Riding in a Paceline
If it's windy, you can save a lot of energy by letting the person in front of you block the wind. However, this can only be done safely if everyone is doing it same way.
• Keep your cadence and speed consistent -- do not coast when in a pack.
• Ride in as straight a line as possible. This will maximize the wind blocking effort for everyone behind you.
• If you need to slow down try soft pedaling -- do not apply brakes unless in an emergency. If you slow suddenly the person behind you will hit you and at least a few of you will go down.
• If you are in front call out road hazards. If you can avoid potholes without any sudden movements, do so. Otherwise, ride over them as safely as possible. Sudden movements can take the whole pack down.
• If you are the lead rider and want to move back, signal the rider behind you with a quick flick of the elbow, do a couple of hard pushes on your pedals to clear yourself of any crossed wheels, and pull off to the outside. Then reduce your pedaling so the pack can move ahead of you. Rejoin the group in the back.
• If you are riding in a "double paceline " (two riders across), the rider on the right should pull off to the right, the rider on the left should pull off to the left.
• If you are taking over lead position, make sure not to try to "bridge the gap" between where you are and where the lead rider was. Just mainting the pace you have been riding. If you speed up you will create a gap behind you. Follow the wise words of Michael, "Take what you are given".
• Do not feel pressured to pull for too long. Do what you feel comfortable doing and pull off.