Words from Ben Hay: Group Riding
Group runs down a hill with a big crew of skaters is loads of fun. While riding tight together we owe each other the respect to be aware of our actions. No-one likes to see their mates get injured and definitely no-one wants to feel like they may have contributed to it. A lot of serious crashes result from riders tangling together or rubbing wheels.When riding an open road with upcoming vehicles and guard rail, a simple tangle up can be disastrous. The seriousness of ending up in the wrong place can not be taken lightly. There are things we can do to reduce the chances of ending up guard rail meat or sending your mate off a cliff. The best thing we can do is use our brains and be aware.Before making a pass or changing your line quickly check behind you to see if someones already coming around you.Know your position on the hill,remembering where the other skaters are and take into account where you are most likely to get passed. When in close proximity to other riders be careful not to cut them off,similar to changing lanes in a car, check your blind spots. Managing your space and controlling speed are also factors to consider and learn to understand. Pulling out of the draft and air braking will keep you behind and avoid having to make a sketchy pass. When coming into gnarly sections of the run it is smart to give each other some space to insure everyone can take the line they need to make the turn. Diving inside someone and pushing them off their line isn't just frowned upon within racing, it is a reckless move that can send your bro into a bus. Dropping back into a single line of skaters is necessary in some situations. Obviously mobbing down the hill in a tight group is safer and easier when everyone knows the hill and each others riding styles. Most times the parts of the hill that need respecting are obvious but a lot of gnarly tangle ups happen on the straits as skaters jump from one draft to another and trying to push through a hole that isn't really there. Always check around you before throwing a big shut down slide, footbraking may be necessary in the stopping zone. Crashing someone out from behind is generally not appreciated, there really isn't any excuse. The modern-day downhill skater trusts that the skaters around them can control and judge their speed by either airbraking/footbraking or using your hand to gently hold off the other rider if you are in a boxed in situation. Being the sketchy reckless guy that everyone is cautious to ride near isn't cool. Work on your skills but also coach your mind to be a skater who is aware of every prevailing situation.