Where do you put the slower rider?
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 182
Likes: 1
From: Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
Used to be an administrator of a club what we did is take the two most experienced riders and put the most comfortable with leading in front and the other as sweeper. Then we usually put the least experienced one in second place or if he's not comfortable ride on the right side of the road we put him third. Then the second least experienced behind him and so on with the most experienced riders in the back. That way, the riders in the front can learn from the raod captain. The right speed, the best line trough a ben, ect. In a group there's always an elastic effect when the riders in front accelerate. The riders in the back, since they are more experienced will be able to catch-up reaching speeds that the least xp riders won't be confortable at. It's important that the road captain obeys the speed limit. With the elastic effect, riders in the back will regularly ride 5 to 10mph faster to catch-up.
When riding in group, if we were more than five bikes we would divide in two smaller groups leaving enough space between groups for a car to safely pass. We tried to have an experienced rider leading each groups. We also instructed every riders to stay on low beams at all time except for the sweeper. That way he's a lot easier to spot for the road captain. If the captain sees a bike on high beam then he knows everyone is still there.
Leaving the inexperienced riders in the back is not vey enjoyable for them. They don't feel like they belong. Always have to ride alone till the front of the pack stops. I like when the group arrives at destination together as a group.
When riding in group, if we were more than five bikes we would divide in two smaller groups leaving enough space between groups for a car to safely pass. We tried to have an experienced rider leading each groups. We also instructed every riders to stay on low beams at all time except for the sweeper. That way he's a lot easier to spot for the road captain. If the captain sees a bike on high beam then he knows everyone is still there.
Leaving the inexperienced riders in the back is not vey enjoyable for them. They don't feel like they belong. Always have to ride alone till the front of the pack stops. I like when the group arrives at destination together as a group.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 7
From: Atlanta, Georgia
I am having a discussion with my riding buddies and would like you guys to weight in with your thoughts.
We are a group of five guys that are all experienced riders and doing a week long trip.
The issue is the more conservative slower rider likes to ride in the back and tends then to leave large gaps that cars cut in and which makes it difficult for the rest of the group cause then he tends to fall further and further behind. I think that the slower rider should lead so that everyone else can ride to his comfort level and that way we could ride as a tight group. Some one else thinks that he should ride in the back and the lead guy should ride to the last guys riding style.
My goal is to be able to ride in a nice tight formation and move as one unit.
We are a group of five guys that are all experienced riders and doing a week long trip.
The issue is the more conservative slower rider likes to ride in the back and tends then to leave large gaps that cars cut in and which makes it difficult for the rest of the group cause then he tends to fall further and further behind. I think that the slower rider should lead so that everyone else can ride to his comfort level and that way we could ride as a tight group. Some one else thinks that he should ride in the back and the lead guy should ride to the last guys riding style.
My goal is to be able to ride in a nice tight formation and move as one unit.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 121
From: Northern Illinois
Also I would tell him/her that it is required to keep up and not let gaps form.
We're not talking MotoGP, or canyon carving on sportbikes here -just keeping up on easy to ride highways. Sometimes letting them know what is expected of them has positive results.
We're not talking MotoGP, or canyon carving on sportbikes here -just keeping up on easy to ride highways. Sometimes letting them know what is expected of them has positive results.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 3
From: Central Texas
Everyone starts off as a new rider ... experience is gained from riding. A person should always ride within their own ability, never someone else's! Am coming up on 40 years of riding (December) I think myself a very experienced rider and I do know my own abilities.
As posted before.. you know your destination.. no rush, just get there... safe & sound.. enjoy the trip! Yes, I do ride in the trail position... my preference. And Never..Ever.. leave a biker/rider alone! If I have to explain why... then perhaps some folks should just drive their cage.
Slower, less experienced riders at the end of the formation... a experienced rider riding tail end charlie. If a break down or problem comes up... there is a experienced rider right there to help with the problem. Much better than burning off and leaving someone on the side of the road or worse. The human touch ya know?
As posted before.. you know your destination.. no rush, just get there... safe & sound.. enjoy the trip! Yes, I do ride in the trail position... my preference. And Never..Ever.. leave a biker/rider alone! If I have to explain why... then perhaps some folks should just drive their cage.
Slower, less experienced riders at the end of the formation... a experienced rider riding tail end charlie. If a break down or problem comes up... there is a experienced rider right there to help with the problem. Much better than burning off and leaving someone on the side of the road or worse. The human touch ya know?
Last edited by HD Jim; Jul 1, 2012 at 11:46 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Deer Park, TX
At 2 miles behind , he's not with the group. He's just a guy going the same direction.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,605
Likes: 2
From: Mesa AZ
I agree with Bill. Telling someone they are required to ride at a pace they are not comfortable with is not the answer. Moto GP racers and canyon carving sport bike riders are not the only ones that go down, get flats, bee stings, have mechanical problems, etc. It sounds like you guys are a small group of experienced riders one of which rides at a different pace. While riding in a tight formation has it advantages in small groups, it should not be required. Just let him ride behind if that is where he is comfortable. Make sure you all communicate well, destinations, gas stops, cell phone numbers, etc. I know the feeling of being in the lead and worrying about the tail rider falling behind. It can be very distracting. Once you accept your friends decision to lag behind you can enjoy your ride.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
Bill