So this month let’s talk abut group rides.
If you are going to have a group ride you need to consider a few things in order to make it successful.
- How large is the group going to be
- What route are you going to take
- What is the level of the least experienced rider in the group
- Do all members of the ride understand the standards the group uses
These may seem like obvious questions, but they are often overlooked and each one of them impacts the ride. We recommend that you take a few moments to consider each one before you set out on the ride.
How many people are in the ride is important because you need to ensure that if people get seperated they are able to get to the destination. This can be done by making sure every rider knows where you are going and has the ability to get there on their own. You can also break the ride up into smaller groups and assign a leader for each group. You can start out as a single ride, but if groups get split off during the ride due to traffic and road conditions, then each group still has someone to lead it.
What route are you gong to take is important because you can then share it with others and if the group gets split up you can always regroup at a predefined location or stop. You can also share it with group leaders in the event you have a large group. An additional factor is that if everyone is on the same route then if someone drops out you are able to back track and locate them in the event that they are having an issue with their motorcycle.
What is the level of the least experienced rider is important because you want to ride to the riders comfort level. If the group is not willing to do this, then you should recommend they do not go on the ride. Never push someone’s comfort level as this is when mistakes happen and sometimes people get hurt. It also allows the leader to know who to keep an eye on and adjust riding conditions as needed.
Do all member of the ride understand the group standards that are being used? Why do you care, because this ensures all members in the group understand the basics for a safe ride. Are you riding staggered? If so, is it left then right or right then left? It is important that people understand where there position in the ride is. Also do they all know the basic hand signals that will be used on the route? If you are telling someone to ride single file do they actually understand what that signal means? Not every rider is aware of these things.
Regardless of the size of your group always follow the basics, consider emailing out details about the ride and include hand signals. This ensures all riders have had a chance to see them. Always make the ride safe for everyone, and enjoy the ride.
Ride Hard, Ride Safe, and enjoy the journey.
