Any views?
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/anthony- ... er_android
Anthony WalshAnthony Walsh
• 2nd • 2nd
Ex Lawyer & Cyclist. On the Mic (Roadman Podcast & Anthony Walsh Podcast)Ex Lawyer & Cyclist. On the Mic (Roadman Podcast & Anthony Walsh Podcast)
Philip Benstead • YouIs the cycling group ride dead?
There was a time when group rides weren’t just about speed or Strava segments. They were about belonging, mentorship, and learning the unwritten rules that transformed a bunch of riders into a cohesive peloton. Today, that tradition is fading. Too often, group rides feel chaotic—like a race, not a shared experience.
In the past, experienced riders would pass down their knowledge, teaching newer cyclists the art of holding a steady line, rotating smoothly, and reading subtle signals. It was about creating a safe, respectful environment where every rider contributed to the group’s rhythm. The ride was a school, and the goal was to be part of a collective, not the strongest individual.
But now, we see less mentorship and more riders focused solely on performance. The result? A breakdown in group etiquette—overlapping wheels, inconsistent pacing, endless shouts of “hole!” for minor bumps, and gaps that leave half the group sprinting to catch up.
If you’re an experienced rider, consider taking on a mentorship role. Ride next to someone new, pass down those core skills, and show that cycling is about community as much as competition.
Let’s revive the tradition of group riding as a place to learn and grow, not just to flex fitness or ego.
Next time you’re on a group ride, remember: the goal isn’t to prove you’re the fastest but to ride with skill, respect, and teamwork.
I recorded a full podcast on this today, it's a great one to share with club mates
https://lnkd.in/e87xjGjb
Cycling Instructor at Cycle Instructor Ltd
Graeme Freestone King • 1stI also agree, but are cycling clubs dying due limites on club run numbers, lack of pubiticy, and lack of leaders. All of these factor I have seen London and south east.
Managing Director at Velotech Cycling Ltd
Andy Cairns • 3rd+Absolutely agree with this.
We know when we are in trouble when a club ride is billed as "no drop" ... when I first started in a club (sorry, old git moment), no-one actually ever had to say that - new members of the club - or those that we might have hopefully regarded as members-to-be were taken care of and, yes, gently nudged, by and large, to learn and exercise the etiquette of group riding.
That doesn't stop multiple rides going out that might be to some extent speed graded (these days, the need for smaller groups actually makes that easier than it used to be in days of yore), nor does it prevent a bit of good-natured competition in some agreed areas of the ride, so long as there's a recognition that we aren't racing or trying to knock chunks off each other & that at the top of that hill, or that great stretch of road for through-and-off, after the town sign or by Ye Olde Kinge's Head ... we'll reassemble and roll smoothly again.
Our club, 45RC have found it necessary to post our club rides as being "no drop" but that is, sadly, a reaction to the expectation of many riders, who have, in the past, hesitated to join us on a Sunday morning for fear of getting their legs ripped off ...
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Sales Engineer at Mansfield Pollard Covering London & South East.
Anthony WalshAuthorGroup rides are so hectic now, it's very difficult to enjoy, mainly due to the ongoing road war with motorists,
The main issue (especially where I live in Kent) seems to be cycling side by side, as soon as we do this we get abused almost instantly.
So we end up struggling to get a cohesive group ride due to this, my club are more of a social group, with a good mix of experienced and less experienced cyclists with a circa 60/40 split between men and women.
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Ex Lawyer & Cyclist. On the Mic (Roadman Podcast & Anthony Walsh Podcast)
Andy Cairns • 3rd+Andy Cairns Ireland & Uk seems particularly bad with "them" v "us" on the roads. Seems to be getting worse
Sales Engineer at Mansfield Pollard Covering London & South East.
Sam Shaw • 2ndAnthony Walsh yes I agree, and to be honest, I don't really get it, most cyclists are motorists too, when I'm driving I don't see any issues 9 times out of 10 with cyclists.
I accept that in cities this might be slightly different, as in the UK when you drive in cities there is a kill or be killed vib for everyone on the road. But in the open countryside it's really bad.
