Group rides - Here's a question or two

[BuckBuck#1]

Group Rides – Total Strangers
How Do You Handle Safety Issues - What Is A Safe Group Riding Limit?

You front up at the gathering point about to set off on a ride, you look around and realise you may know only two or three people, and you know they ride faster than you. There are fifteen bikes parked up ready to go.

There appears little organisation, but someone [Joe Bloggs] says “Mannering is Captain of the ride and will lead off, and Jim Kirk is Tail End Charlie.”

Some one says “I’ve never been on this ride before.”

Some one else says “I’ve just got my Restricted and haven’t been on this ride before.”

Question:
How does Joe Bloggs reply?
Does Jim Kirk have a say if so what would it be?

[BigAl]

"last one to ..... Is a rotten egg" :yes:

[Lurch]

Joe Bloggs being a smart chap who actually likes having a strange and mysterious thing called 'fun' when out spending his precious few opportunities to ride says:

"Fuck you all I'm outta here, enjoy getting lost and causing accidents without me cock suckers!" and then promptly ditches the whole dithering, brainless and dangerous lot of them.

oh and Jim can be heard mumbling under his breath along the lines of:

"wish I'd fucken taken off before I got left with this bunch of squids, jerks and that guy who smells like my socks after the TT2000."

[Maha]

No one person is in total control of a group ride, its rediculous to suggest otherwise.
At best, a group ride organiser only supplies the venue.
I have put together well over 30 rides that range from 3-350 bikes...
Keep the rules to a minimum and hope for the best.
I/we now put all our energy into the Auckland Learner Rides.
The only thing I control really is the speed. (oh and the venue)

[newhere]

No one person is in total control of a group ride, its rediculous to suggest otherwise.
At best, a group ride organiser only supplies the venue.
I have put together well over 30 rides that range from 3-350 bikes...
Keep the rules to a minimum and hope for the best.
I/we now put all our energy into the Auckland Learner Rides.
The only thing I control really is the speed. (oh and the venue)

And you do a dang good job of it, just so you know :yes:

[tigertim20]

Group Rides – Total Strangers
How Do You Handle Safety Issues - What Is A Safe Group Riding Limit?

1)You front up at the gathering point about to set off on a ride, you look around and realise you may know only two or three people, and you know they ride faster than you. There are fifteen bikes parked up ready to go.

2)There appears little organisation, but someone [Joe Bloggs] says “Mannering is Captain of the ride and will lead off, and Jim Kirk is Tail End Charlie.”

3)Some one says “I’ve never been on this ride before.”

4)Some one else says “I’ve just got my Restricted and haven’t been on this ride before.”

Question:
How does Joe Bloggs reply?
Does Jim Kirk have a say if so what would it be?

1) you have to ride to the pace of everyone else, even if you dont like going that fast. dont hold the group up, its bad ettiquette.

2) being leader is earned. He who gets to the front and stays there is in charge. its like gladiators, the guy with the biggest balls is in charge

3 and 4) refer answer #1.

APPARENTLY SARCASM AND PISSTAKES ARE LOST ON SOME. THE RED PART IS A PISSTAKE. SPELLING IT OUT FOR THE SLOW ONES. THAT IS ALL.

group ride or not, agree on a destination and a route. Having a count up, and a tail end charlie is a good idea. RIDE YOUR OWN RIDE. dont be rushed.
If its like any of the social rides I go on, the regulars will introduce themselves to new people, and will let them know who they can go to if they have questions etc.

[BuckBuck#1]

group ride or not, agree on a destination and a route. Having a count up, and a tail end charlie is a good idea. RIDE YOUR OWN RIDE. dont be rushed.
If its like any of the social rides I go on, the regulars will introduce themselves to new people, and will let them know who they can go to if they have questions etc.

+1
Thanks for the reply.

