Riding tips

Tips for Group Riding

Riding in groups can be more difficult than riding on your own, because you have to be aware of what other members of the group are likely to do at all times. You are likely, at times, to be riding closer to people than you would normally, and it is important that you do not do something unexpected and cause problems to other members of the group.

These tips are given to help you enjoy your rides with the club and to ensure that we all ride to the same pattern and with increased safety. Please accept them in the spirit they are intended, not as a criticism.

	Always ride on dipped headlights
	In built up areas and places with speed limits, ride in staggered formation and close up. This means that we don't take up as much road space and are less likely to become separated at junctions and traffic lights. By riding staggered it is easier for you to see in front of you and gives you an extra margin of safety than if you are following line astern. This is also the best way to ride in large groups on the motorway, (remember the two second rule)
	On the open road you can obviously position for bends, but don't forget to watch out for the person behind you, try and keep the bike behind in sight all the time. (He may have come off or got lost!)
	We operate the "drop off " system on ride outs. We are always going straight on at road junctions and roundabouts, following the same road number, even if it turns right or left (ie A59) If we turn off onto another road (ie onto B6265 or any other road off the A59) the leader may point to the junction to indicate to the second man that he should stop at the junction to show the way for the rest of the convoy. When the person acting as rear marker is in sight, the rider at the junction can rejoin the convoy in front of the rear marker.
	If the leader hasn't dropped someone off at a junction and you cant see the rider behind you, WAIT at the junction, point the way and rejoin the convoy in front of the rear marker.
	The advantage of this system, apart from keeping everyone together is that your position in the convoy changes the more the system is used. Therefore you are not always riding at the front, (generally the slowest position where those new to convoy riding should be) or you are not always at the back of the convoy, playing catch up all the time and generally having to ride faster in order to keep up.
	Remember when following someone, don't just look at their back wheel, it can be hypnotic. Look past the person in front of you and use your observations of what is going on as if you were riding on your own.