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Placemaking Development Manager Scottish Canals // CMLI // Cycling UK Scottish Advisory Committee Member
Dave Barter • 1stPeople riding online platforms, coming into group situations may be fit enough to ride rapidly, but they've missed out on being taught the basics by an older experienced rider (the likes that would take newbie groups / intermediates). A traditional club structure is not necessarily appealing to some, which is why smaller 'clubs' (groups of mates riding together) have popped up to the detriment of younger / inexperienced riders gaining knowledge as they progress.
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Chief Executive Officer at Nautoguide Ltd.
Sam Shaw • 2ndSam Shaw My club captain was and is the most influential cyclist in my life. I learnt everything from him and these rides and I mourn the rite of passage that is so sadly missing. I dedicated a chapter of Great British Bike Rides to him. We need more Malcolms
Placemaking Development Manager Scottish Canals // CMLI // Cycling UK Scottish Advisory Committee Member
Andy Matthews • 2ndHello Dave Barter - I’ll habe a look at that, I really enjoyed Obsessive, Compulsive Cycling Disorder (quick check on Amazon shows I purchased it in 2015!)
Founder + Architect @ Andy Matthews Studio
Completely agree. I was taught to ride in a group by some really good people.
One thing I heard from an old pro was something along the lines of “if someone hasn’t picked you up on something you could do better, you haven’t been on a proper group ride”.
So many group rides are often dangerous and people don’t want to hear that they’re risking the safety of others.
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Joe Horton • 3rd+
I help engineering and procurement professionals in the UK's top companies take control of their valve supply and eliminate the headaches caused by inexperienced and unreliable suppliers who deliver crappy products late.
Hans Flensted-Jensen • 3rd+Andy Matthews true and people think you are being a kill joy having group riding rules, when in fact most of it is safety of the group and other road users tbh.
Legal means business
I would very much like to invite you to join Oslo Dawn Patrol one day here in Oslo. This wonderful community has all the elements you're looking for: a remarkably diverse group of people, a strong focus on inclusion, and a genuine sense of belonging. This creates group rides where people look out for each other, share knowledge and experience (without any hint of patronizing). That said, I agree with you; I've been on many group rides that turn into races, where the goal somehow becomes “winning” a social ride.
(Sharing the link to a post that sums up ODP quite wellhttps://www.linkedin.com/posts/oslo-daw ... er_desktop)
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Peter Abraham • 2nd
President at Abraham | Sports Marketing & Branding Expert
Anthony WalshAuthorGroup rides here in LA are going pretty strong. The challenge I see is that they are mostly men's events. Few of the rides make an effort to include women.
Ex Lawyer & Cyclist. On the Mic (Roadman Podcast & Anthony Walsh Podcast)
Vincent M. • 3rd+Peter Abraham We struggle with gender balance also. At least 10:1 ratio
Do what you love/Love what you do. Dog Fosterer/Rescuer; Avid cyclist; Golfer; Model/Acting Talent; Attorney/Research/Writing.
Sean Kneale • 2ndAlive and well here in MA. (Blue Hils Cycling Club). I remeber the old days being like mentioned in post. (Town line sprints etc). Now, much more inclusive. Even incorporating coffee stops)
)Sales | Management | Marketing | Bikes
Anthony WalshAuthorI tend to avoid the hectic group rides now - I'm past that stage in life. Most of the groups I ride with do have some structure, but they are not perfect. As one of the "old guard" I do try to give tips and guide as I can, but there's a fine line with that approach.
Ex Lawyer & Cyclist. On the Mic (Roadman Podcast & Anthony Walsh Podcast)
Sean Kneale • 2ndSean Kneale it is hard to find the line between giving tips and been the old dude who lectures everyone. i know your pain.
Sales | Management | Marketing | Bikes
Ken Jones • 2ndThe number of times I've gotten "I know!!" in that wonderful tone....(as the rider continues to do the thing that keeps getting them dropped)
Cycle Granada:
Jeff Cherubini • 2ndWell done Anthony, the group ride in some areas aren’t completely dead but you need to look for the right club and history. But I am personally glad to see you doing these rides .
