And now ladies and gentlemen, words of wisdom from The Dean!
Riding in a Paceline
“A well-functioning paceline is a beautiful work of art.”
Lao Tzu
Pull into the slipstream and start drafting behind another cyclist and you’ll immediately feel the difference—your heartrate drops 15-25 beats per minute. Competitive riders realize up to a 30% energy savings by using the paceline strategy. It is what makes cycling a team sport and gives a team extra power over individual riders. Even Bee Team riders, cruising along at 15 to 18 mph, can save 20% or more of their energy by riding in a paceline. Your 17-18mph riding can turn into 20 if you work together with a group. On informal rides this is often accomplished by having several strong riders at the front sharing the work, with everyone else enjoying the chance to draft. But in a real paceline, everyone takes his or her turn pulling at the front, working together as a team of four to eight riders. This kind of paceline riding requires caution, keen awareness of other cyclists, and new skills.
● Pulling, the tough part that everyone takes a turn at: The idea here is to have everyone take short intervals pulling, which is much harder than drafting, causing one’s heart rate to go up. Half-mile pulls or one mile pulls—at most—is a good way to proceed. Weaker riders can take shorter pulls, but everyone should rotate toward the front, then to the back. (Competitive riders in team time trials often pull for only 30-40 seconds.) When taking over the lead, don’t get excited and speed up. It is imperative that the one pulling maintain a smooth, steady pace—think of those behind you—and not make any hasty moves, turns, changes in speed, etc. Let those following, who can’t see the road ahead as well, know when you plan to turn, or slow, or when there are obstacles/holes/gravel in the road.
● Dropping back: Check the road behind you before you drop back to make sure there are no cars or cyclists coming from behind (a mirror is a good idea for this). Keep your speed up while moving to the left, and signal to the next rider in line that you are finished pulling by waving that person forward or, as many do, slapping your butt. Then slow down some and drift to the back of the line.
● Taking your break: Your time at the back of the paceline is the time for you to take a drink, stretch your legs, break out your gel, spit, blow the snot out of your nose, and fart if you have to. Then move into position and catch the draft.
● Cycling in the paceline: Enjoy the benefit of the draft but be careful. Follow 18-30 inches behind the wheel in front of you. Look over the shoulder of the rider ahead of you; avoid just starring at the wheel in front of you. Keep pedaling—always—except maybe on long downhill stretches. DON’T let your front wheel overtake the wheel in front of you—this is one of the most common causes of bike-on-bike crashes. When wheels touch, the rider behind loses the ability to turn to catch his/her balance and often crashes. (If you do inadvertently come in contact with another wheel it is best to not panic and quickly try to turn away, but lean up against the other wheel for a second or two then turn away. This takes practice, however.) If you start getting too close to the rider ahead of you, avoid hitting your breaks to slow down. Sit up to catch more wind or move a bit to the left, out in the wind. If you do resort to your breaks, do so lightly to avoid a sudden slinky effect in the entire paceline behind you.
● Spreading out: On the down hills when everyone speeds up, spread out for increased safety. Eight to ten feet is not too much. But keep your place in line. Don’t mess up the paceline by overtaking other riders. Likewise, on the uphills, spread out a little as gears do slip and people drop chains, resulting in crashes from behind. Also, when riders stand up they often pull their bikes back 8-10 inches and right into the wheel following. (Learn to stand in a smooth motion so you don’t pull your bike back.) Again, keep your place in line, even if you are a stronger hill climber. It’s a team effort. Don’t try to race up the hills. Start shifting down early and keep shifting down to keep your exertion at a comfortable level or until you get to your lowest gear. Don’t wait until you are really grinding before shifting down. Uphills need not be anaerobic intervals.
● Thinking of the Team: Paceline riding takes consideration on the part of participants. What you do can affect everyone else in the paceline. Communicate with the others. Avoid sudden moves. Don’t hog the lead; it’s a team effort. Take your turn pulling; don’t just be a “wheel sucker.” With a group well practiced at working together, it is a great experience and a lot of fun. A well-functioning paceline is a beautiful work of art.