riding as a pair
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,475
Likes: 70
From: Sierra Foothills, California
I learned what speeds I could take corners at and followed his line. I believe it helped me become a better rider.
Sometimes, even now, he will leave me in his dust. That's O.K., I'll still ride my own ride. But, if you have a patient teacher, one who will help you to push the envelope just a little more each time, and you are a willing student, it will help you in the long run.
I ride behind Husband, just because he still teaches me something every time we go out together.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,122
Likes: 51,434
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Depends on the individual rider some have what it takes to pick up the skills quickly by following and it works out . Others you can tell withing a few minutes don't need to be near a bike much less trying to group ride on anything but a big parking lot .
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 5
From: Republic of Texas
I will ride in front and stagger left to control the lane. I tell the other person with less experience to try and keep up but to also ride within their limits. If they start to lag we slow to their speed. If I am riding with someone that means we ride safely together. Seen enough *** hats that think they are too good to help an inexperienced rider. I don't like people like that. Everyone had to learn sometime.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 641
Likes: 0
From: Down the road a bit in Texas
I will ride in front and stagger left to control the lane. I tell the other person with less experience to try and keep up but to also ride within their limits. If they start to lag we slow to their speed. If I am riding with someone that means we ride safely together. Seen enough *** hats that think they are too good to help an inexperienced rider. I don't like people like that. Everyone had to learn sometime.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 19
From: Dayton
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 132
From: Deep South, Louisiana
Riding with a group I like to be in the rear. I dont want to get run over and I can see how they take turns in strange unfamiliar areas.
If I'm leading and have new riders or riders that I never rode with, or riders I care about, I will take it easy and slow down for turns so that the pack will take it easy. Dont know how much experience they have. When your'e in the lead is not the time to show the pack your riding skills, do that when you by yourself, you not impressing anyone. Also just because your bike can make that curve easy doesnt mean the guy on another type bike will be able to take that same cuve as easyat the speed you had set, you may make him take that curve by surprise. Not all bikes lean, turn the same reguardless of how much experience they have. A Goldwing cannot maneuver like a small bike and will start scraping way before everone else. And if you don't like the way I lead remember I didn't ask to be in the front of a bunch of people that I don't normally ride with, I wanted to be in the back remember. Slow down and enjoy the ride.
If I'm leading and have new riders or riders that I never rode with, or riders I care about, I will take it easy and slow down for turns so that the pack will take it easy. Dont know how much experience they have. When your'e in the lead is not the time to show the pack your riding skills, do that when you by yourself, you not impressing anyone. Also just because your bike can make that curve easy doesnt mean the guy on another type bike will be able to take that same cuve as easyat the speed you had set, you may make him take that curve by surprise. Not all bikes lean, turn the same reguardless of how much experience they have. A Goldwing cannot maneuver like a small bike and will start scraping way before everone else. And if you don't like the way I lead remember I didn't ask to be in the front of a bunch of people that I don't normally ride with, I wanted to be in the back remember. Slow down and enjoy the ride.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,208
Likes: 374
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
First ride or two or on more major roads I'll lead at an easy (for them) pace. I also pick a route that is easier with less traffic. At stop signs I'll stop so that their feet aren't on gravel or sick spots.
After a while I'll let them lead on roads they are familiar with. Let them set whatever pace they feel comfortable with (I follow at a distance). As their skills improve I'll pick up the pace when I lead, also take roads with more turns and hills. If they fall way back, I slow down. Remember if the new rider has a small bike they may be slow on acceleration.
When they lead I decrease the distance I'm following at.
After a while I'll let them lead on roads they are familiar with. Let them set whatever pace they feel comfortable with (I follow at a distance). As their skills improve I'll pick up the pace when I lead, also take roads with more turns and hills. If they fall way back, I slow down. Remember if the new rider has a small bike they may be slow on acceleration.
When they lead I decrease the distance I'm following at.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 9
From: Texas
I will ride in front and stagger left to control the lane. I tell the other person with less experience to try and keep up but to also ride within their limits. If they start to lag we slow to their speed. If I am riding with someone that means we ride safely together. Seen enough *** hats that think they are too good to help an inexperienced rider. I don't like people like that. Everyone had to learn sometime.
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 515
Likes: 3
From: Tipp City Ohio
Someone I haven't ridden with,I used to prefer them in front.I could adjust my spacing to give them room.
Happened last year when a new guy (supposedly experienced) rode with us.
He was wandering in the curves so I gave him more room.He took a curve with the rest of the group up front,panicked and grabbed a handful of brake.He went straight into a pole 2' off the shoulder.When I saw what was happening I looked away,mashed the throttle,leaning further into the curve hoping to be past him when the wreck would ultimately bounce back into the road.
It worked as planned.
From now on new riders in the back where I can watch in the mirrors and back them off with a hand signal.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,403
Likes: 25
From: se michigan
My wife has always rode behind me, that way I control the decisions at potential danger points like intersections and corners. Lately I've been putting her in front of me only when she's being tailgated, as she hasn't mastered the menancing look back yet.