Group Riding Tips...a good read for all

[glazier2000]

Thank you...great read

[River Rat]

I have a friend who took two "newbie" friends out for a ride and neglected to set a responsible pace for them. The result was that both "newbies" were killed after missing a tight curve and hitting a tree. It was a tragedy for all since he has suffered as well ever since and no longer rides.

The message is simple. If you lead a ride, you are responsible for setting a pace reasonable for all riders in the group or split the group according to ride experience except for the lead and tail gunner or sweep. It is all about disciplined riding with due sensitivity to all members of the group.

Be careful who you ride with. You should never be embarrassed if you fall behind because the group is going to fast. They should be embarrassed!

River Rat

[Law Dawg (ret)]

Originally Posted by River Rat

Be careful who you ride with. You should never be embarrassed if you fall behind because the group is going to fast. They should be embarrassed!
River Rat

Good point about being careful. As to being embarassed, I have been out paced and have done so with others. There is no embarassment either way as long as the faster riders wait up for the slower ones at some point. This has never been a problem on any Pashnit group ride I've been on...they wait and do head counts.

[kluts]

Donna, good read. Some tips and pointers that I will keep. Thank you!

[Al Barclay]

Thanks for the detailed post - it states a lot of the obvious but gives us some fresh ideas to consider as well.

I was involved with a 10 bike (11 day ride) last fall that clearly pointed out the value of ensuring compatable riding styles before setting out. After 3 days of frustration, we found we were better off setting up 2 sub groups (4 bikes & 5 bikes - 1 had crashed) and doing our own thing for the day. It made meeting up for the evenings more enjoyable and we all got to travel at our pace.

[meskie]

All ready 2 deaths in Yorkshire and it is only Jan ,a bad start for the year 07
both separate accidents , after a break in the weather everyone wants to be out riding , I am still the slow one, I am still the old one,

I am still alive ,,
Ride safe enjoy 07 ,



Still cold over here

[CybrDva]

Thanks for the post.... good reading. I know to take it slow, though it's still hard to not feel bad in holding people up. Dale has shown great patience on our first outing. Everyone here though has the same philosophies on safe riding, and thus I would always feel safe with these guys and gals!

Aim

Sigh.. as I stare out the window from my office to the SM mountains wishing I was riding right now!!!

[meskie]

Dont worry about it Amy ride safe ,, enjoy it .. they will be waiting for you .
Look at it this way ,,,, i am off to Croatia from uk if they go to fast ?? who has the ferry tickets Will keep an eye on you from UK keep posting , ride safe

John UK

[exwingnut]

Originally Posted by Law Dawg

You will not be ditched (the fast guys will wait up at an intersection)

I have had this happen on several occasions and will not ride with that ride leader ever again. I will never lead a ride and leave someone out on the road either.

That just may be the worst feeling in riding short of serious mishap.

[Tyler]

Perfect timing to come across this as I have a newbie group ride coming up on Saturday and it looks to have a fairly good-sized turnout... this is a great article with sound advice all the way around. Thanks for sharing it, Donna!!