Overnight Group Rides
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,082
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
Me and my friend have been planning trips for the last 5 or 6 years. Our crew has grown from 4 riders to 15. The core 10 or 12 guys go every year and there are usually a few newbies every year.
Here are a few tips that work for us. I'm sure there are plenty that I'm forgetting.
1. My friend and I plot the route and once finalized email the files to the group. Each guy then prints out a copy to bring along. Keeps people from getting lost.
2. Large groups usually will not be able to comfortably ride as many miles as a group of 2 or 4 riders. Everything takes longer, ie. gas stops, eating, recovering from wrong turns etc. So, when planning the route take that into account.
3. I typically reserve all the hotel rooms, since we can get pretty good discounts. Most will accept cancellations up to the day of arrival, so there is not much risk. There are plenty of good hotel chains, and we try and choose those with a pool, breakfast, etc. With two per room it usually costs each guy about $40 - $50 per night.
4. Depending on the situation, sometimes we'll ride in formation, but mostly we ride with other guys with similar styles. When we change roads, the lead group tries to wait for the slower riders to catch up so they don't miss the turns.
5. Plan contingency routes in case the weather is bad. Especially if you're planning a circuit ride where you have a set destination planned for each day.
6. Try and choose secondary roads as they are generally the most interesting and fun to ride. Use the Interstate when you need to eat up a lot of miles fast.
7. Mix up the destinations. Larger cities are fun, but we've had some of the most memorable experiences in small towns.
8. If the group is small, you can get away with just winging it, but when it's a large group, it's best to spend time planning it out as much as possible.
Here are a few tips that work for us. I'm sure there are plenty that I'm forgetting.
1. My friend and I plot the route and once finalized email the files to the group. Each guy then prints out a copy to bring along. Keeps people from getting lost.
2. Large groups usually will not be able to comfortably ride as many miles as a group of 2 or 4 riders. Everything takes longer, ie. gas stops, eating, recovering from wrong turns etc. So, when planning the route take that into account.
3. I typically reserve all the hotel rooms, since we can get pretty good discounts. Most will accept cancellations up to the day of arrival, so there is not much risk. There are plenty of good hotel chains, and we try and choose those with a pool, breakfast, etc. With two per room it usually costs each guy about $40 - $50 per night.
4. Depending on the situation, sometimes we'll ride in formation, but mostly we ride with other guys with similar styles. When we change roads, the lead group tries to wait for the slower riders to catch up so they don't miss the turns.
5. Plan contingency routes in case the weather is bad. Especially if you're planning a circuit ride where you have a set destination planned for each day.
6. Try and choose secondary roads as they are generally the most interesting and fun to ride. Use the Interstate when you need to eat up a lot of miles fast.
7. Mix up the destinations. Larger cities are fun, but we've had some of the most memorable experiences in small towns.
8. If the group is small, you can get away with just winging it, but when it's a large group, it's best to spend time planning it out as much as possible.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 376
From: Mississippi
We recently did the Dragon with 11 bikes.
I booked a beautiful cabin for three nights. Cost us $106 each. Had a few drop out but quickly replaced them with others.
I printed out maps of the area. We all rode together. Got a little frustrating at times waiting on some of the people, but we made it OK. I did not lead the rides on the road.
We ate out with individual bills.
This was my first experience setting up a bike trip, but I have done many other trips. It was a great trip and everyone wants to make it an annual trip now.
There have been a lot of good suggestions made here so far.
I booked a beautiful cabin for three nights. Cost us $106 each. Had a few drop out but quickly replaced them with others.
I printed out maps of the area. We all rode together. Got a little frustrating at times waiting on some of the people, but we made it OK. I did not lead the rides on the road.
We ate out with individual bills.
This was my first experience setting up a bike trip, but I have done many other trips. It was a great trip and everyone wants to make it an annual trip now.
There have been a lot of good suggestions made here so far.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,906
Likes: 145
From: SE Louisiana
Lots of good info, especially for anyone new to planning rides. Personally, I learned long ago to avoid big groups, anything more than a half-dozen is too many for me, and those are usually regulars who have lots of experience together. We agree on route and hotels, but everybody makes their own reservations and pays their own bills. For meal stops we prefer mom & pop establishments; also pay your own. Dinner is usually a group concensus, but if some members want different, that's OK, too; we enjoy each other's company, but we're all adults and nobody gets their feelings hurt if we go seperate ways at times.
Anybody new that wants to ride with us has to have a "sponsor" -- nothing formal, just we expect that sponsor to vouch for the newby and take the primary responsibility to keep an eye on him and help out as needed.
Anybody new that wants to ride with us has to have a "sponsor" -- nothing formal, just we expect that sponsor to vouch for the newby and take the primary responsibility to keep an eye on him and help out as needed.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 335
Likes: 14
From: Baltimore
I've planned and led a couple of rides, from 250 miles over night to 1500 miles in 4 days. Most of the over-nighters have had a max of 5 bikes. I would prefer to keep it less then 7-8 bikes if staying for the night. I've lead rides of 30 bikes some 100 miles for a meal and can't believe the greif you get; you ride to fast, to slow, there were too mnay stop lights, I only like back roads, etc. If I think motel rooms are going to be a problem I give the group several options with names of motels, prices per room, phone numbers and I tell them which one I am staying at but they always make their own reservations. This saves friendships and you are not stuck with the deposit for a no show. I tell them we will stop every 100-140 mles depending upon who has the smallest tank. When we stop for fuel everyone gets fuel. Fuel stops are just that, for getting fuel, getting a drink, and taking a restroom stop. They are not a time to send 45-60 mimutes fellowshipping with every bike that pulls into the gas station. I make it known up front I am out to enjoy myself and that includes having someone wait on me for breakfast and dinner, no fast food for these two meals. I give them a very detailed list of things they "can" bring to make the trip more enjoyable. If you like to wine then ride with another group not with me.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 574
Likes: 37
From: Woodland Twp, NJ
All good suggestions! I'll emphasize this... know the group and be clear about your agenda and riding style. I find the best people to ride with are those that have done this before and dealt with point rider responsabilities. If you lead a no BS group it makes the ride MUCH better. If you aren't willing to ride down to the least experienced ride'rs level, it's OK. Just let that be known as folks get involved. Split into 4-6 bike groups with the advice from the other folks here and it will be GREAT!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,529
Likes: 606
From: Raleigh NC
not much to add, Toypuller and harleybob covered the basics
KNOW the group... and the group know one another. Either everyone is on board, or they ain't. If you have some "lone eagles" let them fly solo.
Set limits, a series of "long days" might not be the best time to introduce a new rider to the group. Make sure the folks who are going, maintain their bikes.... I could give you several horror stories about riders who show up, ill prepared to ride down town... never mind cross country
KNOW the group... and the group know one another. Either everyone is on board, or they ain't. If you have some "lone eagles" let them fly solo.
Set limits, a series of "long days" might not be the best time to introduce a new rider to the group. Make sure the folks who are going, maintain their bikes.... I could give you several horror stories about riders who show up, ill prepared to ride down town... never mind cross country
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masterblaster
"The Florida Crew"
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Mar 23, 2013 07:46 PM