[EJK]

No one person is in total control of a group ride, its rediculous to suggest otherwise.
At best, a group ride organiser only supplies the venue.
I have put together well over 30 rides that range from 3-350 bikes...
Keep the rules to a minimum and hope for the best.
I/we now put all our energy into the Auckland Learner Rides.
The only thing I control really is the speed. (oh and the venue)

Sums up the thread.

[Kickaha]

1) you have to ride to the pace of everyone else, even if you dont like going that fast. dont hold the group up, its bad ettiquette.


It's bad etiquette to crash on a ride to

It's pretty dumb to ride at a speed outside your comfort zone with a bunch of people you don't know, you're better off dropping out of the ride or riding at your own pace and meeting them at the destination

[Maha]

And you do a dang good job of it, just so you know :yes:


Sums up the thread.

A group ride with us means we ride as a group..
There in lies the difference.
The term 'group ride' should rearly be used because, a ''group ride'' normally fragments as soon as the word GO is spoken.

[Spearfish]

Just open your mouth and ask, I know it can be hard to do at first when a bunch of people are shuffling around in an awkward silence you will probably find breaking the ice easy. At least then you can kinda figure out who are out to blow the cobwebs off and who are interested in a pootle or mentoring role.
You will probably find a representative of every one of the seven dwarfs in a large group. :laugh:

[BuckBuck#1]

...
I/we now put all our energy into the Auckland Learner Rides.
The only thing I control really is the speed. (oh and the venue)

Good to read and all the best for an enjoyable and rewarding daylight season ahead.

One observation I have noticed over the years is the groups will generally split into three: fast, medium, and cautious. The number of riders in any group does vary, however irrespective of which group, I feel most comfortable when there is only three other riders immediately around me (two ahead and one behind). I often drift back to the rear and focus on my own ride.

[748south]

I would have thought that most of us have these things calles M.A.T.E.S? that we ride with?

And good mates won't push you if you're unexperianced, and anyone with more than 3 braincells won't push themselves just to look like the man.

When i started riding a couple of years ago my friends were very supportive, and if we were on a long ride we would all stop every so often to let the group get back together, and probably to make sure i wasnt wandering the road with half a halmet strapped to my head and a brake calliper in my teeth.

[oneofsix]

one problem with mates is a little thing called peer pressure. If your 'mates' are riding too fast for you let them go. Tail end Charlie, like all tail end Charlie's, is to stay at the back, not to hurry the slow guy but to be there to support anyone that gets into trouble. This thread is a timely reminder with daylight saving about to start
http://www.rideforever.co.nz/going-for-a-ride/group-riding/

[Murray]

1) you have to ride to the pace of everyone else, even if you dont like going that fast. dont hold the group up, its bad ettiquette.

RIDE YOUR OWN RIDE. dont be rushed.


Doesn't make sense!!

If you have a problem regarding you think it may be to fast talk to tail end charlie. He/She will generally control the slowest speeds. Our group lets the faster riders go ahead but the leader will stop at any intersection and the 2nd person there will wait until TEC arrives. He/she should always ride at a speed that ensures you can RIDE YOUR OWN RIDE.

The ride is the important thing not necessarily the destination.

[Urano]

There appears little organisation,

go home.

15 bikes with safety issues and little organization? that's all you need for a bad day.


up to 5 bikes, if you are a tight group of old friends will be all fun, but as soon as the company grows a bit and you have unknown people with unknown idea of safety, speed, route, takeover, rest and switchpoint... well that will be a mess and there are huge possibilities that someone will get hurt...
it take just an idiot to showover in the wrong place.

when we organize meetings with the italian forum we have an average of 40 to 60 bikes.
road captain, relays and tail have always a colored jacket to identify themselves, relays wait on every intersection, we supply route charts to everyone, point out times and fueling stops, we bring water and charms for sugar.
a week before the event you need to check the route and be prepared for a quick rerouting in case of last minute problems.
the speed is "medium": if there is someone wants to put the road on fire he has the chart and is free to go, we'll meet him at the end. if someone is particularly slow, the tail will take him to the rest point where everybody is waiting and smokin a cigarette...

