Group Ride Etiquette

[Mike]

LARGE group riding is much more intensive then small groups, I ride a Very Large group once a year. Last year 350 +/- of us left Indy and headed for Houston, 5 day trip. Heads on a swivel and situation awareness is mandatory. 2 years back about 500 of us left Buffalo/Niagara Falls, the NYSP shut the toll way down for us, we were 5 miles long at 65 mph, 25-25 to a group. We do not stop for lights which gets interesting going thru cities. This year, Indy to Charlotte, late Aug.

 

[ksquared]

LARGE group riding is much more intensive then small groups, I ride a Very Large group once a year. Last year 350 +/- of us left Indy and headed for Houston, 5 day trip. Heads on a swivel and situation awareness is mandatory. 2 years back about 500 of us left Buffalo/Niagara Falls, the NYSP shut the toll way down for us, we were 5 miles long at 65 mph, 25-25 to a group. We do not stop for lights which gets interesting going thru cities. This year, Indy to Charlotte, late Aug.

You're an incredibly brave man. I think it's fair to say that I've had considerable group riding experience, having ridden in groups of over 20,000 bikes and I wouldn't ride in a group 1/10 the size of yours unless it was police escorted for the entire route. Lane changes, intersections, traffic signals and passing must be exercises is courage!

 

[nolton]

You're an incredibly brave man. I think it's fair to say that I've had considerable group riding experience, having ridden in groups of over 20,000 bikes and I wouldn't ride in a group 1/10 the size of yours unless it was police escorted for the entire route. Lane changes, intersections, traffic signals and passing must be exercises is courage!

That would be when you polish the bell on your bike !

 

[nolton]

Just to be clear about group rides. No one is expecting a large group to attempt to ride at any time.
That said, most people want to ride in a group so that they do not have to worry about where they are going. They just want to enjoy and follow. There are enough independent types to create a small group to hit the route hard and fast for the thrill but many just want to cruse along. High speed is always better with a small group. Photo opps are better for a large group. RAA has never been about everyone having to follow everyone else as a club or organization.
I started this thread for those that attempt to lead a large group without the same mistakes being made that have ruined previous group rides.

 

[Ogremeister]

Just to be clear about group rides. No one is expecting a large group to attempt to ride at any time.

Well if we are gonna have 50 bikes...we really should have a very short full group parade, just long enough to video all the bikes ride by

That said, most people want to ride in a group so that they do not have to worry about where they are going. They just want to enjoy and follow. There are enough independent types to create a small group to hit the route hard and fast for the thrill but many just want to cruse along. High speed is always better with a small group. Photo opps are better for a large group. RAA has never been about everyone having to follow everyone else as a club or organization.
I started this thread for those that attempt to lead a large group without the same mistakes being made that have ruined previous group rides.

This leads me to a question...related to the rides;

How many like to have a definite sit-down restaurant/cafe lunch stop on a day ride?
How many like to do a quick fast-food or drive-in joint?
How many just like to just 'munch as needed' at gas/rest stops & skip any restaurant stops?

 

[nolton]

Well if we are gonna have 50 bikes...we really should have a very short full group parade, just long enough to video all the bikes ride by



This leads me to a question...related to the rides;

How many like to have a definite sit-down restaurant/cafe lunch stop on a day ride?
How many like to do a quick fast-food or drive-in joint?
How many just like to just 'munch as needed' at gas/rest stops & skip any restaurant stops?

I agree with a whole RAA 9 group ride by photo/video opp.
Everyone with a Go Pro can set them up in a location with someone ready to start them all and watch over them. Preferably someone not there as a rider or passenger.

The lunch should be determined by length of ride and accommodations of the restaurant.
Some that we have stopped at in the past could not handle a large group in a reasonable amount of time. Some were just overwhelmed and got the orders wrong. I need to add that to the list.
Its always best to call ahead and let them know the number in the group and at least a 3 hour window of arrival.
I have never seen anyone do the fast food thing.
I believe in supporting a family owned restaurant over any chain.

Last year I carried snacks in my bags for those that were really hungry and needed something to tide them over until the lunch break. That really worked out great. Granola bars, cookies, etc.

 

[mexican]

My wife's biggest complain; "we ride and ride and never stop for pictures"

 

[nolton]

My wife's biggest complain; "we ride and ride and never stop for pictures"

That coming from a woman that makes you climb up the side of a mountain just for pics.

 

[nolton]

It was a great pic though.
I think this RAA will be more considerate.
It seems like we have enough understanding people to make opportunities happen.

 

[mexican]

It was a great pic though.
I think this RAA will be more considerate.
It seems like we have enough understanding people to make opportunities happen.

Yes, it was a great picture