Riding in a pack - as scary as it looks?

Forum guidelines BT super discount
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Riding in a pack - as scary as it looks? Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2009-07-13 8:24 AM

New user
57
2525
Subject: Riding in a pack - as scary as it looks?
As I train for my first tri the thing that is frightening me the most is the thought of riding fast in such close proximity to others.  My handling is only so-so (I'm working on it.)  I've been watching the Tour and a lot of races in the Park and it almost makes me sick looking at how closely packed the riders are.  I can't imagine how there aren't more crashes than there are!

So my question is: is it as scary as it looks riding in your first race? Do you feel as if you're going to hit other people constantly?  And if so, how do you deal with it?

2009-07-13 8:27 AM
in reply to: #2280460

User image

Subject: RE: Riding in a pack - as scary as it looks?
Triathlons don't have those packs. Rather they're not supposed to have them. You're supposed to remain 3ish bike lengths behind the person in front of you unless passing. You shouldn't get into a pack like that unless you were in one of the international rules races and you would pretty much have to know what you were doing intentionally in order to even get into one of those
2009-07-13 8:30 AM
in reply to: #2280460

User image

Extreme Veteran
317
100100100
Chelmsford, MA
Subject: RE: Riding in a pack - as scary as it looks?
Unless your triathlon allows it, most races do not allow drafting on the bike. You are required to keep a 3 bike length and must complete passes in 15 seconds. If you are passed you are supposed to drop at least 3 lengths back. If you violate this rules you can be assessed a time penalty.

Yes, riding in a pack can be scary if you are inexperienced, but you probably won't have to worry about it in your race.
2009-07-13 8:31 AM
in reply to: #2280460

New user
57
2525
Subject: RE: Riding in a pack - as scary as it looks?
AH!  No wonder my search didn't turn up anything.  That is reassuring.  I knew drafting wasn't allowed, but didn't see how you could avoid close grouping when everyone is going the same place at roughly the same time.



Edited by slkirsch 2009-07-13 8:32 AM
2009-07-13 8:32 AM
in reply to: #2280460

Master
1963
10005001001001001002525
Subject: RE: Riding in a pack - as scary as it looks?
/\/\ x2

There are no peletons or riding even nearly that close in a triathlon. I would still say it's worth working on your bike handling skills, you never know when you'll need them.
2009-07-13 8:38 AM
in reply to: #2280460

Member
198
100252525
Subject: RE: Riding in a pack - as scary as it looks?
I don't know how big your race is, but I've been in 8 now and they've all ended up with the participants pretty spaced out along the course. Maybe a huge race has clumps of people who are all comparable in their pace, but You generally don't have to worry about being close to people.


2009-07-13 8:50 AM
in reply to: #2280460

User image

Veteran
143
10025
Longview
Subject: RE: Riding in a pack - as scary as it looks?
It isn't anything like what you are seeing on TV.

I would suggest finding out if your area has a bike club and go do a group ride with them.  If they don't try to find 2-3 other people and go out and train with them a couple of rides getting used to being around people.  Group rides will really help your confidence and your riding ability.
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Riding in a pack - as scary as it looks? Rss Feed