some introduction into Pace Line Training will take place after ~8 miles of bike path hills ... We'll first do 6 miles on the PJ-Setauket Bike Path followed by mostly flat runs through Mt. Sinai & Miller Place and work on pace lining. You'll be amazed how fast the flat and rolling stuff goes after the hills. MY thoughts for successful pace lining (I'm sure others can add to this):
1. no matter where you are in the line: try not to do anything unexpected and call out/indicate hazards;
2. when taking over the front position maintain the SAME speed and accelerate slowly if desired;
3. look BACK before pulling off the front; signal intent with one elbow while dropping off to the other side;
4. consider who's wheel your following and adjust your distance appropriately; try not to cross the rear wheel of the rider ahead;
5. eat/drink while in the last position;
6. when in the last position, call out traffic approaching from the rear;
7. DON'T pull until you HAVE to get off (save your energy and take another pull later); Plan ahead and don't get off the front at the bottom of a hill;
8. if you're tired and feel it might be unsafe then hang off the back.