Group riding - how much faster?

[nammynake]

I'm going to join a local road club for Sunday rides. I've ridden in groups before so I'm aware of the benefits but I've never measured how much my average speed increases.

They have several groups at various speeds. My current rides of 45-50 miles are done at just under 16 mph over a reasonably hilly route (I was nearer 18 mph in the summer before I had an accident). How much faster could I expect to ride in a group for the same effort? An extra 1 or 2 mph? They have an 18-20 mph fast group but I suspect that may be a little too quick.

[SoliD]

1-2mph I find generally, depends who gets on the front usually and if they ease the pace for people dropping off.

[mcelliott]

You'll find the 18-20mph group no problem - just sit in and tap through if you feel strong enough. Increasing average speed is so much easier when you are in a group.

[okgo]

Agree with the above. Worst case you get dropped and you drop a group for next time. We've all been out of our depth at some point!

Also there are lots of people who say they average 18-20 over mixed terrain but its usually nearer 18 than 20 for most people

[T350 Al]

okgo said:

Agree with the above. Worst case you get dropped and you drop a group for next time. We've all been out of our depth at some point!

Also there are lots of people who say they average 18-20 over mixed terrain but its usually nearer 18 than 20 for most people

Agree with this. I remember heading out with the local cycling club for the first time (triathlete) worrying they'd drop my ass pretty quickly! Not a hope! I went with out with the steady group and found myself leading out pretty quickly, found myself with the fast group on the return.

Moral of the story? Do enough miles on your own and riding with a group seems a piece of piss by comparison!

[nammynake]

Thanks guys - I'll give it a whirl then. As you say, worst case is I get spat out the back and end up breathing out of my arse.

[agentnomad]

Also the skills needed for group riding can be learnt and practiced.

If you get dropped you are only back to where you would have been i.e. doing a solo ride.

[Justin S]

I am contemplating joining a club for Sunday road rides and would personally consider joining in with a slower group first, so as to gauge the speed, stay in the group and not getting spat out the back and left. If I stay in that group easily, then I would move up a group the following week.