Tonight is our last practice at Peak View! Tonight we are focusing on strong efforts, in particular, strong efforts while passing and good etiquette while being passed. Let’s have a solid ride and make a real effort to push ourselves tonight.
There have been a lot of complaints about other teams blocking and not letting our riders pass. Our riders might be shocked to hear that other teams have also complained to Meghan and I about our team blocking and not letting other riders pass them. It is safe to say that while there may be the occasional intentional blocking, the reality is that the majority of what appears to be “blocking” during races is actually kids focused on their own race who have not yet perfected the advanced skill of passing and being passed. It’s important that we give each other some grace and not take it so personally. It’s also important to understand that while we can’t control others’ choices, we can control how we approach — and react to — the situation.
Focus on the following bullet points to re-emphasize our passing technique:
- Be a good communicator — communicate loudly and clearly that you want to pass. If someone is asking to pass you and it doesn’t feel safe yet, communicate back to them that you hear them and will try to find a wide spot.
- Remain positive and friendly — you will be more successful if you don’t give the other person a reason to feel frustrated or defensive.
- Make space — You do not have to stop or slow down to let someone pass and neither do the other teams. We are required to make space on the trail. You can do this while maintaining your pace. It is up to the person doing the passing to be able to sprint past quickly and create adequate spacing before settling in at their desired tempo.
- Hold your line — ride in a straight a line as possible while being passed. From the point of view of the person in the back trying to pass, it may look like someone is intentionally going from side to side of the trail to get in their way on purpose. More often than not the rider in front is just trying to stay on the trail.
- Watch for your chance — if the rider in front won’t let you pass after multiple opportunities, find the right place in the trail and make the pass safely by telling (not asking) that you are making the pass.