Professor of Kinesiology at Manhattan University
Aidan Somerville • 3rd+Well said! Learned so much from some great group ride mentors Jose Maldonado Lynda Maldonado Mario M. García, M.A. over the years. Certainly miss those days - but still love group rides when we're focused on riding together rather than competing against. Thanks Anthony Walsh! will listen this week.
Sr IT Program Manager | Project Management, IT Projects
Chris Gosling • 2ndWhat happens when most are experienced riders, the speed is constantly pushed, and that prevents new people from joining because of the “ego” thing?
The one who gets things working!
Mike Liddall • 2ndMy mentors were the Antelope Racing Team, when you raced you raced and when it was a club run it was a club run. 42 x 18 20 MPH in all conditions with the one exception ...village signs and the craft of the sneaky sprint.
Supervising Location Manager
Joe Horton • 3rd+Graded club rides with intelligent empathetic riders are a pleasure to be a part of. I road and raced with Archer RT, TCC and SMCC, enjoying some fantastic, fun and exhilarating club rides (40-100miles depending mid-week or weekend). What I didn’t agree with nor understand, was the brainout before setting out, putting the hammer
down, from the get go mindset.
On one regular TCC night this proved disastrous for one rider who hit a pothole and died from his injuries.
The state of roads, I would caution, now preclude, tight, efficient, metronomic, conveyor belt, echelons.
Far safer and more enjoyable, to ride with a handful of trusted, talented friends, who are able to hold a conversation on topics beyond groupset choice or tyre choice.
Those who are exercised by current war crimes, genocide, climate change, current affairs and international politics are likely to care about people and the planet and give and take their road manners accordingly.
If you are irritated by Eurosport commentator Rob Hatch, pronouncing European names and places correctly, as opposed to some English bastardised version spoken in Wetherspoons, then you’re not my type of group.
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out before setting out, putting the hammer 
down, from the get go mindset. I help engineering and procurement professionals in the UK's top companies take control of their valve supply and eliminate the headaches caused by inexperienced and unreliable suppliers who deliver crappy products late.
Pete Richards • 2ndWell said - I think mentorship has it's place in some circumstances but I fear that in other established groups "pseudo racing" has become so well entrenched as to now be irreversible.
I think you have less club run patrons these days too.
Certainly back in the day you wouldn't dare half wheel or come over the top of the lead riders.
Returning to the sport after 18 yrs out I'm shocked by the standard of bike handling, group ride etiquette etc and wonder how much strava, sportives and pretend racing has contributed.
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Founder | Director @ Educora Consulting
Julien Bourcerie • 2ndInteresting post. I ride with a club here in the UK, and the bunch is mostly the same from one week to the next. When we do get a new club member join us I'd like to think we mentor them into the bunch, but I have heard a few people talk about the lost "etiquette" of cycling, possibly tracking on the same curve as the fall in popularity (memberships to cycling clubs in the UK have fallen post COVID and haven't recovered).
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Building cycling, riding and walking infrastructures
John W. • 2ndRiding in a club/team can change that for the better ! When you join a club it is no not only for riding but for friendship, experience and learning.
In the same time many new cyclists does not consider joining a club and practice alone. Go social - physically and not only on Strava !
B2B Sales Manager at Albion Cycling
Gavin Harte • 2ndI’ve been saying this too for the past few years. The death of the cycling club has resulted in new cyclists who are actually dangerous to ride with.
We had loads of new cyclists on rides when I was at Isadore, all thinking they were super cyclists because they had bought all the kit to look like one. Genuinely scary some of the things I’ve seen on these rides.
One last point is there also not many people who know how to lead a ride properly, which is a major factor. Too many rides have leaders on the front and no one on the back to keep people together.
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Sports Technology | Marketing | B2B | Sales | Customer Service
Not sure it’s the death of clubs which means more dangerous riders or the rise of Zwift and other platforms. People spend so much time indoors, they don’t learn how to ride with others.
Christopher Smith • 2nd
Brand Activation Manager, Post Office
Stuart Neal • 3rd+What a great post and one that I agree with. Group rides, or club runs should be about learning how to ride in a group, follow a wheel, all whilst having a conversation with the rider beside you.
