Riding in Groups and Cornering

K-Man went out and found some experienced cyclists to answer some questions for the beginners out there and to remind us about some skills that we might have forgotten. Comments are always welcome.

The first topic- Riding in Groups and Cornering

Do you have any suggestions/coping strategies on how to deal with feeling claustrophobic or nervous when you're in the middle of a pack? I know a lot of beginner racers have trouble because they become nervous when they have riders all around them. For example, in a crit, some riders feel trapped and are scared that someone will go down in front of them or will take them out. (This is actually a big barrier for some folks to try racing)

Suz Weldon: Just relax, hold your line through the corners, stay off the brakes as much as possible, go with the flow... Sal, maybe this is more your territory? Mandy?








Sal Collura Well, the obvious answer is that the more time you spend in a pack, the better you will feel. A lot of beginner riders train by themselves 5 days a week, and then expect to race with 40 people. If there are group or club rides in your home town, go on them. Eugene, for example, has Wednesday Night rides where we wait for everyone. I always suggest that new riders in the area attend these as often as they can.

Now, here is the tough answer to being nervous or claustrophobic in a crit or crowded race. Trust. Now I know that's easy for me to say because I race with the Pro 1/2s, but the fact remains, you have to trust the wheel in front of you. S**t is going to happen from time to time, its unavoidable, but being tense or scared, will only make it worse. If you are in what actors call "a state of relaxed readiness", and you see something begin to happen, you can take calm measured steps to avoid being involved. If you just slam on your brakes, you will probably go down.

Mandy Lozano: My advice is practice practice practice. Ask a friend who is a good crit rider/bike-handler to take you on a little "tour de neighborhood". Take corners fast fast fast on their wheel. If you trust them, you can go fast. Stay low on your bike. Keep your center of gravity closer to your frame. keep your hands in the drops, NOT ON THE HOODS. Also, have your friend take you through turns next to you. Practice bumping a bit, but only at a speed comfortable to you. then, when you get into situations where you may not trust the other riders, at least you know how fast you can comfortably go in the turns.

Also, crashing is a fact of life in bike racing, but being afraid will not help. Yes, it's an old adage, but a true one. Just pretend you own that turn- know the various lines, so that if you're forced to take an alternate, you'll be comfortable. Lastly: try to stay off the brakes going into the turns. though the rider in front of you is slowing down, they will go faster through the turn, so don't create a gap you will have to close coming out of the turn. You'll sail toward their rear wheel, think you're gonna hit it, but when they hit the apex they'll glide out of it and you'll be on their wheel without expending any energy. It's beautiful.

Okay, lastly (for real): chopping people or sprinting around them before a turn to gain one spot isn't considerate, safe, or a good idea. Just chill.


Miffy: Just be sure to relax and don't slow too quickly. Once Kiffy panicked and slowed down way too fast going around a corner in our cage and I went right into her butt.
Kiffy: I didn't panic you doofus. There was a brick in front of my face.
Miffy: Yeah right.
Kiffy: No. There was a brick there you moron.
Miffy: Nyah, nyah. Kiffy is a wussbag.
Kiffy: No I'm not.
K-Man: GIRLS.