'still we had problems, fortunately not for company's guys fault nor anything to serious, but with a messy organization you'll get a messy day...

[Maha]

Good to read and all the best for an enjoyable and rewarding daylight season ahead.

One observation I have noticed over the years is the groups will generally split into three: fast, medium, and cautious. The number of riders in any group does vary, however irrespective of which group, I feel most comfortable when there is only three other riders immediately around me (two ahead and one behind). I often drift back to the rear and focus on my own ride.

In all honesty, the three dont (and should not) mix.
You get fast riders carving up through the slower riders etc and that in its self, can be the very cause of a dumb decision being made.
A good ''group ride'' number is...3-5.
Once the numbers start getting up there, alot of unknowns come into play.

[Toaster]

Larger processions of bikes work well when the skill level and understanding of rules around group riding are well understood.

Used to have a large group that rode regularly and it worked well. We had ridden together enough to know each others strengths etc and rode accordingly.

It is often the riders new to group riding, new to riding in general, or the toss pot plonker show off that can cause problems if not well managed.

If the group is too big and too diverse in experience, simply split it up on the day. Let the fast riders go first, not filter through the group at a great rate of knots and upset the learners.

[tigertim20]

It's bad etiquette to crash on a ride to

It's pretty dumb to ride at a speed outside your comfort zone with a bunch of people you don't know, you're better off dropping out of the ride or riding at your own pace and meeting them at the destination
did you read my whole post, or just the pisstake part?:innocent:

Doesn't make sense!!

.

read it again! slowly!:facepalm:

[Murray]

1) you have to ride to the pace of everyone else, even if you dont like going that fast. dont hold the group up, its bad ettiquette.

RIDE YOUR OWN RIDE. dont be rushed.



read it again! slowly!:facepalm:

No matter how slowly I read it 1) states "you have to ride to the pace of everyone else, even if you don't like going that fast" and then you state "RIDE YOUR OWN RIDE" :facepalm::facepalm: your facepalm and double it, these 2 comments obviously contradict each other and therefore do not make sense.

In case you still do not get it answer me how you can ride your own ride when you have to ride at a pace you dont like??

[tigertim20]

No matter how slowly I read it 1) states "you have to ride to the pace of everyone else, even if you don't like going that fast" and then you state "RIDE YOUR OWN RIDE" :facepalm::facepalm: your facepalm and double it, these 2 comments obviously contradict each other and therefore do not make sense.

In case you still do not get it answer me how you can ride your own ride when you have to ride at a pace you dont like??

I will spell it out for you.
the first part is a pisstake.

the second part is an actual response to the first poster.

Now go back and read it a 3rd time.:facepalm::facepalm::facepalm:
get it yet?

[Lurch]

:facepalm::facepalm: your facepalm and double it
Here's an extra facepalm to show my solidarity in the face of KB 'logic' - :facepalm:

[tigertim20]

Me no do understands??

Ive edited for clarity.
helpfull?

[baffa]

TIGER TIM ENDORSES SPEEDING AND BAD DRIVING!

So anyway, it all boils down to the individuals. Regardless of the speed, as long as everyone is riding within their limits, and trying to keep the person behind them in their mirrors, and not getting lost, It shouldnt be an issue.

[tigertim20]

TIGER TIM ENDORSES SPEEDING AND BAD DRIVING!

So anyway, it all boils down to the individuals. Regardless of the speed, as long as everyone is riding within their limits, and trying to keep the person behind them in their mirrors, and not getting lost, It shouldnt be an issue.

thats tigertim20 to you buddy!!!:angry:

[BuckBuck#1]

one problem with mates is a little thing called peer pressure. If your 'mates' are riding too fast for you let them go. Tail end Charlie, like all tail end Charlie's, is to stay at the back, not to hurry the slow guy but to be there to support anyone that gets into trouble. This thread is a timely reminder with daylight saving about to start
http://www.rideforever.co.nz/going-for-a-ride/group-riding/

Thanks for posting up the link, and to all that have responded in this thread, it is good to see the subject is out there leading into the daylight saving season.

