RPM had a very valid point; group riding is a specific skillset that takes a bit of learning. Some of the dynamics are different on the track because of the way the banking alters your speed, but even on the road it takes a while to become confident and safe while travelling shoulder to shoulder at 25+mph.
4th Cat road racing requires no induction or accreditation, and as a result there are an incredible number of accidents caused by people with poor group riding skills (even 3rds can be quite sketchy at times). This used to be less of an issue because riders tended to develop the skills on club runs, but these days more riders come straight into racing from outside the club system, and unless they join a club or get specific coaching there's nowhere for them to learn the skills. Even my 6-year-old (who rides with a club) has better group riding skills than some 4th cats :-(
RPM had a very valid point; group riding is a specific skillset that takes a bit of learning. Some of the dynamics are different on the track because of the way the banking alters your speed, but even on the road it takes a while to become confident and safe while travelling shoulder to shoulder at 25+mph.
4th Cat road racing requires no induction or accreditation, and as a result there are an incredible number of accidents caused by people with poor group riding skills (even 3rds can be quite sketchy at times). This used to be less of an issue because riders tended to develop the skills on club runs, but these days more riders come straight into racing from outside the club system, and unless they join a club or get specific coaching there's nowhere for them to learn the skills. Even my 6-year-old (who rides with a club) has better group riding skills than some 4th cats :-(