Where do you put the slower rider?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,919
Likes: 3,724
From: Hill Country, TX
Nope, not in front. He must learn to keep up for the good of the group. If he cannot keep up or will not agree to ride at another position within the group, then you guys need to do some soul searching before you drag his *** along on a long trip. It will only lead to frustrations and danger. You need to settle this now, before your trip.
No way in Hell he leads. That position is for a strong, experienced rider. If you absolutely have to take him along, I would put him right in front of your sweeper (tail end charlie, who needs to be a strong rider too). That way your sweeper can kick him in the *** to speed up, and keep up. Once he drops off the rear of the formation, and out of visual range, you don't know what he's doing or if he has encountered a problem. He's basically on his own.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 7
From: The Great Northwest
Sounds like the rider you are talking about is not really having trouble keeping up with the pace of the group, but more that he just leaves too large of a gap between him and the next bike. I can understand this being a bit of a problem, particularly if you guys are on two lane highways where passing opportunities might be few and far in between. Not stay'n tight can sometimes mean 10 or 15 miles behind a motorhome waiting for the next passing chance.
I'm not say'n that he needs to be in the next riders armpit, but if he's stay'n 50 or 100 yards back then you guys should open up a dialog with him and figure out why. If he is actually keeping pace....(and it sounds like he is) then he's safer stay'n closer to the group.
Another option might be for one of you to break off with him for a few legs, or maybe even a whole day and work with the guy a bit.
IMHO, if any one of the group (including this guy at the back) has any issues or concerns at all, then you guys should all be talking about it.
I'm not say'n that he needs to be in the next riders armpit, but if he's stay'n 50 or 100 yards back then you guys should open up a dialog with him and figure out why. If he is actually keeping pace....(and it sounds like he is) then he's safer stay'n closer to the group.
Another option might be for one of you to break off with him for a few legs, or maybe even a whole day and work with the guy a bit.
IMHO, if any one of the group (including this guy at the back) has any issues or concerns at all, then you guys should all be talking about it.
I think most of these answers are right on time. There is a difference between a timid rider and someone who just likes to cruise at a slower speed. A timid rider is much more dangerous to the group than someone who just takes it easy. I say that because they are the ones who tend to get on the brakes going into a turn, are afraid to lean, stuff like that. He may actually be a very experienced rider too, just so cautious that it can become dangerous. There was a pretty good article in american iron's bagger magazine written by the motorman not too long ago on this subject. His sentiment was to put the timid rider in the back as well
Strongest rider in the back, second strongest in the front. While the lead rider has to think for the group the rear or sweep rider has to have the most self control and is responsible for keeping the group together.
My dad is a middle of the road rider and if I put him in the back he falls way off the group and when I put him in the front he rides like he is in a race. If I put him in the group he rides in position and everythig is great.
I have read many books and articles on safety and this is how they say to do it.
My dad is a middle of the road rider and if I put him in the back he falls way off the group and when I put him in the front he rides like he is in a race. If I put him in the group he rides in position and everythig is great.
I have read many books and articles on safety and this is how they say to do it.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 762
Likes: 14
From: Bellevue, NE
I would say in front of the sweeper. If the guy won't make an effort to keep up, assuming you guys aren't riding like it's the Isle of Man TT, then I would say it's time for him / her to find a new group to ride with. It sucks for the group to have to play nursemaid to a pokey rider if they're not inclined to do so. I agree with letting someone 'ride their own ride', but if they understand from the git that it's a group ride, and they know the group rides faster than they like to, then they should bow out, IMO.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 7
From: Daytona, Fla.
Some very "interesting" responses here. Most of them are good advice for learning riders, or for groups that aren't familiar with each other. The way I read the O.P. was that the rider in question is well known to the others in the group, & a good experienced rider. If that's the situation, you can't "put" him anywhere without offending him. He'll ride where & how he wants. If you don't like his style you can elect to not ride with him, or not worry about him. It's nice when you lead to be able to keep an eye on all of your group, but if they're experienced they don't require babysitting.
The people I ride with don't need rules. The fast rider will be out front...alone, & the slow rider will be at the rear...alone, or they will adjust their riding to stay with the group. Unsafe riding will generate a conversation, but riding style never interferes with friendships.
The people I ride with don't need rules. The fast rider will be out front...alone, & the slow rider will be at the rear...alone, or they will adjust their riding to stay with the group. Unsafe riding will generate a conversation, but riding style never interferes with friendships.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,512
Likes: 293
From: Too close, Pa
Relax and enjoy is the key, sometimes difficult to do, but I am getting better at accepting the timid riders. After all they are trying to enjoy it as well.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 36
From: ST. Louis
Some very "interesting" responses here. Most of them are good advice for learning riders, or for groups that aren't familiar with each other. The way I read the O.P. was that the rider in question is well known to the others in the group, & a good experienced rider. If that's the situation, you can't "put" him anywhere without offending him. He'll ride where & how he wants. If you don't like his style you can elect to not ride with him, or not worry about him. It's nice when you lead to be able to keep an eye on all of your group, but if they're experienced they don't require babysitting.
The people I ride with don't need rules. The fast rider will be out front...alone, & the slow rider will be at the rear...alone, or they will adjust their riding to stay with the group. Unsafe riding will generate a conversation, but riding style never interferes with friendships.
The people I ride with don't need rules. The fast rider will be out front...alone, & the slow rider will be at the rear...alone, or they will adjust their riding to stay with the group. Unsafe riding will generate a conversation, but riding style never interferes with friendships.