The interesting thing with a lot of riders in groups today is that they feel they need to 'race' others in the group – but ironically don't compete in events of any kind.
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New Home Sales Specialist
Eric Sakalowsky • 2ndI love group rides and despite the fact that they have been part of the cycling scene for a very long time, car drivers will continue to insist we ride single file or not at all I’m afraid
Global Marketing Leader | E-Commerce, Digital Marketing, Sports Marketing, Brand Strategy
I’ve moved a lot over the years and, early on, always found a variety of group rides to choose from in each new location. Some were coffee shop style relaxation and chatting while others were the local weekly “World Championships” hammer sessions. Over the past decade, I find a decline in group rides as I go to new places despite the easier means of organizing them. I’m not sure if this is geography, habit, scheduling or what but good group rides are instrumental in fostering community, meeting new people, learning proper etiquette, and testing one’s sporting level (among other things). Kudos to those who keep it going and who make the effort to organize and show up. See you out there!
Dorothy Bean • 2nd
Senior Clinical Lead, Transformation Directorate, NHSE (formerly NHSD). Open to giving clinicians and others advice on digital careers and clinical entrepreneurship.
Anu Lall • 3rd+Our club has healthy ( for a small town) and consistent numbers.
I’ve not group ridden for ages but they run skills sessions monthly.
That said, metalling is definitely on its deathbed.
Numbers attending events have dropped off a cliff I gather. Based in Oxfordshire UK.
I help burnt-out, anxious, over-achievers transform to ⮕ Fit, Strong & Happy
With 3,000 year old mind-body techniques. WITHOUT twisting like a pretzel, eating leaves or meditating for 8 hours 
Stefan Powell • 3rd+Peloton is not a peloton anymore
Jokes apart, new riders are a little shy of the older more experienced, faster ones... So strava comes handy as the "next best pal"
Executive And Leadership Performance Coach - Helping Good People Lead Great Things
Valuable post and podcasts (saved for listening).
I think this is synergistic to the 'wfh' debate.
Often it's the benefits you don't see but feel that are lost. When we exclude in the same space work - we miss this.
Why? Very few of us listen to our feelings and Regina's what's good for us.
I guess that's why so many ride to power meters full time rather than trusting their gut.
(That's doesn't meant power meters aren't incredibly useful btw).
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John B. • 3rd+
Founder at Web 8 | Delivering Revenue Growth | Driving Client Growth | Enhancing Client Retention | Automation to Streamline Marketing| talks about #digital marketing, #Web Design #SEO #Business growth
Sachin Paranjape • 3rd+Or are they over entitled lycra clad wannabes with no consideration for other rad users. Holding up and inconvenience venencing others
Former Deloitte Partner | Speaker | Executive Coach | Emotional Intelligence Coach (EQi 2.0 certified) | CII National Committee member | Board Governance and Risk Professional
Ian Gannon MBA BEng MAPM MIET IEng • 3rd+It seems to me that this experience you shared is not restricted to the cycling group alone. And from the comments it is even more evident that there are many who resonate with you but there is hope too.
This is very much a reality at work too. Mentorship hasn't lost its importance but is unfairly competing with speed. Thanks for your post Anthony Walsh
Helping projects achieve stability in delivery through agile and lean construction and manufacturing
Alex Palmer • 2ndNo it’s not dead, just have to join bigger clubs.
Mine has rides based on different speeds and an introductory.
D - speed of slowest rider, expect 10-12mph. Normally used for intro rides.
C - majority of riders 12-14mph, sometimes 15. Mostly amateur
B - 15-18mph and more serious riders.
A - racers but still as a group.
I have been struggling with injuries this year so while i’m normally on C rides i’ve either dropped on the Ds or gone solo.
We also have a tandem ride for a couple of blind people who are fit but can’t see enough of where they are going. Had a couple of handcyclists join us, and a few have conditions that mean they need a group ride incase they have a medical episode
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Mental Health, Wellness & Sports Industry Marketer / Entrepreneur. Aspiring Therapist.
