New to group riding? Not sure what to expect? The Hotchillee Ride Captains have put together some advice, top tips and an insight into what to expect riding in Group 5 on a Hotchillee event.
The #nolimits ethos abounds in this group! Group 5 is the slowest group, often with riders who are the newest to cycling and have the least experience of group riding.
The peloton often stretches so concentration is key to ensure you hold the wheel in front and predict sudden surges. It’s also important not to watch the wheel in front, watch the shoulders - this lets you see exactly what the rider in front is doing and helps to see the surges, compressions and obstacles happening with plenty of time to react.
Brake evenly and if there is a need to brake suddenly hold your line, and don’t look behind to check if someone is going to run into you…you will be safest looking ahead. Try to look up the inside of the peloton rather than veering towards the oncoming traffic.
Don’t pass anyone to jump up the group unless you can see a clear space to move to. This is particularly important up or down hills where he speed differential is most apparent in our groups.
Train to get your body in shape and know your nutrition and hydration plan to fuel your body. Practice eating and drinking whilst in the saddle and keeping your bike steady in a straight line as you will have riders all around you in the peloton. Top tip - it’s best to eat/drink on the flat or a gentle climb. Steep descents and eating/drinking are a bad idea unless you have the skills of Sagan.
Ensure your bike is ready and you’re ready for your bike….you can’t wing 100+ kilometre days. Your “saddle region”, hands, neck and feet will tell you that very quickly. If you’ve not had a bike fit yet, we’d recommend you get one before your first multi-stage event.
We work as a team to keep us all together. It can be a little slow on the front, a constant chase at the back and if you’re in the middle we need you to keep it together. Ultimately it’s a life changing experience and the bond you create with your fellow riders is something very special. We aren’t the fastest but if you like spending time on your bike this is where you get the best bang for your buck!
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Glen is usually behind the scenes making sure that the Hotchillee Ride Captains and event participants have fully functioning bicycles to ride but he occasionally makes an appearance in front of the camera to share his wisdom. If he’s not fixing or building bikes he’ll be out riding in #SweetSussex. If you want to know anything about Cyclocross, Glen is the man to ask.
Website: www.aeightbikeco.com
Instagram: @aeightracer
Consultant with British Cycling and author of the Road Cycling Performance Manual. Lover of cobbles, gravel and Siberian Pine - not so keen on climbs! Nik is the author of all of the Hotchillee Training Plans, Zwift workout files and regularly posts tips and advice on the Hotchillee app. He’s also the evil genius behind the now infamous Hotchillee Gain Train.
Twitter: @nikalascook
Instagram: @nikalascook
Adele has worked within the health and fitness industry for over 25 years starting with a ballet and dance background herself, she has progressed to training and teaching all styles of fitness and offers Pilates, barre & yoga. As a keen runner, Adele appreciates the need for a strong healthy body and mind and incorporates many elements of Pilates, yoga and barre into her own training to ensure her strength and stamina remain.
Website: www.purebodybyadele.co.uk
Instagram: @purebodybyadele
