Organize the group!

It's almost March and early-season group rides are beginning. Finally! These rides are where we meet friends, do some miles and test our sprint for road signs. They're the basis of cycling culture.

There's one catch: To enjoy a group ride, you have to stay with the group!

It's no fun to hang on for 30 minutes only to get shelled on the first hill and spend the rest of the miles alone. But if you're a stronger rider, it's tedious to pedal slowly just to keep everyone together.

Here are some pointers for group rides, the goals being (a) no one gets dropped, and (b) everyone has fun.

Find the right group. Ideally, it won't be more than 15% too fast or too slow for your present fitness. A big group may need to be split into two or three smaller ones to accommodate everyone. Pro teams routinely do this in early season training. The faster group contains riders peaking for the spring classics; the slower one is looking at races later in the season.

Follow the leader. Every group needs a rider who sets the rules and politely sees that they're followed. Here's a key one: "No one will be dropped except on hills, and then we'll ride easy till everyone is back on."

Designate the tow trucks. The strongest riders should pull the group together if it splits. For instance, the group hits a headwind and three riders are dangling at 50 meters. The group slows and two strong guys drop back to tow the dropped riders into contact.

Do more work. If you're a relatively strong rider, get a good workout by spending more time at the front, which gives others a helpful draft. Or, ride to the side of the group in the wind instead of drafting. Push weaker riders up a tough hill with a helping hand on the small of their back. (Ask first if it's okay.)

Do less work. If you're concerned about the ride's speed or distance, don't pull at the front. If you do, take very short turns. Get maximum draft. Climb at your own pace on hills. You don't have to go anaerobic trying to stay in contact when you know the group will slow or provide a tow.