Who leads with a new rider ?
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Banned
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,820
Likes: 6,614
From: Northern California
Who leads with a new rider ?
This was discussed awhile ago when talking about a group ride, but my situation is a little different.
My wife has been terrorizing parking lots, and is ready to to try a quiet little windy two lane road ( Dry Creek Road ) near our house.
Someone suggested that I lead, and I'm wondering what the reasons for/against are. To me it seems like I should follow her. That way she can go at her own pace and I can watch her and buffer her from traffic coming up from behind us. Also, her little V-Star has no tachometer and is still being broken in and she needs to be aware of keeping the motor RPMs spun up, and if she's behind me the noise from my bike may drown out the sound of her engine.
There won't be much traffic on this road. A few driveways, but I'm guessing we'll see less than ten cars in ten miles.
What are the advantages for her with me leading ? What are the advantages for her if she leads ?
This ride is all for her. I'dWALK behind her or in front of her if it would make her more comfortable.
My wife has been terrorizing parking lots, and is ready to to try a quiet little windy two lane road ( Dry Creek Road ) near our house.
Someone suggested that I lead, and I'm wondering what the reasons for/against are. To me it seems like I should follow her. That way she can go at her own pace and I can watch her and buffer her from traffic coming up from behind us. Also, her little V-Star has no tachometer and is still being broken in and she needs to be aware of keeping the motor RPMs spun up, and if she's behind me the noise from my bike may drown out the sound of her engine.
There won't be much traffic on this road. A few driveways, but I'm guessing we'll see less than ten cars in ten miles.
What are the advantages for her with me leading ? What are the advantages for her if she leads ?
This ride is all for her. I'dWALK behind her or in front of her if it would make her more comfortable.
Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
RE: Who leads with a new rider ?
I would agree with your position on this. As long and she knows how to approach and leave intersections etc. I say let her out front and run her own pace.
You just want to look out for her trouble areas and work on those. if you dont trust she can slow down enough to not go sliding through stop signs on her side then by all means: let her lead!
You just want to look out for her trouble areas and work on those. if you dont trust she can slow down enough to not go sliding through stop signs on her side then by all means: let her lead!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,968
Likes: 34
From: Lockport Township, IL
RE: Who leads with a new rider ?
You'll get different opinions on this. Here's mine. I've gotten a few ladies started riding and after they take the MSF course, I ride with them. I follow them on the least traveled roads I can find. Following them allows them to go at a pace that they are comfortable with. It also gives me a chance to observe their riding and offer suggestions for things they need to work on and to watch out for. Most organized group rides put the newest riders in the rear of the pack, but I don't recommend organized group rides for the very new rider. I recommend that they get some riding experience before going in a pack.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,317
Likes: 11
From: Tucson, Az
RE: Who leads with a new rider ?
Which ever is most comfortable for her.
The danger of an experienced rider going in front is that alot of inexperienced riders feel they have to keep up and end up riding over their head and going off the road in the first curve they come to.
If the two of you discuss it and if she's familiar with the road I would suggest she ride in front as long as she is not exceeding her own capabilities. I would be sure that she understood that she was to ride at "her" pace and not what she imagines is your pace. Tell her to take it easy and enjoy the ride.
I would suggest staying away from group rides for a very long time. I've been riding around 65 years and still don't like them. There are just too many jerks in the group that either don't know what they're doing or elsethey're attempting to show off.
The danger of an experienced rider going in front is that alot of inexperienced riders feel they have to keep up and end up riding over their head and going off the road in the first curve they come to.
If the two of you discuss it and if she's familiar with the road I would suggest she ride in front as long as she is not exceeding her own capabilities. I would be sure that she understood that she was to ride at "her" pace and not what she imagines is your pace. Tell her to take it easy and enjoy the ride.
I would suggest staying away from group rides for a very long time. I've been riding around 65 years and still don't like them. There are just too many jerks in the group that either don't know what they're doing or elsethey're attempting to show off.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,617
Likes: 1
From: Southwestern Virginia
RE: Who leads with a new rider ?
Might I suggest NOT using a winding road to give your wife "group ride" experience.
On the few group rides that I've been on, it seems that very few people know when it is proper to hold their line in a turn, as opposed to when they should take the turn single file. Let her get her group ride experience on straighter roads.
Just my .02 cents worth.
<><Peace
On the few group rides that I've been on, it seems that very few people know when it is proper to hold their line in a turn, as opposed to when they should take the turn single file. Let her get her group ride experience on straighter roads.
Just my .02 cents worth.
<><Peace
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 2
From: South County, CA.
RE: Who leads with a new rider ?
When my GF was starting she WANTED to follow. Said she felt more comfortable not needing to think about where she was going and concentrating more on what she was doing. It wasjust a little more mirror time for me.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 405
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From:
RE: Who leads with a new rider ?
I agree, let her lead, that way she isnt playing catch-up and is going beyond her capabilities. Also you can keep traffic away from her so she isnt pressured into going too fast.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,513
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From: Midland, TX
RE: Who leads with a new rider ?
When I taught my wife to ride, I let her lead so she could stay in HER comfort zone. I thinkthat is the best. When we ride now, she stillleads. The only problem we ever have is that she sucks as a navagator and we've missed a few turns along the way.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
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From:
RE: Who leads with a new rider ?
We've always put newbies up front. Me personly I reather have my eye on them than having to worry about being rear ended from someone not paying attention and riding to close to me. In your case I think you are on the right track.
Banned
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,397
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From:
RE: Who leads with a new rider ?
I say let her follow, and you go slow. If she's in the lead, she may feel the need to go a bit faster than she's comfortable with, because she may be worried about how fast YOU want to go, being behind her. Just my opinion..