2006-06-22 07:36:48 · 13 answers · asked by tmb 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Check with the person organizing the ride to be sure; each group has their own rules (or no rules at all). Some general tips:
-Newbies go in the middle, not in the back; with a more experienced rider following, the newbie doesn't have to be afraid of being left behind or getting lost if the group rides too fast for him/her
-Ride your own ride. Meaning, go only as fast as you feel comfortable and in control. Don't go faster than you feel comfortable just because the rest of the group does. (That's why newbies go in the middle, not the back.)
-Stagger your lane position. Rider 1 stays to the left 1/3 of the lane; rider 2 stays to the right 1/3; Rider 3 to the left; and so forth. You're still a couple of lengths behind each other, not side by side, but staggering lane position makes your group more visible to cars and gives each rider a clearer line of sight ahead, rather than trying to see "over" the rider in front of you.
-When you ride by debris in the road (loose gravel, road kill, chunks of tires that big trucks leave behind, etc) alert the riders behind you by pointing your foot at it.
-Put on your hand signals and turn signals when appropriate; don't assume the bike behind you can see the bike in front of you!
-It's safer for a line of bikes to change lanes from the rear instead of the front; in other words, the last bike in the line changes lanes first, then the bikes in front shift over. That's because the riders can slow down to let the rest of their group merge in if the rest of the group is in front of them, but it's not so easy if the rest of the group is behind you. Ask your group if that's the way they'll be doing things and keep an eye in your rearview mirror!
-Basically just be safe, be visible, communicate with the guy behind you, and have fun! Group rides can be very intimidating at first but once you get used to them, you'll love them!
2006-06-22 07:47:24 · answer #1 · answered by dcgirl 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Communication is key. Before you go ride, make sure you understand all of his hand signals. DO NOT ride side by side or CHIPS. Always ride in staggered formation. Choose a line and stay on it. What I mean is if you're gonna ride on the shoulder side, get there and stay there. If you are more comfy on the yellow line side of the lane, get there and stay there. Don't be switching back and forth. Me personally I like the shoulder side. I don't have any mirrors so it's easier to look over my left shoulder than my right. Anyhow staggered formation is where you position yourself about one to two bike lengths behind the next bike in line and to the side. So if he rides yellow line side, you ride shoulder side. This is the safest because you have time to react to his signals and any danger in the road like debris or animals. Edit: Do not feel the need to push the bike past your level of comfort. Some people can't resist the urge to tear up a nice long straight away. if he takes of and you'[re not ready for that, just keep riding. If he's a real biker, he'll wait for you right around the next curve. If people are behind you, it's your job to pass along the signals the leader gives so everybody is on the same page. You get cool points for asking. Many newbies are too foolish to admit they're new and embarrassed to ask questions. Those are the ones who cause accidents. You'll be fine man. Have fun!
2016-03-27 01:09:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ride to the inside or the outside of the rider in front of you, but in the same lane. Leave enough room between you so that if he has to make an emergency maneuver, you're not in his way, and that you have enough room to stop normally, if he stops. He should be able to see you in BOTH his mirrors. Any changes you make should be proceeded by some kind of signal to the rider behind you. This can be by using your turn signals, or hand signals. If you see something hazardous in the road, such as broken glass, potholes, sand, etc, point at it as you go by, so the people behind will look for it. If it's on your right, use your foot to point at it if you can't let go of the throttle.
Most importantly, don't be intimidated by more experienced riders. Ride at your own pace until you're comfortable, even if it means waving those behind you past. The drag, or sweep rider will stay with you, that's his job. Wear your helmet and leathers, and enjoy the ride.
2006-06-22 08:30:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ride in a staggered formation. One rider in the left side of the lane, the next rider in the right side of the same lane with at least 3 to 5 bike lengths between. This is done so if the driver in the front has to evade an object or a pot hole in the road, there will be no danger of a collision. Keep your knees in the breeze and ride safe.
2006-06-22 07:56:16 · answer #4 · answered by Stormy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put your slowest riders in the middle with an experienced leader and "sweeper" this will ensure you can enjoy the experience in the safest possible way, lose your head and you may well lose your life!
Above all ride at your own pace, build as your experience grows and try and find an experienced rider who's lines you can follow
Enjoy!
2006-06-22 07:44:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ride in the established format, signal all turns with your hands and lights, and leave plenty of room between you and the bike in front. Don't stress, just be aware.
2006-06-22 07:50:00 · answer #6 · answered by NinjaRacer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
New riders should always be in center of the pack. more experance towards front and rear
learn all the body signals
Check out AMA website
2006-06-22 07:45:16 · answer #7 · answered by doug s 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah give some distance from everyone else and ride in back, that way if something comes up that you don't know about, u hav more time to safely do whatever that is.
2006-06-22 11:51:18 · answer #8 · answered by barneys_assasin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DC girl hit the nail right on the head. Congratulations and be safe.
2006-06-22 08:12:57 · answer #9 · answered by drubaby32698 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What rules we never had no rules exept stick together while on the road. Thats about it.
2006-06-22 07:42:47 · answer #10 · answered by 420girl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