A Beginner’s Guide to Group Riding: The Ride Itself

TVS Community

17 Jun 2021

Now that you’ve chosen the destination you want to ride to, the riders that comprise the group and all the other small but important details, here’s all you need to know about the actual group ride itself. Ride in staggered formation It’s important to ride in staggered formation so that all riders have a clear line of vision. This is extremely critical on both straight roads as well as on the twisties. If you can’t see ahead, simply slow down and shift your trajectory slightly until you have a clear line of forward and rear vision. Maintain adequate distance We can’t stress this enough. In a group ride, it’s very easy to end up in a pile-up crash if one of the riders riding ahead has a fall. To prevent this, maintain enough distance from the rider ahead of you, and stay alert. Ride at the pace at which the slowest or least skilled rider is comfortable Again, this is in the interest of the group’s safety. Riding at a pace comfortable for the slowest and least skilled rider improves safety multifold. At this pace, nearly all riders in the group save for the slowest rider will be riding well within their capabilities, reducing the chance of a rider-error induced crash. Don’t let the slower pace make you complacent though—stay alert. Signal adequately, and if in doubt, signal till the message is conveyed While riding in a group, it’s important that every member understand what the other is trying to do. The best way to do this is by signaling intent well before the actual maneuver, wherever possible. Take frequent breaks Frequent breaks may increase the duration of the ride but reduce rider fatigue, and consequently safety.