Combining Photography and Safety in Group Rides

[Helmetdance]

I've done plenty of group rides and am familiar with the standard rules and signals. But I'm particularly interested in an aspect of the group ride that may be common on this site that is not so common on most group rides I do. That aspect is....

PHOTOGRAPHY

On most group rides, people ride from Point A to Point B without stopping for pictures. I'm coming to CA to take pictures, and lots of them. Say I'll be riding at times with 3 or 4 other riders on stretches of panoramic twisties that are too lucious to resist taking a photo or two, or three . It's a safe bet that CB radios will not be a means of communication across the group. The route will be discussed ahead of time so everyone knows it.

Which position should the guy with the camera ride?
If I ride tail, then how will folks know when I stop?
If I ride lead, then how to stop safely and make sure everyone is aware and prepared to stop?

Plenty of folks on this site have been through this drill. Would like to know your methods for safely stopping for photos without leaving folks behind.

Thanks in advance
Helmetdance

[Law Dawg (ret)]

Mark, tell your group to keep an eye out for the last rider (you). When they notice you are riding your own ride, they find a spot to stop and wait up for you. This is rule one on any group ride for me anyway. I really do not want to leave a slower rider behind. We have all been there at one time and more experienced riders showed us the courtesy, it is little to ask.

Really the best way is solo ride with camera. This site is very camera oriented so there will be tons of good (prolly much better) advice.

[kluts]

Halfwing has a technique, not for everybody: He photos, runs by us like a "begleiter" bike (accompanying bike) in the tour de France, shoots, videos, runs circles around us. He's the one who's waiting!! Amazing. Law Dawg probably correct, politically as well as generally....

[Law Dawg (ret)]

Originally Posted by Klutschengrabber

Law Dawg probably correct, politically as well as generally....

Now that's a first for me! The Dawg gots PC?

[Helmetdance]

Originally Posted by Law Dawg

Mark, tell your group to keep an eye out for the last rider (you). When they notice you are riding your own ride, they find a spot to stop and wait up for you. This is rule one on any group ride for me anyway. I really do not want to leave a slower rider behind. We have all been there at one time and more experienced riders showed us the courtesy, it is little to ask.

Really the best way is solo ride with camera. This site is very camera oriented so there will be tons of good (prolly much better) advice.

Mark,

That makes a lot of sense. Hopefully I won't drive the rest of the group crazy with my pic taking. Appreciate the input!

Thanks,
Mark

[z_bassman]

Originally Posted by Klutschengrabber

Halfwing has a technique, not for everybody: He photos, runs by us like a "begleiter" bike (accompanying bike) in the tour de France, shoots, videos, runs circles around us. He's the one who's waiting!! Amazing. Law Dawg probably correct, politically as well as generally....

One of my brothers has been hired many times to accompany rides (typically desert rides) as a photographer. That is exactly what he does. He rides balls out 100+mph to get way ahead of the crowd, finds just the right spot to take photos, unpacks all his gear, and then waits for them to catch up. They ride past, he's taking photos, they all go by. Then he packs everything back up, climbs on, and wicks it back up to ultra-highspeed again to pass them and repeat.

He went the entire length of Baja like that.

[motowriter]

Mark, you'll know all the riders who meet with you. Many will be Pashnites. We all like to stop and take pix. I'd suggest not worrying about the frequency of stops. Just let your group know that's what the pace will be like. This is your trip, and you're organizing the ride. Set the tone from the start.

If you ride in front, pull over when you feel like it, giving an agreed hand signal before pulling off. I'm not sure it's a great idea to ride in back, although, again, a prelim discussion about keeping an eye behind to see when you've pulled off would be useful.

In my mind you ought not to sacrifice this opportunity to document your travels. Just let the other riders know the routine before you set out.

G

[Helmetdance]

Sean, Being somewhat unfamiliar with the territory, and admittedly less expereinced at major tight twisties than most other Pashnites, I will default to the dictates of prudence, humbly admit my own flatlander skill level, and not attempt the balls out strategy on my fully loaded Wing.

Gary, My no. 1 priority, besides safety of course, is taking pics. I presume that will be shared by others. Those in a hurry are welcome to leave me behind, but doubt that's going to happen. Lookin' forward to meeting up with you and having a great time!

Mark

[Law Dawg (ret)]

Someone should be riding sweep, no matter what. Everyone should also be watching their mirrors. Imagine the horror of one member going off road and not being noticed.

Small groups (two to four bikes) are the bomb. Mark, take your pics however you can. You will never regret pausing for pics on any epic journey.The crew will work it out so y'all can enjoy a good ride together.

[Helmetdance]

Originally Posted by Law Dawg

Someone should be riding sweep, no matter what. Everyone should also be watching their mirrors. Imagine the horror of one member going off road and not being noticed.

Small groups (two to four bikes) are the bomb. Mark, take your pics however you can. You will never regret pausing for pics on any epic journey.The crew will work it out so y'all can enjoy a good ride together.

Mark,

I understand that at least one person should keep a running head count to make sure everyone is there. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think "riding sweep" means that the tail rider is coming up to the front, making sure everyone is still there? In small groups, I would think that's not necessary as long as everyone is visible. Agree?

Mark