alcjphil

In any less experienced group you will probably be going slower and the benefit of a draft will be much less. Therefore it is better to leave a larger gap between you and the rider in front to allow more reaction time if something happens. Keep your head up and try to see what is going on farther down the road, don't focus on the rider directly in front of you. Of course if that rider is unusually tall and wide this may not be possible and in that case, allow additional space. First group rides are always sketchy, you don't yet know how the others ride. Be predictable, try to ride in as straight a line as possible, a wobbly rider ahead will make the following rider nervous. Watch how the others ride and try to latch onto the smoothest wheel in the group. Communicate. If it is a no drop ride it is important to tell others if you are having trouble keeping up