Ride safe and enjoy.

[davebullet]

"If you are new to these rides or haven't had much experience, introduce yourself to this guy" -> point to TEC. TEC can then take them under his / her wing.

The only other comment, is keep your following distances, and safe overtaking (= no overtaking in a single lane on a blind bend / corner).

[James Deuce]

My definition of a group ride is three people. Any more than that is a cluster fuck. I'd like to see assembly laws introduced that ban more than three bikes being parked together let alone ridden in concert.

[tigertim20]

My definition of a group ride is three people. Any more than that is a cluster fuck. I'd like to see assembly laws introduced that ban more than three bikes being parked together let alone ridden in concert.

see I wanna disagree with that.
I do plenty of group rides, and up to 20 riders is fine... provided you know each other, each others expectations. The problems tend to come when you have an influx of new riders to the group. In that case you just have to think ahead. Split into more than one group if necessary.

[Katman]

see I wanna disagree with that.


Most n00bs would.

[tigertim20]

Most n00bs would.

Oh, did I firget to bow down to the all seeing all knowing KM?
I forgot you knew everything.

[Katman]

Oh, did I firget to bow down to the all seeing all knowing KM?
I forgot you knew everything.

Meh, stick with it long enough and you'll learn.

[Katman]

If group rides were restricted to those of the sort of learner rides that Maha and Mom organise, there would be no problem.

History dictates that most other sorts of group rides over and above the 3-5 participants already mentioned is a recipie for disaster.

[James Deuce]

see I wanna disagree with that.
I do plenty of group rides, and up to 20 riders is fine... provided you know each other, each others expectations. The problems tend to come when you have an influx of new riders to the group. In that case you just have to think ahead. Split into more than one group if necessary.

Course you do. Your tune will change after a few funerals and spending lots of time in hospital waiting rooms. Or are you one of those group riders who just fucks off home after an incident and then laughs behind the back of the poor bastard trying to get his life back together?

[baffa]

Course you do. Your tune will change after a few funerals and spending lots of time in hospital waiting rooms. Or are you one of those group riders who just fucks off home after an incident and then laughs behind the back of the poor bastard trying to get his life back together?

If you want to ban group rides, you can start by hanging up your helmet.

[DrunkenMistake]

Course you do. Your tune will change after a few funerals and spending lots of time in hospital waiting rooms. Or are you one of those group riders who just fucks off home after an incident and then laughs behind the back of the poor bastard trying to get his life back together?

To be fair he has/had a point,
and I have been on a few group rides with TT and he is the kind of person to stop if he gets to far ahead and wait for everyone to show back up, if they dont start turning up, he turns back, its who he is, and I know for a fact not to long ago he had an experience been first on a scene of a messy motorbike accident on his way to a Rally, which seemed to have him a bit shaken, but you kind of seem like one of those people who would sit in their home on a sunny say and look out your window between your closed curtains and make judgment of the people walking past. :facepalm:

[James Deuce]

To be fair he has/had a point,
and I have been on a few group rides with TT and he is the kind of person to stop if he gets to far ahead and wait for everyone to show back up, if they dont start turning up, he turns back, its who he is, and I know for a fact not to long ago he had an experience been first on a scene of a messy motorbike accident on his way to a Rally, which seemed to have him a bit shaken, but you kind of seem like one of those people who would sit in their home on a sunny say and look out your window between your closed curtains and make judgment of the people walking past. :facepalm:

And you look like an the sort of cock who'd make that accusation from behind the safety of his keyboard.

