As a triathlete, have you asked yourself why some cyclists are hesitant when you show up with aero-bars? Do you see a concerned look on their face? If you think they are intimidated because of your blinding speed and strength, think again. Is it your super cool bike? I'm sure they appreciate the machinery but that’s not it either. You’re skin tight apparel? Sorry! None of these are what concerns roadies when you show up for a group ride with aero-bars. What is it?.....It’s their safety.
As a triathlete, it’s to our benefit to jump into group (roadie) rides. Roadies attack, recover, and repeat which is a great interval workout opportunity. Having local group rides is an advantage for us triathletes. It’s really boring to do an interval workout by yourself. Often times you will not get the caliber of workout by yourself that you can in a group ride.
So why is it a safety issue? When in a group (pace-line, bunch, or pelleton) Roadies / Cyclists ride with their hands on the brake hoods and fingers on the brake levers. When is such close proximity to one another, the risk of touching wheels or having an accident is much greater than normal. Breaking is as much a part of group riding as peddling. You should constantly adjust your position and speed in reaction to other cyclists.
If you are in the aero-bars in the middle of (or anywhere near) a pack, you will be perceived as having the plague and be avoided at all costs. In aero, you cannot react fast enough to an accident or constantly adjust your position quickly to account for other movement in the bunch. You are dangerous to others in aero. You become a high risk rider and the likelihood of you causing an accident is greater than those with their hands on the break levers ready to react.
Cycling Connection has extended Triathlon Connection a warm welcome to all of their group rides. When in Rome, let’s ride like Romans with your hands on the break levers and avoid any accidents.
When we ride as a Tri group (like we do down the coast), the number of riders is less, the pace is controlled, and you know and trust the person ahead of you. This type of group ride is more conducive to aero-bar riding.
Ride hard but ride safe because it’s far better to ride than to recover.
