Why do many cyclists choose to go it alone when riding in club rides or centuries? Many group rides can turn into survival of the fittest, where the novice is quickly sent off the back.
Ideally, a group should contain both novices and experienced riders who don't feel compelled to prove themselves on every ride. The key is riding safely and effectively in a paceline.
More: Drafting Principles: Improve Your Ride Economy
Pacelines are either single or double. In a single paceline, everyone lines up behind the first rider, who maintains a constant speed. The rotation occurs when the front rider pulls off to the side and drifts to the back of the line. The next rider then sets the pace. Riders stay on the front from a few seconds to several minutes. This type of paceline has the advantage of requiring less road space.
A double echelon, also known as a rotating paceline, contains two lines of riders side by side, continuously in motion. One line goes slightly faster than the other does. Let's say you're the lead rider in the faster line. You should cross over to the slow line after passing the front wheel of the rider beside you (the front rider in the slower line). Then you drift back with the others in the slow line. When the final position is reached (back of the line), slide onto the back wheel of the last rider in the fast line.
More: 10 Secrets for Riding in a Peleton
Try a single echelon first. Lead for 20 seconds, then pull off either to the right or left and slide to the back of the line. Stay close enough to bump elbows, then move in behind the last person.
Now try the double paceline. Form two lines, side by side. March up the faster line, pull over, then drop back in the slower line. Practice both clockwise and counterclockwise rotation.
Now, practice adjusting to crosswinds. Wind direction determines which way to pull off you always move into a crosswind. This way, the advancing line that is already working harder gets some protection from the wind.
More: How to Pass With Authority
In strong crosswinds, riders become offset like geese flying south for the winter, forming what is known as an echelon. They also overlap wheels, which means a mistake in which wheels touch can take down the whole bunch. The width of this type of paceline also requires a completely traffic-free road.