Friday Etiquette Rant

I can’t tell you how many times this same type of email has shown up in my inbox  asking me to write a post about group riding etiquette (after some pent up frustration).   There’s a long list of things to write about, so feel free to add to this list that a reader sent to me this morning. 

WW,

My on-road pelotonic frustration is overflowing so I must share with you my suggestion for a cyclingtip. Being one who has ridden for many years, I’ve seen the changes in behavior of cyclists on the road and it’s annoying, so here goes…

Bunch etiquette.

• If you want to join a passing bunch – do so at the back (not in the front or middle).

• If you want to join a passing bunch’s rolling turns – ask first before just pushing in.

• If you want to clear your nose – pull out to the side and signal your intention.

• If you can’t hold the wheel in front, don’t just drop off and leave a gap, wave the guys around you through.

• If you haven’t got the strength to ride at the front of a fast bunch, don’t use the red traffic light as your chance to push further up the bunch (and no doubt drop the wheel further up the road).

• If you’ve sat on the back of a bunch the whole ride, consider saying ‘thank you’ to those who have done the work.

• If you’ve sat of the back of a bunch the whole ride, don’t try and get involved in their sprint(s).

• On the lighter side – when the lycra on the back of the knicks starts to thin out, bin them. No one want to see your butt!

Cheers,

Stuart