Be a Good Lookout

From the RoadBikeRider newsletter:

It's an unwritten rule that the lead rider in a paceline or pack should warn others of dangers in the road. For those who are drafting, potholes and debris are hard to see. Riders shouldn't need to worry about being led into danger.

But some people overdo the warning. They yell "Pothole!" "Rock!" or "Dead skunk!" at full volume. Others point at the object with such an animated gesture that they swerve dangerously.

Here's a better way to be the eyes of a paceline:

---Alertly scan the road. You can't point out danger that you daydream out of existence. And if through inattention you spot something too late, your after-the-fact warning may do more harm than good. Riders could veer in a panic, touch wheels and crash. So pay attention and look far enough ahead to smoothly lead the line past each hazard.

---Point, don't shout. There's usually no need to call out the name of the obstacle. Your yell may not be understood by riders toward the back, anyway. Simply remove one hand from the bar and extend that arm down toward the side where the danger will be when you pass it. Do this about 10 seconds in advance, then move over smoothly. Some riders like to snap the fingers of their extended hand to wake up those immediately behind.

Tip! One time a yell is helpful is when nasty stuff like glass, gravel, sand or ice covers the lane, like in a corner, and there is no way around it. As soon as you realize the predicament, shout the name of the hazard so riders behind can fend for themselves. Same goes when you see a loose dog up the road or you spot a danger (like a pothole in a patch of shade) too late.