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<\/span><\/p>\nWhat is Group Motorcycle Riding and Why Ride in a Group?<\/h2>\n
Group motorcycle riding can best be described as a number of riders, four or more, traveling together from a single point to the same destination. These outings can either be preplanned well in advance or simply spur-of-the-moment decisions, quickly arranged to take advantage of the glorious weather or a particular event. <\/p>\n
For many motorcyclists, the experience of riding in a group brings out a different dimension to a leisurely ride, giving them a feeling of camaraderie, being with kindred spirits, and perhaps even one of belonging. <\/p>\n
These group rides could be conducted by a bonafide motorcycle club or just a few friends or colleagues on an informal ride. These rides may take the form of a short trip of only a few miles or an extended journey to another town or even another state. <\/p>\n
Whatever the arrangement of your upcoming group motorcycle ride, you\u2019ll want to enjoy the experience as much as you possibly can. With a bit of preparation and planning, you\u2019ll be in the best situation to do just that.<\/p>\n
Group Riding Etiquette and Rules<\/h2>\n
Group motorcycle rides can take on many forms. For the novice, a group ride may seem daunting to begin with, but if you choose your group carefully, you can avoid an unpleasant experience.<\/p>\n
An organized group ride should have an appointed lead rider. Find out all the relevant information about the ride, such as the meeting time and place, the route to be followed, the number of riders taking part, and whether there are any stopping points along the way.<\/p>\n
A well-organized ride will take into account several things. There should be a rider briefing before setting off. Refueling stops should be included in the route, as well as ablution and rest facilities. Groups should be kept to a moderate, manageable size. Let\u2019s look at some of the key elements of a well-planned group ride.<\/p>\n
The designated lead rider should be one of the more experienced members of the group. All other riders should pay careful attention to instructions given by the leader before and during the journey. The lead rider bears the responsibility for the entire group, and your cooperation is crucial if the ride is to be a success.<\/p>\n It\u2019s imperative that you attend and participate in the safety briefing. A whole variety of important aspects of the ride will be discussed here, so you can\u2019t afford to miss this.<\/p>\n The route will be discussed, with the relevant stopping points detailed, i.e., rest stops, gas stations, eateries, etc. If you have time beforehand, research the planned route yourself, and possibly print a map or program the route into a GPS<\/a> if you have one. Don\u2019t deviate from the route.<\/p>\n The formation of the group will likely be discussed. Pay careful attention to this so that you understand your position on the road and can adhere to it. Generally, the group may use a spread-out format on open sections of road and narrow down to single file on narrower or twisting sections, as well as areas that have traffic. <\/p>\n There should also be clear guidelines on how overtaking other vehicles should be carried out. Please obey these guidelines. Ideally, the newer riders should be at the rear of the group. If they\u2019re placed at the front, the idea of faster, more experienced riders on their tails may push them into speeding up beyond what they feel comfortable and this could be very dangerous to those riders and the entire group.<\/p>\n The general pace of the ride will also probably be mentioned. Keep to this agreed pace to prevent stretching or compressing the group unnecessarily. The last thing you want on a group ride is for everyone to be bunched up too closely. If there\u2019s an incident or hazard, you may not have enough space to maneuver. Too spread out, and the whole group runs the risk of not seeing the leaders.<\/p>\n The lead rider should also have prepared a set of hand signals<\/a> to communicate through the group. These will all be agreed upon beforehand, so every rider understands them. Pass these signals on to the other riders around and behind you. Here are some standard signals as an example.<\/p>\n The group leader should appoint a designated tail rider. This person should be an experienced rider, and the tail rider\u2019s purpose is to keep a lookout for stragglers, riders with difficulties, and traffic coming up from behind. <\/p>\n It\u2019s important that the tail rider is in constant communication with the lead rider, whether this is by radio or mobile communication link.<\/p>\n Motorcycle group riding can be an enjoyable and memorable experience. Here are some of the pros.<\/p>\n This can be a fun way to spend a few hours with friends or colleagues, an adventure which should give you many happy memories. Exploring some places you haven\u2019t visited before brings new experiences. If you\u2019ve just joined a group, this is an excellent way to meet like-minded people.<\/p>\n With so many riders around you, rest assured that help is close by should anything go wrong during your ride. It\u2019s a good idea for a few of the riders, if not all, to keep a basic medical kit with them. You\u2019ll be less vulnerable to being approached by hawkers in a group than on your own.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/speedymoto.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/group-motorcycle-riders-mountain-road.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/span><\/p>\nLead Rider<\/h3>\n
Safety Briefing<\/h3>\n
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<\/span><\/p>\nTail Rider<\/h3>\n
Pros of Motorcycle Group Riding<\/h2>\n
The Group Experience<\/h3>\n
Safety in Numbers<\/h3>\n
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