lighting a cigarette, and especially braking, always make the action as smooth as reasonably possible.

Pacelines are great for everyone involved.  It helps the group ride faster than you can ride solo, it helps with sighting obstacles (more eyes on the road), and you gain experience by watching how others "go with the flow" of the paceline.

​Contributer:  Ennis Pleasants