Pace Line Basics

Riding in a pace line is a fundamental, efficient cycling skill that all members should know well and be confident in participating. For the benefit of club members who are not aware of what a pace line is or do not know the proper technique of riding in one, this is an instructional page. The club prefers the double pace line as it is deemed safer than the long distance pace line.

The purpose of a pace line is to increase the speed of a group of riders without unduly taxing the energy of it's participants. The goal is efficient speed, at a pace that is faster than the average rider in the group can manage alone. More often, the average club ride will utilize the double pace line. Since our group rides are longer and slower as a rule, the leaders may spend several minutes at the front before changing. While at the front it is important for the leaders to warn the group of hazards in the road ahead by indicating the danger clearly to those behind them. Use hand signals and shout if necessary. The riders behind you are relying on you to keep them accident free. Keep the amount of time spent at the front to no longer than several minutes.

Double pace lines are more dynamic and fluid because it's in constant motion with the front leader changing often. It is faster and demands more teamwork and skill from the people participating. For the purposes of BCC group rides it is best to keep the riders involved in this type of pace line to between 3 and 10 individuals. These pace lines work well for riders working to pull a "dropped" rider or riders back up to the main group. Or, as efficient tempo training.

The Double Shuffle

Most BCC rides are conducted with members riding two up. Two riders assume the lead for intervals of perhaps 2 to 5 km or more before relinquishing it to the next pair of riders. The B.C.C standard for changing the lead has been the single or double peel which is an unsafe practice. This results in our riding at times, 3 or 4 abreast which widens our footprint on the road.

One option that will permit the group to ride more safely two-up, is to Double Shuffle or Rotate the Lead rather than Peel. Since lead riders after falling back remain close to the front for the next shift they will continue to work harder than those further back so it is recommended that the shift lengths be shortened to at least ½ the normal.

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