Our informal Wed. night group has exploded over the last year from 10+ regulars, to 30 - 40 people showing up... and growing. It has gone from a laid back 17 mph average to a very competitive 20+ average, with sprint zones, etc.
Before, since there were only 10 of us, it was obvious who was new, and safety lessons were given prior to and during the ride. It was a laid back setting for anyone who showed up, and could keep up. Now, there is just a big mass in the parking lot, itching to go fast. Someone generally asks if there are any new riders, but they don't always fess up (I don't know why), and then we seem to just roll out, hoping for the best.
Last night there were several close calls and A LOT of cursing. All because some unannounced newbies had no clue as to how to ride safely in a group...NONE. This seems to be occurring weekly now, and I know we're just pushing our luck.
**For those of you who ride in large groups like this - How do you ensure that everyone participating on the ride understands how to ride in a pace line safely? How do you approach new riders wanting to join in? How do you find out who is a new rider before hand, in the first place? This isn't really a beginner ride anymore, IMO, but they keep showing up.
Thanks for any suggestions as to how we can make this large group safer, and identify new riders before there is a problem.
Before, since there were only 10 of us, it was obvious who was new, and safety lessons were given prior to and during the ride. It was a laid back setting for anyone who showed up, and could keep up. Now, there is just a big mass in the parking lot, itching to go fast. Someone generally asks if there are any new riders, but they don't always fess up (I don't know why), and then we seem to just roll out, hoping for the best.
Last night there were several close calls and A LOT of cursing. All because some unannounced newbies had no clue as to how to ride safely in a group...NONE. This seems to be occurring weekly now, and I know we're just pushing our luck.
**For those of you who ride in large groups like this - How do you ensure that everyone participating on the ride understands how to ride in a pace line safely? How do you approach new riders wanting to join in? How do you find out who is a new rider before hand, in the first place? This isn't really a beginner ride anymore, IMO, but they keep showing up.
Thanks for any suggestions as to how we can make this large group safer, and identify new riders before there is a problem.