Yes, there are a lot of rules to absorb here, I know. But we cyclists need to be ultra aware out there. And, we need to know that our co-riders are on the same awareness level as we.

Be Predictable - Group riding requires more predictability than riding alone. Other riders expect you to ride straight, at a constant speed, unless you indicate/signal differently. In a pack, as the pace changes moderately, refrain from jamming your brakes. If you do this, you will freak out everyone behind you. Instead:

• Sit up higher to let wind resistance slow you down
• Soft pedal (pedaling w/o applying force)
• Lightly tap brakes (last resort!)

Communicate - Use hand and verbal signals to communicate with members of the group and with other traffic. If you are at the front, it is your responsibility to point out upcoming road obstacles for the group. That is, if there is broken glass ahead on the right, before approaching it you should begin moving out to the left and signal to the others by pointing your right finger down as if indicating "Something's coming up on the right." Each person has to then do the same: move left and point down w/ right hand. Thus the signal gets transmitted rearward to the entire group.

Ride Right - (Particularly for solo and small group riding.) Always ride to the right-most possible side of the road. If there is a shoulder, you should not only be to the right-side of the white line, but then some. Do not assume that just because you're in the "shoulder area" you're fine -- I urge you to move as far to the right as safely possible. If there is no shoulder, you should ride ON the white line and look for another road.

In The Pack - Never overlap wheels. That is, if you are behind someone do not let your front wheel cross the plane of his rear wheel. Because if you rub wheels you will probably go down! Be courteous, consistent and predictable in a pack. One peeve of mine is when Joe Pro Roadie decides to ride no-hands and take off his jacket or unpeel a banana while in the pack. I mean, we're all thoroughly impressed with your bike handling abilities - and Tour riders can get away with this - but you cannot! Please be considerate and move to the back before such theatrics.

Take Your Turn - This means if the group is pacelining, where everyone is rotating to the front, pulling for 30-60 seconds, then dropping to the back, you should take your turn as well. If you're feeling weak, take just 10-30 seconds then drop back. If you're feeling strong, take a longer pull, but keep the established pace - your goal is to ride as a pack; not drop your buddies.

Turn Signals - Hand signals for turning and stopping are as follows: Left arm straight out to signal a left turn. And, for a right turn, put your right arm straight out (in areas where this is legal) or put your left arm out and bent up. If you are at the front make sure you give your group ample warning that a turn is approaching. Signal and perhaps say loudly "Right turn!" For stopping, put an arm straight down with palm facing behind you. If the stop is unexpected (you suddenly catch a red light) say loudly "Stopping!"

Passing Correctly - Generally, slow riders stay right, so you should try to pass others on their left. Say "on your left" to warn an unsuspecting cyclist ahead that you are passing. Be careful not to SPOOK them by waiting til the last second or by yelling! Spooking them might cause them crash into you.

Watch For Traffic Coming From The Rear - Even when you are occupying the proper lane position, it often helps to know when a car is coming. Since those in front cannot see traffic approaching from the rear, it is the responsibility of the rider in back to inform the others by saying "car back." This means the rear rider should be glancing backwards maybe every 30 seconds or so even on country roads where traffic is sporadic. This advice goes if you're riding alone, also. I see way too many bikers who bike with maybe a 120° view (what's in front & a little to the sides.) Wrong! You need to bike with a 360° awareness! Also, around curves, on narrow roads, or when riding two abreast, it is helpful to warn the others of traffic approaching from the front by saying "car up."

Spin First 3 and Final 3 Miles - By spinning, I mean small chainring, mellow riding. Chit-chat pace. Keep everyone together. So many new triathletes exit the parking lot and are off at 25 mph. (They usually finish at 12 mph!) Don't 'fly-and-die.' It'll demoralize and embarrass you at the same time. Instead, start and finish conservatively.

Other Random Stuff

• Always have a few dollars on you.
• Always have tire repair stuff - it is rude to your co-riders to not be prepared.
• Err on the side of more clothes rather than too few. - You can always take some off.
• Start rides into the wind, so that you finish with a tailwind. This is generally a safer plan of action.
• Err on the side of more food & water than not enough - Also know where water stops (parks, convenience stores, etc.) are along the way.
• You should never ride in the pack on your aerobars. It is dangerous and inconsiderate. Instead, while riding closely behind others you should be on the brake hoods to better regulate sudden changes in speed. If you're leading the pack, aero riding is acceptable. Also, two or three bike lengths back is acceptable for aero riding.