Sometimes the group dynamics just don't fit with where you are in training but that doesn't mean that they have to junk miles. As discussed in whether club rides help or hurt structured training, the unstructured nature can derail your training goals. With a few simple drills, you can turn any group ride into a productive training session—without being that person pulling off the front!
Here are a few ways to train without affecting the group dynamic:
✅ Low-torque pedalling – Use an easier gear at a high cadence (90–100 RPM) to refine your pedal stroke and improve efficiency. This differs from truly easy Zone 1 recovery pace because you're maintaining group speed while working on technique.
✅ Engage your core on climbs – Loosen your grip and keep your upper body stable and activate your core to improve power transfer and reduce wasted energy. This will drive more power through the pedals.
✅ Single-leg focus – Mentally isolate each leg while pedalling to smooth out imbalances and strengthen weak spots.
✅ Seated acceleration – Instead of standing to surge, stay seated and push a slightly bigger gear to build strength and endurance. This technique is also valuable for multi-day ultra-distance pacing where seated efforts conserve energy.
These small drills can be integrated into your club rides without disrupting the group dynamic and annoying your buddies with the added bonus that nobody even needs to know you're doing them!