2011-08-13 - 1948 London Olympic Ride

Ok have thought more....
I have been on a number of forum rides this was my first fast ride. I should have found out about the group's etiquette before or at the start and then would have the option whether to join.

I understand the technique bdw, from your description and have ridden like that wheel to wheel with friends for speed. Yes trust is vital. and the same rhythm of riding helps. I was riding fixed on sunday perhaps a bit risky riding close behind a geared rider. So again bad call by me.

My take on the issue (as a cycling Instructor) is this:
On the one hand- the least risky position to ride on most roads is the middle of the lane; paired up if riding with a group.This assumes the impatient driver(s) behind who can see you is less likely to harm you than you being in a position where you are less visible, have less room to manoeuvre if encountering a hazard...

British cycling: move to secondary postion..... (if) the rider’s safety is not reduced by riding in this position.
If you were on a closed road where would you ride?

On the other hand -you don't want to obstruct people going about their (potentially faster) business:

So every individual and group needs to agree the degree of risk they are prepared to take.

(Do groups/clubs keep a log of crashes and incidents and their causes?)