First group ride

[bajakirch]

A co-worker invited me to take part in a group ride in a couple of weeks. This would be my first ride of this sort. I recall some of the things pointed out in my MSF course -- ride offset, maintain good spacing, stay aware and alert, etc. But what are some other tips and techniques that you more experienced riders might share?

[Lurfadur]

I'm not really that experienced, but from what I've read the #1 rule is to "ride your own ride".  Don't follow or copy maneuvers if you don't think you can handle them, and don't break the law when it comes to running lights, stop signs, etc...
 

[ariwhiteboy]

Not sure if you've already left yet, but a good rule to follow is when you are riding think " If this guy/girl in front of me dumped the bike could I avoid it?"  Just take it easy, give everyone space ( Don't ride side by side ), and let everyone in the group know  "Hey, I'm a new rider!"  If they are helpful, cool, and happy to have you then you have found a good group.  If someone makes some $mart@$$ comment about "Not wanting to ride next to the noob", just ignore it, the guy is probably a much worse rider than you.  And lastly rule #1:   HAVE FUN! 


P.S. Let us know how it goes.


AWB

[Brittles]

I rode with two other guys yesterday and had never ridden with one of them. Started out with me in second and the unfamiliar rider behind me. He kept getting too close to me, riding in my blind spot. Would turn my head and see him almost beside me...........I hate that. So I slowed down, forced him into the second position, and watched him do the same thing to the leader.

[Burgi]

http://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/Group_Ride.pdf

I'm lucky in that I belong to a group that is really welcoming and helpful to new riders. I've ridden with some groups that were so bad (stupid manuvers, show offs, poor planning) that I didn't feel safe and bailed.
Stay in your comfort zone.

[JB1290]

If I don't know the people I'm riding with or how they ride a bike in groups, I stay in the back. People that follow too close or ride in your blind spot make me nervous. I've seen idiots like that run into other riders because they are too careless to even be on 2 wheels.

Most of the guys I ride with are respectful of your space and don't put you in a situation that can get you hurt.

[hppants]

I'm still a newbie and I find it much more enjoyable when I am in the back.  The fastest or most aggressive rider should lead IMO.

[tomb raider]

I've never ridden with anyone, asked how others ride in groups. Given many answers, none that have made me feel safe.

Burgi that's great info. I'm going keep that info.  Last weekend I did sneak up 2 Hog's and staggered off the 2nd rider but he kept zipping up on the lead ?? So I just fell back  and to the middle.. WTH folks just can't ride in place ??

[detdrbuzzard]

when we do a group ride i am always one of the last four in the group. we are the ones that stop to help those that have a breakdown

[Hondo]

Spacing- never get too close. Doing this not only endangers the rider in front of you but also yourself and those around you. Getting too close distracts the rider you are trailing and compromises their concentration of the road ahead. If you wanna play speed racer, talk about it ahead of time or go to a track day.

Stop lights- when you stop, remain staggered somewhat to maintain the group integrity. Then everyone knows that their place has not changed within the group.

Lines - be aware that when leading the riders behind you will have the tendency to subconsciously follow your line. As a follower you are in the position to follow the rider in front of you. Consciously choose your own line and recognize that target fixation is a real threat in group rides. The last thing you want to do is follow the rider in front of you to the accident scene - (watch the 2nd rider almost follow the leader off the road) -

[ariwhiteboy]

  hondo!  At least he slowed done a little before he went off. 

[tomb raider]

Weeding them out, funny the dude in the Cage thought they were going to get a beating..