Ride captain (group ride leader)

The ride captain or road captain is the rider who leads a group ride. They plan the route and stops, set a pace that suits the least experienced riders, and use hand signals to warn about hazards, lane changes and turns. Riders behind pass the signals back.

A good captain holds a briefing before departure, explains the formation (usually staggered on straight roads, single file in bends) and agrees what to do if the group gets split, such as waiting at the next turn.

The captain works together with the sweep, the experienced rider at the back who helps anyone who stops or falls behind.