Riders,

Learned a lot on our six-person Developers 30 mile ride today.
Nothing new about that on these rides.  Three newbies, three
experienced riders.  Newbies were ridin' like Flyers by the middle of
the session, drafting close, keeping the effort steady, and pulling
off tight.  Here's our collective wisdom, as I read it, and as
confirmed over dozens of these Developer rides.  Keep in mind, these
are fit riders who are fairly comfortable in a performance-oriented
group (16+ mph), so this obviously doesn't apply to everyone.

1.  New riders consistently complain about single file pacelines with
other groups.  It's the most common complaint I've heard over the
years.  I've never been able to explain why exactly, but double
pacelines are safer and more disciplined at speeds above 15mph.  Could
be there is not as much "snaking" left and right, and cars are forced
to slow, then pass, rather than buzz by.  Could be that two people
discipline the speed better than one, making for more consistent
transitions and less yo-yoing in and out of the draft.

2.  New riders who can ride with no hands tend to have a better feel
for advice as to upper body form and pedal stroke.  Unless you have
limited mobility, I recommend trying to learn this skill on a safe
thoroughfare and a smaller ride with friends while you're off the
back.  I'm recommending all new riders learn the skill.  It helps your
form, and it could save a nasty bee sting in the helmet some day too.
By riding no hands, I mean being able to accelerate, get a bottle in
and out, and reach behind your back/take your helmet off.  Start by
hovering above the hoods, then work it from there.  The faster you go,
the more you keep pedaling, the easier it is.  Physicists can tell us
which Law of Thermodynamics explains this, something to do with
objects wanting to remain in motion.

3.  Show newer riders how to accelerate slightly off the front when
pulling off a double paceline.  This isn't necessarily the most
efficient way to pull off, but it prevents new riders from slowing
down and bunching up the pack, potentially preventing wrecks.  As
riders advance in skill, wean them from this practice so they can fall
back into the line more quickly.

4.  Unless the light is low or you have a baby to deliver, trust a new
rider to repair their own flat.  They will be grateful for your
helpful hands-off comments, and will naturally ask for help when or if
they need it.

Of course, to accomplish any of these, experienced riders have to
communicate _politely_ and _earnestly_ with new riders.  They want to
listen, are eager to learn, await our instruction, and will sing your
praises for it.

Thanks all who came out today, and for all the good lessons I've
learned about riding the last few months.

Ride On,

James T.

P. S. Go Schleck!

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