How does the Chain Gang work?
The aim is to work as a team to get as many riders in each group of six to the end as quickly as possible. At the start, check you are in a group with riders of a similar pace. Experienced chain gangers in each group must make sure new riders are aware of how the chain gang works. In short, each group rides in a single file pace line. Every 1-2 minutes the lead rider peels off to the right when it is safe to do so. The pace line continues and the rider tucks in behind the last rider. It can get quite quick!
These are the only club rides where it is permissible to drop one or more riders. However, if the group agrees, it is possible to have a ‘no-drop’, more social ride. If you are new to the chain gang rides, this might be a good way to start before joining the faster groups!
Chain gang safety & etiquette
The front rider should point out potholes and obstacles to the riders following behind. Give clear warning if you need to brake or stop for junctions / traffic. Listen for feedback from the riders behind you. If you’re on someone’s wheel and it’s too fast or too slow give them a shout to tell them.
When peeling off, look behind to check it’s safe then pull out to the right, letting the group behind come through on your inside then take up position at the rear of the group. As the front rider peels to the back, the last rider should tell them that they are the last in line so the peeled off rider can tuck in behind safely.
Do not try and overtake on the inside until the rider in front moves out. Do not half wheel (overlap wheels) the rider in front in case they swerve to avoid an obstacle. When coming onto the front try to maintain the speed of the group. Do not immediately raise the pace! You will put everyone into the red and end up on your own. If you want to raise the pace it’s good etiquette to wait for the person who has been on the front to get tucked in at the back. Then slowly increase the pace checking the group is still together.
Towards the end of the ride, if it’s safe to do so and you have excess energy you can empty the tank up to the Corsham sign. The segment finishes at the Corsham sign at the last bend. It is too dangerous to sprint past the sign towards the traffic lights and there should be no three or four abreast sprinting for safety reasons.
If you’re unfortunate enough to get dropped off the back of a group there should be a group coming up behind that you can join. Alternatively make your way to Corsham and meet for a drink and debrief at Corsham cricket club. If a group does drop a rider someone from the group should check that the dropped rider made it safely back to Corsham.