john

Yeah i agree with Jerry.. Its best not to yell anything...especially yelling causes panic and stress and that in itself probably will contribute more to a crash then just the braking... but saying things un-panic-like is not a big deal.... Like Ho-hum-ahhh-"braking" or "slowing"... least for those around you, can have a calming effect and other communication of course is fine and good in the pack.

Jerrry spoke of trusting those in front of you and around you. So that in turn means responsiblity to those around you too. Responsibility to never do anything too sudden or extreme if you can help it (cause they are trusting you !)

So If someone is braking it's your responsibilty to try to not translate that braking behind you. So you ride up to the side if you can and usually you can.. Most people, yes even the 4/5s do this just fine.. and is why the pack spreads out..

but also What I've seen is when people yell braking it's usually not warranted. Usually the person yelling the most and the loudest is the guy that is most likely to crash or cause a crash. I have many times joked with a person to calm them down a little... and maybe to relax the upperbody... shake the elbows a little . shrug the shoulders. Well I do it for myself too. And yeah like Jerry say heads up look what going on in front...

Hmm I've never had a problem hanging out in the back of the pack at PIR. Ok occasionally you have to accelerate some, but usually its nicely tempered by the time it gets to the back... Ok now a Criterium with a big pack and tight corners is a whole other story !! The rubberband effect can finish you off pretty quick.

John