Group Riding - Tips?

[Big_Mac]

Forget "sweep" and let the slowest person, or whoever wants to ride slowest wipe up the rear

This is something I can relate to, I'm one of the slowest riders out there, last goup ride I went on it was like two group rides, everyone else, then me and "The Sweep"

[Danno]

This is something I can relate to, I'm one of the slowest riders out there, last goup ride I went on it was like two group rides, everyone else, then me and "The Sweep"

That's when the "sweep" idea is the most irritating. I was taught that you keep the person behind you in your mirrors and when they aren't there, you either slow down, stop and wait, or turn around to see what happened. That way, if there's a problem, half the group doesn't run off and wonder what happened when somebody doesn't show up at the next turn.

[BIG O]

Crazytrain has a warning method for letting the person behind him know about gravel patches, roadkill and debris and general heads-up: He turns on his flashers. I'm gonna try to remember to do this.

While you're at it, why don't you try remembering to cancel your turn signals


Mike

[Artaroos]

Why would you not use a staggered formation in free moving traffic? It effectively gives more room and also increases visability in rear view mirrors.

No hard and fast rule - more just guidance, of course when you get into the twisties, you'll probably
want to go one behind the other just cus thats the best line

[Danno]

While you're at it, why don't you try remembering to cancel your turn signals


Mike

I have enough memory issues without you bringing up another one!

[Artaroos]

Just to explain - My initial Post was about Group riding, over long distances, with a combination of skills and probably quite a few piillions.

I agree completly that if you're out for a blast; Fast at the front - slow at the back. Just makes sense.

As long as you all know where you're going you'll meet up again at some point - But if you want to improve you'll need to watch the faster guys

So - are there any tips for those situations that you wanna share?

Mine is - pay attention to your rear as much as your front, I've been out and had to brake and suddenly the Guy behind me has come up by my side and carried on by a bike length before he managed to stop.. That wakes you up!

[ZZ-r]

i have enough memory issues without you bringing up another one!

[Danno]

Just to explain - My initial Post was about Group riding, over long distances, with a combination of skills and probably quite a few piillions.

I agree completly that if you're out for a blast; Fast at the front - slow at the back. Just makes sense.

As long as you all know where you're going you'll meet up again at some point - But if you want to improve you'll need to watch the faster guys

So - are there any tips for those situations that you wanna share?

Mine is - pay attention to your rear as much as your front, I've been out and had to brake and suddenly the Guy behind me has come up by my side and carried on by a bike length before he managed to stop.. That wakes you up!

Is 384 miles in a day out for a blast or do you consider that long distance? That is what our mixed group did last year in The Black Hills taking in all the monuments and assorted canyon and park roads. It was a loop beginning and ending in Rapid City. I think the basic principles apply whether you are out tearing up tires or just touring around. It's all riding. Groups must make some accommodations for the different speeds and skill levels regardless of whether you're riding across the country or across town. No child left behind!

[mehush]

The smaller the group, the better. 3-4 riders is perfect. Any more than that and I start worrying about what the other riders are doing.

Never ride so close to the rider in front of you that you make them nervous.

Don't ride in any group unless you are comfortable doing so. Start small and work your way up to larger group riding.

If it's not fun, don't do it.

Don't expect or demand that others ride the way you want them to. No quicker way to drive the fun out of it. Don't ruin it for others.

Be prepared to drop out. If it aint fun, or it aint safe, get out. You don't owe anybody enough to sacrifice your fun or safety.

[CHARLIE]

I just have not been a fan of more than 3 or 4 riding together at one time. I have been riding for some 35 plus years and have done my share of mix riding. Sometimes as many as several dozen, like in a charity ride of some sort. There just always seems to be one or two riders that spoil the whole thing for the rest. I'll stay with my 3 or 4 riders that i know. Just my 2 cents.