Hey, all,

As I catch up on enewsletters: here are some timely tips about staying fresh to avoid pulling out in the road from the front of a paceline (See Huan's previous mail) and being able to stay with the group

which BTW: the Sunrise Ride created by Jonathan Jones follows these guidelines nearly to the letter.  We always have a great ride, allowing it to be competitive on hill sprints, city limit sign sprint, and in the last miles to the finish...otherwise we stay together...strong riders pull and if someone is having an off day or is not as strong...they know they can hang in and get towed to the finish.  Read on...subscribe as you wish to the free version...

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Here are 5 pointers for group rides, the goals being (a) no one gets dropped, and (b) everyone has fun....and my add-on (c) by being negliently fatigued, no one pulls out in front of a car...

• Find the right group.  Ideally, it won't be more than 15% too fast or too slow for your present fitness. A big group may need to be split into 2 or 3 smaller ones to accommodate everyone. Pro teams routinely do this in early-season training. The faster group contains riders peaking for the spring classics; the slower one is looking at races later in the season.
   

• Follow the leader.  Every group needs a rider who sets the rules and politely sees that they're followed. Here's a key one: "No one will be dropped except on hills, and then we'll ride easy till everyone is back on."
   

• Designate the tow trucks.  The strongest riders should pull the group together if it splits. For example, the group hits a headwind and 3 riders are dangling at 50 meters. The group slows and 2 strong guys drop back to tow the dropped riders into contact.
   

• Do more work.  If you're a relatively strong rider, get a good workout by spending more time at the front, which gives others a helpful draft. Or, ride to the side of the group in the wind instead of drafting. Help weaker riders up a tough hill with a hand on the small of their back. (Ask first if it's okay.)
   

• Do less work.  If you're concerned about the ride's speed or distance, don't pull at the front. If you do, take very short turns. Get maximum draft. Climb at your own pace on hills. You don't have to go anaerobic trying to stay in contact when you know the group will slow or provide a tow.