Hey bike fans, Rossey here again to talk to you about group riding.
Group riding is a fun and satisfying way to clock up some K’s and enjoy the scenery. You get to explore new places, visit some old favourites, and even discover some amazing food hidden along the way.
But before heading out on your group riding adventure, there are some fundamentals you should probably be aware of.
Group riding affects behaviours and attitudes, positively and negatively depending on the group. You should endeavour to ride with people who have similar motivations and attitudes to yours.
Peer pressure: Some inexperienced riders may succumb to peer pressure, trying to keep up with the more experienced riders and perhaps even be coaxed into riding quicker. Or you may feel like you need to keep up, so you don’t get lost. This can cause you to ride above your skill level and take unnecessary risks. So here are some tips next time you go out on that group ride:
Know your route: Discuss the route prior to beginning the ride. Ask where the stops are, so if the experienced group wish to sweep around the twisties with a little more gusto, you won’t feel like you need to keep up.
Find someone with similar experience to you, stick together and pace yourselves, you won’t drop too far behind, I promise. You will be surprised when you arrive at the destination, and they are just taking their helmets off.
If you’re an experienced rider, offer encouragement and guidance and ride to the least experienced riders’ ability and take responsibility; respect and protect riders in your group.
And don’t forget your crash avoidance space of three seconds, avoid riding in staggered formation, and if possible, ride away from the main group if their experience level, is too high, or their mental function is too low. And as I always say, ride your own ride.
Well thanks for reading once again! And as I do always say, ‘Stay shiny side up and ride your own ride’, this is Rossey, and I’m going to get you ‘Geared to Ride’.
