Homage au Peleton

The sport of cycling has adopted many terms and concepts as well from the French.   The peleton is unique to the sport of cycling, in racing the peleton both supports the rider and provides his competition.  Touring cyclists use the peleton as well, mostly cooperatively.

A peleton is a group of cyclists of similar abilities who ride together to provide mutual support and benefits.  The principle advantage of riding with the peleton is speed.  The lead rider or riders in the peleton deflect the wind, enabling the following riders to travel at the same speed using much less energy.  Each rider takes a turn at the front as the riders travel along the road.

In touring, the peleton provides the opportunity to share knowledge and techniques with other riders.  It is important for the riders to travel closely together to maximize the benefit of the draft effect.  The benefit is lost if there is too much separation between riders.  Keeping contact (in the draft benefit zone) with the rider in front is critical to the success of the peleton.  For a group that has been riding together it is good etiquette to support the other riders.  If a rider is struggling to keep pace, the group pace may be slowed to accomodate him.  He would also be excused from leading while experiencing his difficulty.
 
Stronger riders will lead for longer periods or more frequently to balance out the peleton.  The peleton usually travels at a "conversation pace" meaning the effort required of the following riders is such that they can carry on conversations.    Conversations are often about bikes and equipment, other rides (past and future), experiences on the bike and life experiences in general.

Today I learned a technique for keeping contact with the pack when in danger of losing contact.  A simple method that will save me a lot of effort on future rides.

When  I reflect on the day, we spent five and a half hours in the saddle over a nearly nine hour period, covered  ninety miles and finished much stronger and faster than if we had ridden alone.  There is much joy to be found in cycling, most of it is found in the peleton.