Or How Not To Get Lost
The Role of the Ride Leader
Most organised events will include ride leaders, sometimes called guides, other times chaperones, group captains, etc, but for the purpose of clarity I will refer to them simply as Ride Leaders.
On events such a the Mallorca 6Points Challenge, you will be organised into groups based on your preference for the group's pace; in this instance each group is led by a Ride Leader who is there for your safety, enjoyment and to navigate the route on your behalf.
That said, groups often get split and the ride leader cannot always be at the head of the group giving turn by turn instructions. It therefore important that you follow a few rules to prevent misdirection, confusion and "discussion" on the ride on what way to go, and yes it has been known for different cycling computers to give different interpretations of a the same route ! So here's a few tips.
Know the Route
Participating in a cycling event can be a thrilling and rewarding experience, but it's important to know the route beforehand so you can prepare yourself accordingly.
Studying the route beforehand will help you understand the course's terrain, elevation changes, and potential obstacles.
The first step to knowing the route of a cycling event is to research it. Most events will have a website or social media pages where you can find information about the route. You can also look up previous years' events to get an idea of what to expect.
If you are concerned about the route, chat to other participants who have done the ride to gain the benefit of their experiences.
Checking for any "Challenging" parts
While researching or riding the route, take note of any potential challenges for your riding fitness or hazards such as junctions that may be present on the course. This can include steep climbs, descents, tight turns, or poor road conditions.
Knowing the location of these challenging parts of the route beforehand will allow you to adjust your riding strategy, equipment and fuelling/hydration strategy accordingly.
Considerations when using a Cycling GPS Computer or Phone
A cycling GPS computer such as a Garmin Edge, Hammerhead Karoo or Wahoo Elemnt can be an invaluable tool during a cycling event. It can help you stay on track and ensure you don't get lost on the route. Before the event, make sure to upload the route onto your GPS computer, so you have a visual guide to follow during the ride.
Note that it is important to upload the GPX file that you are given by the organisers, you should not rely on creating your own route.
Make sure you are using a route that allows turn by turn navigation. Do not use routes that are based on "waypoints" rather than following the road. Waypoints are a great way to navigate if you are flying or sailing, as the route takes you in a straight line between the waypoints, meaning that the route will cut through fields, rivers etc rather than sticking to the road. This will often lead to the computer trying to direct you off road to get to the next waypoint, which leads us to the next consideration.
Devices such as the Garmin Edge have the option to automatically recalculate the route if you stray off the course you have loaded. A great option if you are by yourself, however can cause chaos on an organised event so make sure this is turned. off.
If you do not own or wish to make the investment in a cycling computer, your next best option is to mount your phone onto the handlebars and follow a route using Apps such as RideWithGPS. If you decide to do this, then it is best to make sure that you have enough battery to last the several hours of planned ride and for the sake of safety, do not get distracted by incoming emails, calls, text messages etc.
Stay Safe
While knowing the route and using a cycling GPS computer can help you during the event, safety should always be your top priority. Always wear a helmet, even when doing pre-ride fettling in for example a hotel carpark (you may be looking down at gears, and fail to observe the parked car or other riders around you), follow traffic laws (note that two abreast is legal but use sound judgment and courtesy to other road users), and stay alert for any potential hazards on the route.
A quick addendum for Spain: When entering a roundabout as a peloton you are classed as a single vehicle meaning that cars need to stop to allow the entire peloton to pass,...this is an important dynamic to understand as it can prevent you from being split from the peloton and then have to ride hard to catchup...or the peloton having to continually stop to regroup after busy roundabouts..
If you're unsure about a particular section of the course, it's better to slow down or dismount and walk your bike if necessary.
In conclusion, knowing the route of a cycling event beforehand is essential for a successful and safe ride.
Researching the course, riding it beforehand, checking for obstacles, and using a cycling GPS computer can all help you stay on track and prepare for potential challenges.
Remember to prioritise safety during your ride, and enjoy every moment!