Many people understand AA (Going Dutch) in outdoor cycling as simply sharing expenses equally. This is the biggest misconception about AA in outdoor cycling. In reality, it’s not just about sharing costs — responsibilities and risks are also shared equally. Therefore, when cycling outdoors, it’s not only the riders who face danger, but the leader as well.
Some friends, when they start cycling, often look for someone to rely on, which leads to complaints like “the leader doesn’t take good care of everyone” or “experienced riders look down on us beginners.”
Don’t assume that others will help you. Here, everyone is facing nature independently. Whether others help you or not is up to them, but you must understand this: I must rely on myself!!!
During the ride, if one teammate falls or can’t continue, the whole team will face many difficulties. A team is a unit — any mistake by one member can create unexpected challenges for the whole group. So protecting your teammates is also protecting yourself, and this does not contradict the first principle: taking care of yourself is the rule for your own survival; protecting your teammates is the guarantee for achieving your common goal.
Many new riders complain that experienced ones don’t take them out. That may be fine for Route A, but what about Route B? Then you must ask yourself: do I have the ability to handle such a route?
In an AA group where there's a huge gap in skill levels, information and experience will inevitably be uneven:
Choosing routes, selecting campsites, picking gear, and dealing with unexpected challenges — some things might be carefully pointed out by others, but some might be overlooked. Especially on long rides, whether your gear can protect against cold and rain. Small details, if not noticed, can put you in more danger and difficulty than your teammates.
The outdoors is dangerous. When everyone is pushed to their limits, the first priority is survival. So everyone must understand: when danger comes, accidents often start with the weakest member of the team.
4. Never Push Yourself to Your Absolute Limit
Friends, if you’re participating in an organized commercial trip, go ahead and give it your all, because when you’re exhausted, there will be organizers to ensure you’re safely returned to camp. If you’re fighting for honor, also push your limits, because achieving your goal is your ultimate choice.
But in a self-organized ride, you need to consider your teammates and companions. Try not to put pressure on others, no matter the pace — fast or slow. Be considerate and keep the whole group together.
1. Safety Always Comes First
When unexpected situations occur, you must be willing to “make sacrifices.” This doesn’t just refer to the whole team, sometimes it’s about an individual. Often, team members may not realize the danger ahead, but if the leader sees it, they must speak up and stop it. It could be due to health conditions, incomplete gear — don’t rely on luck. Of course, making that decision is hard, but you have to give something up to gain safety. Leaders must understand: safety always comes first!
2. Adjust Plans and Itinerary Based on the Weakest Team Member
In outdoor cycling, a good leader must constantly monitor the condition of the team members, adjust the pace according to the physical strength of the weakest member, and adapt the plan and itinerary based on that member’s capabilities. This ensures the safety of the entire team. Some leaders may feel this arrangement is unfair, but if you choose to bring them along, then for safety’s sake, you must consider their abilities in the planning.
3. Always Listen to the Team’s Reasonable Suggestions
A tour leader is not all-powerful. In many situations, even the leader can be uncertain about what to do. On one hand, team members should always offer reasonable suggestions to the leader, while on the other hand, the leader must humbly accept them—don’t pretend to know everything or show off. Be honest about your own limits.
4,Two Types of Team Members Not to Bring
A. Don’t bring team members who lack teamwork spirit:
Such individuals are often overconfident hikers—always late, selfish, and independent to a fault. They have their own set of experiences or philosophies, or a selfish mindset, and may resist the leader’s decisions. Often, they act on their own, and the consequences such members can bring to the whole team can be disastrous.
B. Don’t bring team members with vastly different skill levels:
If there’s too much of a gap in ability, it won’t just hold the whole team back—it could also create discord among members. A simple comment like “They’re just a beginner, can’t you cut them some slack?” can drive you crazy. Whether they’re attractive or not, it’s better to say no to such individuals—for their sake as well as the team’s.
5. Some might say, it’s impossible to know a person’s physical condition or personality when recruiting team members for a trip. That brings me to my final principle: try to travel with people you already know!!