BUNCH RIDES

Riding in a group is one of the main attractions for all cyclists. It provides excellent motivation to maintain a regular cycling schedule and the ability to carry on a conversation while riding your bike next to another person is such a positive that many riders spend years simply joining the bunch rides in their area, without ever joining a club or competing in a race or organised event.

Riding in a bunch (or pace-line or peleton) does however require sufficient skill on a bike and knowledge of how a bunch works to ensure a safe and enjoyable group ride. While information such as the tips below can give a few pointers to help you become more aware of some of the issues and techniques required, it is no substitute for the assistance of experienced riders and coaches from a club who can explain things on the road. For more information on the clubs in your State see the fact sheets link on this site.

WHY A BUNCH?
A bunch can travel much faster than an individual cyclist because above 30kph wind is the biggest resistance factor, and only the front rider/s in a bunch are in it. All the following riders are effectively shielded until they take their turn at the front, maintain the speed for a time and then move backwards smoothly to recover for the next turn.

A bunch is also called a pace line when the riders circulate in a single line, changing continuously at the front. Smooth pace lines are a buzz to ride in and generally occur in a race when the riders want to maintain a high average speed.

A large group riding together also has the capacity to greatly enhance the visibility of the riders and therefore their safety. Responsible riding by the bunch has the potential to improve the image of cyclists and acceptance by other vehicles of cyclists as legitimate road users, and counter a growing tendency by legislators to consider reducing access for bicycles to our road system. Funny when one considers that increasing bicycle usage could actually be part of the solution to increase the level of physical activity in the community and reduce traffic congestion, obesity, stress levels and pollution!

HOW DOES A BUNCH WORK?
The key feature of bunches and pace lines is that they are smooth. All riders maintain even lines and speed, and those that may not be so strong may choose to stay in the rear part of the group rather than coming through to take a turn at the front. A bunch ride is not the place to display your power and ability with sudden changes in pace or direction. If a gap forms in the group and you are strong enough to close it, it should be done gradually and smoothly. That way you take everyone else along for the ride! With so many riders riding in close proximity, unexpected changes in direction or speed can be dangerous.

A bunch is a group of riders in pairs, a pace line is a single line of riders moving up one side to the front and returning to the rear on the other. The decision to ride single or double depends on the number of riders and the prevailing road and traffic conditions. The national road rules state that you are allowed to ride two abreast but common sense should prevail in the interests of safety.

Generally, the faster a pace line is riding the harder it is to maintain a steady speed at the front and the riders will make their turns shorter. In general, the principles for changing the lead riders of a bunch are:

·  The two front riders first signal their intention to change to their partner, check that the traffic conditions will allow them to move to the rear, and that the following riders are not overlapping wheels with them. This rearwards check also alerts the others that a change is being considered.

·  Those two riders then move smoothly to the side of the road in single file without slowing and when they are there they then slow gently to allow the next riders to continue to lead the group past them while maintaining a constant speed.

·  Once at the back of the group they re-integrate into the last two positions.

Single pace line: The same steps are followed by a single line of riders. The only difference being that moving to the front of the group happens continuously. The lead rider generally pulls off to the side the wind is coming from, allowing the riders approaching the front some shelter.