Riding the Paceline
So you have been thinking about riding in a paceline or are just curious as to why those fast guys are always riding one-after-another in a straight line like some anomalous serpent.
What is a paceline anyway?
Riding in a paceline is about riding in a group. A happy, social, gabbing, shleping along the road (hauling –ass) group. I believe a paceline is the essence of group cycling. It allows a cyclist to travel fast with less effort than if traveling alone, due to the decrease in wind resistance. When I’ve been in a well-organized paceline I’ve had the feeling that my bike and body were one and we were functioning as part of a smoothly operating unit, doing more than we ever could individually. The feeling is hard to explain but wonderful to experience. However, pacelines are inherently dangerous and the need for communication is heightened since a small miscommunication can cause a multiple crash, normally at a pretty high speed.
Pacelines operate simply; cyclists are arranged closely behind one another to take maximum advantage of the "drag" effect of the cyclists to the front. The cyclist in the front travels at the group pace, when no longer able to do so, pulls off to the left and drifts back to the end of the paceline. The new lead cyclist increases effort SLIGHTLY to maintain the group pace. The hallmark of a good paceline is smoothness. A good paceline is built on trust. All the riders have to be confident that the others in the group will communicate well and ride safely. Not slowly, safely.
Your First Century
Charlie Jenkins
Cycling's #1 goal is the century ride (riding 100 miles in one day). Cyclists everywhere have the common goal of riding their first century. Centuries are definitely doable for most cyclists with minimal fitness & cycling ability, reasonably good health, and a little determination. Start training in June, and you will have plenty of time to prepare for an August century! The starting month & century month are merely arbitrary. Given that I'm writing this in June, and the popular local centuries (Red River Rally & Hotter n Hell Hundred) are in August...How convenient!
Pick your event, and pre-register for it (if you are pre-registered, your training will have more urgency and you will be more focused).
You should have a definite plan. Some of your goals should be:
- Improve base fitness
- Get used to being in the saddle for hours
- Prepare for the terrain of your chosen century
- Get your bike dialed in perfectly
- Find out what foods & drink works and don't work for you
- Be consistent
Your personal schedule will dictate how much time you have to train & prepare. However, it takes less than most people think. Simply ensure you ..... Read the entire article