First group ride

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May 23, 2007 | 04:40 PM

#11

drrandall1

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Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2007

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RE: First group ride

Thanks tripper that was perfect and everyone else thank you as well.

May 23, 2007 | 04:49 PM

#12

DocHarley

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 2,911

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From: South Fla.

RE: First group ride

If you feel stupid asking (which you should not) just observed the other riders (the good ones) see how far the stagger etc. Have fun!!

May 23, 2007 | 04:59 PM

#13

Bubba Zanetti

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 21,050

Likes: 19,177

From: The Wasteland

RE: First group ride

I have always disliked large group rides. I can never feel comfortable or relaxed when I have a couple hundred other bikes around me. I know I am a good rider, but you never know whos beside you or in front of you. Last summer me and a bunch of guys rode to Gettysburg Bike Week together. I had rode with most of the guys before, but this one guy was new to the group. We always ride staggered formation when we're riding together. Well this guy would not stay in formation, he broke out of the pack and passed me and 4 or 5 others then cut back in. He would speed up then slow down, back and forth in his lane. Me and a few others actually left him and the rest of the group at the event so we didnt have to ride around the jerk on the way home.

May 23, 2007 | 05:07 PM

#14

marcss

Road Captain

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 502

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RE: First group ride

Group ridiing is easy and safe if you ride as a group. Not hard at all. Not too much different than riding in traffic. As a group you are "seen" by cagers better. I think it's a really safe way to go on a trip.

May 23, 2007 | 05:09 PM

#15

Keith_H

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 2,127

Likes: 3

From: Boonville, MO

RE: First group ride

I'll 20th all of the above. Make sure they know you're new. Don't fixate, great way to leave the road around a corner. GO AT YOUR PACE. Don't worry about keeping up or the guys behind you thinking you're going to slow. Once you go at a faster pace than you feel comfortable with you could get hurt. If your pace is way off than maybe a little more experience under your belt before the next group ride would help. Also. maybe lead needs to slow down (which they will if they are any good). Watch for signs pointing hands or feet to show there is road debris. The slow down. Watch the blinkers ahead that will forecast a slow down and turn. Group rides are a lot more work than riding solo but they can be great fun going to different places that you didn't know about, meeting different folks. Be gased up and ready and watch your gas, normally they'll ride to a sporties capacity if any but you need to be gassed up when you get there. Good luck.

May 23, 2007 | 05:09 PM

#16

whaap

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 11,317

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From: Tucson, Az

RE: First group ride

You'll be o.k. No doubt the group will ride in a staggered formation. Keep a safe distance from the guy in front of you and realize the person to your right (or left) might have an unexpected need to swerve into your lane. If you get into twisties the group will then fall into a single file formation. Just keep a safe distance from the bike in front of you. Also, the further back in the group you are the more you will notice the rubber band effect (catch up to the group and then slow down. Then catch up to the group, etc)!

May 24, 2007 | 12:44 AM

#17

Aces N Eights

Guest

Posts: n/a

RE: First group ride

What they said.
Watch the road much farther than riding solo and keep the gap at least 2 seconds between you and the bike in front of you. Don't hesitate to tell a bike behind you to back off either. He may be just as much a group riding rookie as you and not know better. Ride your ride, not anothers.

07HC