What is a Paceline?
A pace line is a group of riders who trade off the lead to share the effort of riding in front so that the other riders can rest in the draft that is created. Some of the benefits of a paceline
What is a Paceline?
A pace line is a group of riders who trade off the lead to share the effort of riding in front so that the other riders can rest in the draft that is created. Some of the benefits of a paceline are safety, efficiency, and speed. By working together in a paceline, the person in the front works the hardest while everyone else can recover but not lose speed. By rotating out the front position, you can share the effort as a team and as a result move together at a faster pace, with lower effort, than you would otherwise individually. The person in the front is often described as “pulling” the group. As you learn to feel the draft and understand what you’re feeling this will make much more sense. The cyclists greatest enemy is the air, even when not windy as you move at speed you need to push all the air out of your way. This slows you down significantly. In a paceline, only the person pulling feel the full force of pushing the air away. Others behind him can benefit from the leaders effort.
Pacelines that lack discipline can be a least annoying and at most extremely dangerous.
If the rider in front of you is predictable, then you are in a good position to understand what is about to happen.
Constant Energy Output
Riding the paceline is not about constant speed; it is about relatively constant energy output. Using constant pedal pressure is an effective way to produce constant energy output. Riders put out more energy uphill than downhill, and leaders work harder than others in the paceline. Non-leaders work less, so that they have energy to “pull”. Overall, the group goal is uniform intensity, moving as one, without undue speed variations in the paceline. As you are approaching the front of the paceline, take a mental note of how fast you are pedaling and then maintain the same cadence after the rider in front of you pulls off. There’s an implied contract with the group that you are the caretaker of the group’s speed when you come to the front. Fast and slow riders alike should pay particular attention to detail here.
Safe and Smooth Paceline
Best behavior in the paceline is to maintain a constant distance between you and the rider in front of you. Make all your speed changes and moves smoothly, so that you are easy to follow. Pay attention and think about your effect on the group. Constant pedal pressure helps to maintain a steady speed and makes it easier for other riders to pace with you. Steady pedal pressure at a higher cadence is efficient, stable, and allows you to be more responsive to group speed changes that may occur. If you are drafting so well that you need to “feather” your brakes for long stretches, you may want to stop pedaling to let the rider behind you know that you are not putting energy into the pedals. Random speed changes have an “accordion-effect” that that is disruptive to the paceline. Unnecessary side-to-side weaving is disruptive to the paceline. Movements either by random braking or sudden movements to the left or right are detrimental to group interaction and can lead to crashes. Don’t be the reason several of your friends need their collarbones surgically set!!
Distance to Rider in Front
A tighter paceline is a lot more efficient. The distance between the rear wheel of the rider in front of you and your front wheel depends on trust and experience. If you are inexperienced and don’t know the rider in front of you, stay within 2-5 feet of the wheel in front of you. This distance can be 1-2 feet if you trust the movements of the rider in front of you. If you and all the riders around you are very trustworthy and experienced, that distance can shrink to 6 inches, maybe less. Once the distance is established, it is best to maintain it by watching the front hub area of the rider in front of you. When doing this, you can see earlier the path the lead rider is taking as well as potential obstacles. For safety on fast descents, the distance can grow to a couple of bike lengths. In most situations, if you are two or more bike lengths back, you will not be in the draft.
- The leader decides what happens – for better or for worse.
- Maintain a relatively even pace.
- Give visual and/or verbal signals regarding road hazards.
- Pull on descent. On descent the front rider should still maintain moderate pedal pressure. If he doesn’t, then the riders behind will be using their brakes too much.
- In a single paceline, the leader pulls off to the left.
- Short pulls. Pull to the top of the first hill.
- If you are tired when you come to the front, do not pull