Danny Russell • 2ndAhh the good old "clubrun".. I grew up getting schooled by older riders on these, you'd get told <i>[inappropriate word removed]</i> like not to put it in the big ring until springtimeThe obsession with data and tracking has definitely changed things, it's also made people way faster, earlier in their cycling "career" which I think makes them far less receptive to feedback from more experienced riders.. there's a feeling that just cos you are fast you know it all already, and especially in race situations this manifests in more aggressive & disrespectful behavior.
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INSIGHT | STRATEGY | NED
I am just here to see someone go into meltdown over the fact that those cyclists aren't riding in single file; that none have lights and that "they don't have insurance or pay Road Tax".......
James Barrett • 2nd
Teacher of History ( Humanities) Head of Year /D of E Lead / London Dynamo Social Secretary/ Owner at Peak Training Camps LTD
John Berkeljon • 3rd+Bang on.... as an older experienced rider I too am guilty of getting embroiled in a strava induced attack ... Great piece. Chapeau
CEO, CFO, M&A, Triathlete
Dan Gooding • 2ndTo me this is like analogy for life. At least from where I came from in Holland. It's a competition to drive your car closest to the front door of a shop, pass cyclist with 70km/hr trying to shave the arm hair of cyclist. Cyclist believing the road is theirs as if they are in the Tour de France. We have no time to great someone else, answer a question, let them pass. Zebra crossings only work in 50% of the time if there is also a traffic light and camera. Its the non subtle art of dont give a f$%k.
Happy to have left that behind me.
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Franchise Owner - The Bike Fitters Ltd
Ralph-Edgar Bennewitz • 3rd+I don’t think you give enough credit to local cycling clubs. I know a lot of clubs in Cheshire who all run well organised group rides and cater for all abilities and speeds. They do hold riders to account but teach and guide in a way that’s inclusive and encouraging. Shout out to Cheshire Mavericks CC, Macclesfield Wheelers, Chorlton Velo, Stockport Clarion, Siemens, Hale Velo, Buxton CC to name just a few.
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Inspiring New Roads Through Sustainable Strategies.
Stephen Miles FRIAS RIBA • 2ndMany Me’s don’t create group. I know some riders that left group rides because of that.
Chief Executive at ADP Architecture, ADP Europe ( Cyprus ) ADP x LoveInteriors, Director at ADP India PVT and Board Trustee of River Kids Children Charity. Runner, Cyclist, Dad, Husband
I think it varies… group riding / Zwift and gamification have of course all had an impact and encouraging youth into sports ( not just cycling ) needs innovation. On our club group rides - it’s about managed variety - pretty strict 80% of the time. Ensure bunch behavior, use your voice and keep each other safe , and call out poor behavior too ( no blame culture - but also no taking offence ). The fun then comes with managed times for letting the rules go.. certain climbs, certain speed sign sprints, impromptu chainy on recognised roads / areas when safe. Always however bringing the bunch back together, and crucially finishing together!! I think finishing together is key for Peleton harmony - getting dropped at the tail end of a route is dis-heartening and pointless.
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Simone N. Hussussian • 3rd+
Health Care Associate
Casper Rubalcava • 3rd+Although I think a race-pace group ride has its time and place, I agree that more collaborative and educational group rides are necessary to teach proper riding etiquette. The breakdown is in leadership of the ride. In my own experience, when large group rides have no leader/enforcer, people’s egos get in the way of a well-oiled group ride. And many of these people tend not to listen to my advice anyway on account that I am a woman (even though I’m a Cat 1 roadie).
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Nigel Hoggart • 2ndI raced and did fast group rides for year. Had mentors that you speak of that taught me group riding etiquette. So many riders don't learn that anymore and are out just for their own performance as you mentioned with little regard for others.
I stopped doing group rides because they became to dangerous. I now ride solo or with a few friends. Hopefully it gets better out there because group rides are amazing when done properly!
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Delivering crisis communications tools to protect organisations from reputational damage.
As I said to a new convert to Time Trialling, everyone wants to be the fastest rider in their street, few want to stick a number on their back and race. The traditional "Club ride" used to be about developing skills to ride in a group and eventually race (if you choose) safely.
