At Bunch Ride Finder we are always looking for outsiders perspective on Bunch Rides, the good, the bad and the plain ugly.
Here’s an article featuring Kerrie Meares’ experiences while riding in the local bunch.

“One of the most important pieces of advice I can give to a cyclist attempting their first bunch ride is to ride next to someone experienced, and possibly stay at the back of the bunch until you become more confident riding behind and next to someone,” – Kerrie Meares

Surviving the Bunch Ride by www.shespoke.com.au

How does an inexperienced cyclist survive a bunch ride outing? One of Australia’s most respected and successful women cyclists, track bike specialist Kerrie Meares, has not only learnt how to ride elbow to elbow against competitors in the velodrome but also what to do and what not to do on the road while taking part in bunch rides as part of her training program.

Kerrie along with her sister Anna, are respected track riding champions. The girls, who started riding BMX before moving into the track scene, are multiple world, national, international and Commonwealth titleholders in numerous cycling events. Over years of training and racing cycling has not lost any of its shine for Kerrie.

“As a sport cycling is a great challenge with many disciplines to compete in (MTB, BMX, track, road, sprint, endurance) and as a past time it can be very social and a great means of cheap transport!” Kerrie said. “It offers something for everyone and people of all shapes and sizes can do it,” she added. “This sport has kept me fit and healthy for years, and I have made many friends. It has given me self confidence and at an elite level, and this sport has taken me all over the world.”

Kerrie remembers an incident in 1999 when she was bunch riding on one of her training sessions.

“I was sitting in the middle of the bunch and some of the riders on the front were riding silly (showing off) and failed to point out a rather large brick in the pathway of the bunch. The end result was that everyone but the front riders crashed and it stopped traffic on a busy road. We were very lucky that no cars hit us, but we heard a lot of screeching breaks!”

And some words of wisdom for newbie bunch riders?

“One of the most important pieces of advice I can give to a cyclist attempting their first bunch ride is to ride next to someone experienced, and possibly stay at the back of the bunch until you become more confident riding behind and next to someone,” said Kerrie.

“All bike riders need to have mastered a certain set of skills before they attempt to ride in traffic, let alone in a group,” she said. “Riders need to be able to stay upright, dismount and perform hand signals before they contemplate riding in a group, she added.

‘Bunch etiquette’ is a term that some experienced riders use and according to Kerrie it is just plain commonsense.

“Bunch etiquette is courteous actions towards other riders and traffic. For example, pointing out obstructions in the path of the group when riding on the front, when riding next to someone try and ride level with them, not half wheeling them. Put the earphones and music away (especially when riding next to someone and for safety so you can hear traffic). Take tissues with you so if you need to blow your nose you won’t have to spray it over everyone else. Have respect for the environment and pocket your rubbish and not throw it away,” Kerrie said.

‘Not following ‘bunch etiquette’ can result in unpleasant responses from fellow riders and motorists and a high chance of causing unnecessary accidents,” she added.

Pete York from ‘I Ride’ in Toowoomba, who has years of on road experience guiding beginner bike riders to new levels of confidence, also has a few suggestions to ensure that a bunch ride is a pleasant outing.

“With so many riders on the roads and different groups to ride with these days, sometimes things get a bit scary out there and it’s hard to know what to do. Here are some points to think about to get us all home safe and sound,” he said.

“A group ride is just that; the group starts together and finishes together, and if you want to leave the group then you should let someone in the bunch know what you are doing, not just drop off the back without a word,” Pete said.

“Always call out all lights, potholes, glass, cars, walkers, dogs etc and use your hand signals to indicate any obstacles, such as parked cars on the side of the road. You will learn these hand signals over time. Remember the back can’t see the front and this all works on trust.”

“Most of all have fun!”
To read the original article click here
Or for great Women’s Cycling clothing visit: www.shespoke.com.au

What is SheSpoke? – SheSpoke is a women’s cycle wear company dedicated to meeting the needs of women cyclists. SheSpoke produces premium cycling wear which delivers comfort, performance and style. SheSpoke aspires to encourage women to participate in cycling by providing fashionable, functional, innovative and comfortable cycle wear.