Group Riding
Have someone provide a general briefing to
others about the whole trip at the start.
Then provide more detailed updates along each
leg of the journey.
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Tell everyone about
any known hazards along the way and the locations
of service stations for fuel stops if required.
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| Exchange cell phone
numbers with everyone who has them. Mobile
phones are okay to use if you've lost a member
of the group, but don't use them while riding.
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If you intend to
have a running order, ensure that everyone
knows which position they will ride in and
who is in front and behind them. |
| If you have new
members or inexperienced riders, put them
somewhere in the middle until they get a feel
for the group ride experience. |
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The basic formation is staggered; the
leader usually is on the left, but some
groups ride with the leader on the right,
e.g.:
L
2
3
4
5
6 |
| "Protect your
lane, but don't defend it." If someone
wants in that badly, let them have it. It's
easier than having a wreck. |
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When entering turns,
fall into single file and give yourself enough
room to stop or take evasive action, if needed.
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| You’re responsible
for not hitting the person in front of you.
The person behind you is responsible for not
hitting you. |
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Before the ride,
inform the leader of your range (miles per
tank-full), especially if it’s considerably
shorter than everyone else's. |
| Ride your own ride.
If trying to keep up with the group pushes
you outside your limits, don't try to keep
up. You’re the one who will get hurt.
Stories about being slow are much funnier
than stories about accidents. |
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All riders should
follow the leader, even if he makes a wrong
turn. |
Other
Riding Tips…
Learn to “read the road”. Ride
at a speed that allows you to relax and
plan ahead. Speed will follow naturally,
as you become smoother and more confident.
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Look as far up
the road as you can; this gives you additional
time to process information. Getting an early
picture and processing the information provides
better reaction time, and allows you get through
the turns with more confidence and less anxiety. |
| Remember to keep
your head up and look where you want to go.
Don't keep your head down focused strictly
on the road just in front of you. Invariably,
the bike will go where you look. Looking through
a turn will make you turn more smoothly. |
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Use the balls of
your feet on the pegs for more feel. |
| When riding in
wet weather or on slippery roads, remember
that there is likely to be less “crud”
in the tire tracks of cars, and in new rain
remember that cars track oil in the center,
between the tire tracks. Manhole covers, painted
lines, and grates can become very slick. Being
smooth is critical, so make sure your elbows
are bent close to 90 degrees, notice if your
back and shoulders are tense, and use your
clutch to keep your shifts smooth. |
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Ride with dipped
beams even in daylight. |
