What’s the Ride Captains’ role on the road?
Firstly, being a Ride Captain is a privileged because of the people you get to meet and the collective experience of the journey to Paris. There are three main aspects to the role. First and foremost, it’s about safety of all of the riders. Second, it’s about communicating clearly how we plan to ride as a group and what’s expected of each rider to achieve this. Thirdly, motivation and encouragement.
Describe the Group 3 experience in a single sentence
The Group of Champions! It’s about a collective sense of achievement. Everyone in Group 3 can ride their bike and could probably ride L2P solo but it’s all about the team experience. It’s not the testosterone fuelled feeling of Group 1 or the “can I make it” sense of Group 5, it’s the perfect sweet-spot.
What average speed will Group 3 be aiming for?
27 kph
That’s a bit faster than I manage on my own, should I be worried?
Not necessarily as there is a significant benefit to being in a group but it’s not a magic bullet - especially on climbs. You should really be up or close to our target pace in training.
How important are group riding skills and how can I learn them?
Essential, the more group riding you can do, ideally joining our monthly rides, the better. As well as learning how we’ll ride on the event, you’ll also get to meet the Ride Captains and some of the people you’ll be riding with. https://www.hotchillee.com/hotchilleehandbook-group-riding-tips/