Safety and Etiquette
The Chain Gang
A chaingang or riding through and off uses everyone in the group working together to maximise the average speed of the group. The principle is that everyone takes short turns at the front of the group before rotating off. Fluidity is the trick to getting the most from the group and practice is required to measure the effort to suit the group.
How does it work?
There will be 2 lines 1 moving towards the front the other dropping back rotating everyone to the front for a few seconds. The idea is to keep moving smoothly at a good speed. When you move to the front and it is time to pullover do not sprint past and open gaps causing people to chase. Move past steadily and move over smoothly allowing the rider behind you to do the same and the pace should accelerate gradually. Once it is too fast for you to continue rotating sit just off the back without disrupting the chain.
Tips for success
- Start slow and build up speed as a group without surging
- Smooth riding the key for a successful chaingang
- Avoid touching the brakes. Braking causes uneven splits in the group.
- When moving from the faster line into the slower line of a chaingang do not slow up too much. Keep ‘soft pedalling’ as you move across so riders behind do not
- need to brake and keeps the group rotating smoothly.
- When you move through to the front of the group, do not accelerate. The only acceleration should be at the rear when rejoining the fast line.
- Often, it helps a rider coming through to know when their rear wheel is clear of slower lines front rider’s wheel with a loud shout of ‘clear’.
- The rotation direction is determined by the group depending on weather and road conditions.
- As with all group riding the usual calls for potholes etc still apply to ensure the safety of all riders.