Jess Stor • 3rd+
Australian Czech in Girona | Podcast Host | xZoom xApple
Mark O'Neill • 3rd+Absolutely. I feel blessed enough to have found my cycling club in Sydney that taught me the ropes and importance of safety on the road. Will give it a listen!
Head of Energy Hardies Property & Construction Consultants at Hardies Property & Construction Consultants
Loving the comments on here and find myself agreeing with so many of them. Whether it is indoor platforms churning out riders who are fit but have no bunch skills or the Wiggins wannabe ego effect (circa 2012!!) or a lack of humility required to actually take advice as a newbie or as an old dog, bunch ride dynamics have been declining for some time. One of the reasons I left the club scene.
It does seem that the old adage of 'if you wanna race, put a number on your shirt and go race with the guys who race' is being ignored.
But not all is lost however. I rode yesterday with a group of guys, all of an age and who ride at different levels, who turned out just for the ride, the chat and none of the ego. Ditto the Sunday cafe run group I ride with.
Cycling group rides are not dead. The good ones have gone under the radar.
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Craig Budsworth • 2nd
Group Technical Director
I had the pleasure of chasing down two of our newer riders who had been in the wheels for 30 miles and then rode off the front following a climb. A sharing of knowledge, and a reminder that we were one group of 9, looking after each other, meant the next 40 were as it should be.
That’s a ride with Salford where expectations are set by the ride leaders, ahead of the ride.
Hope you find more group rides but in the meantime, if you’re ever in our area then feel free to jump on one of our groups. Guests are always welcome!
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Jason Bull • 2nd
Effective & influential Estate Agency leader with a talent for helping others achieve their goals
Christopher Bennett • 2ndI’ve stopped going on group rides for the very reasons you’ve outlined.
What was once upon a time an enjoyable educational, collaborative, shared experience has turned into a free for all with battling ego’s all chasing Strava records
CRO | Oktopost
Anthony Walsh chapeau to this.
We ride for many reasons - physical, mental, emotional, community, environmental, financial....
Not everybody wants a KOM.
Be your best, not the best.
Bryan Yates • 3rd+
Are you holding yourself back? I train leaders to access their unused gears and create real impact. Let's chat.
Tullio CCWow! I’ve made this exact argument at the loss of shop-ride mentorship. There was a time we’d get a gentle scolding from a tribal elder for some knucklehead move… like trying to show off strength at the front of a group or half wheeling on an easy day.
Jason Smith • 2ndCan't beat a good old group ride! Something we're passionate about keeping alive. The social aspect of cycling is unique and can harbour the very best relationships, all whilst having the best time.
Transforming Business Through AI, Data-Driven Strategy, and Innovation | Responsible AI
J-P (João-Paulo) Martins • 2ndTotally agree Anthony Walsh. I've stopped riding with clubs because of this very reason. When I've tried to pass on knowledge (I'm a BC qualified coach) and experience (I've guided group rides in UK & Europe) people just balk and think they know best.
My son and his mates in their 20's are not joining clubs largely due to the attitudes.
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Strategy | Effectiveness | Efficiency | Change
Tom Forbes • 2ndDefinitely the case in my local club. I suspect data, strava, power meters, have all transformed how 'seriously' people take their (individual) riding, while at the same time the lack of actual road racing means they are just not learning the skills.
Adjunct Faculty, Stirling Management School
After a winter on zwift/mywoosh, lots of fit and strong riders who are a danger to themselves and others around them. Crashfest during the first few races of a season
Poppie Johnson • 3rd+
Writer ● Ghostwriter ● Content Strategist ● PhD Candidate ● I ghostwrite world-class memoirs, books, and LinkedIn content.
I think I'd ride a lot more if I could find a solid group ride that wasn't full of knob heads. Well, any solid group ride to be fair.
Nick F. • 2nd
Design Engineer, IP development specialist
Chris Pople • 2ndNot dead just the wrong group. Club Peloton rides are tight, ordered and inclusive.
Find better people and then enjoy the way it should be
Pricing Director | Pricing Consultant | Head of Pricing | Non-Exec Director | Cyclist
Too many club rides have become a smash-fest, far better to retain the social aspect of cycling.