[baffa]

I guess we are yet to realise that you are always right and we are always wrong.

[blackdog]

but you kind of seem like one of those people who would sit in their home on a sunny say and look out your window between your closed curtains and make judgment of the people walking past. :facepalm:


And you look like an the sort of cock who'd make that accusation from behind the safety of his keyboard.

I like where this is going. :corn:

[BuckBuck#1]

And you look like an the sort of cock who'd make that accusation from behind the safety of his keyboard.


I guess we are yet to realise that you are always right and we are always wrong.


I like where this is going. :corn:


Gidday Blackdog, reckon you got that right. In the can.

We throw out the old newspapers when we read them, both the good news and bad news.

I reckon when a thread is started but then it degenerates, then the original poster can call for the whole thread entry to be sent to the crapper – Pointless Drivel PD.

There are good Forum themes eg Survival Skills and good topics raised. When the evidence is unequivocal that the topic is going off the rails or degenerates to personal insults then the thread originator has a free hand to bring the thread to Moderator’s attention directing immediate withdrawal and transfer posting to PD. The Moderator has no recourse but to accede.

Lock n Load, Range, Bearing, Fire - Moderators seen to duck for cover.

See Link: The Question Has Been Asked (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/142600-Site-Rules-Originator-s-Authority-To-Seek-Point-Drivel-Action?p=1130165858#post1130165858)

[Flip]

Back to the question in hand, the TEC looks after the newby riders.

I usually don't mind being the TEC. I carry tools and a first aid kit in all my bikes. About a quarter of the time I just want to ride and won't offer to be at the back.

If a rider wants to split from the ride all I ask is just pull over and I will pull as well and you can let me know.

I have never had a problem with newby riders on a group run, they are as nervous as hell and just want to get there without an accident or making a dick of themselves. If I had to point the finger its the squids who have just enough experience to ride at a reasonable rate but haven't yet leant the "hard lessons". I have pulled a few of them out of ditches over the years.

The biggest group ride I have done was 900 bikes through Auckland for the Hog nationals a couple of years ago, after this the 50 that turns up for the WNR is a piece of cake.

[BuckBuck#1]

Back to the question in hand, the TEC looks after the newby riders.

I usually don't mind being the TEC. I carry tools and a first aid kit in all my bikes. About a quarter of the time I just want to ride and won't offer to be at the back.

If a rider wants to split from the ride all I ask is just pull over and I will pull as well and you can let me know.

I have never had a problem with newby riders on a group run, they are as nervous as hell and just want to get there without an accident or making a dick of themselves. If I had to point the finger its the squids who have just enough experience to ride at a reasonable rate but haven't yet leant the "hard lessons". I have pulled a few of them out of ditches over the years.

The biggest group ride I have done was 900 bikes through Auckland for the Hog nationals a couple of years ago, after this the 50 that turns up for the WNR is a piece of cake.

A good post informative and constructive thank you Flip.

[bluninja]

I went out on a group ride last night. Didn't know anyone there. There was a brief overview of the route before we headed off and away went about 20 bikes.

It was a nice ride, nobody crashed, the suicide squad quickly disapeared into the distance and were already chilling their tonsils when the rest arrived.

At then end of the day we all ride with other motorists that we don't know every day, what makes a group ride so different?

[Katman]

At then end of the day we all ride with other motorists that we don't know every day, what makes a group ride so different?

The fact that you're not all going to be at the same destination.

[Latte]

I went out on a group ride last night. Didn't know anyone there. There was a brief overview of the route before we headed off and away went about 20 bikes.

It was a nice ride, nobody crashed, the suicide squad quickly disapeared into the distance and were already chilling their tonsils when the rest arrived.

At then end of the day we all ride with other motorists that we don't know every day, what makes a group ride so different?

There's no sucide squad without the squad (then it's just a suicide squid).

[bluninja]

The fact that you're not all going to be at the same destination.

So then a commute into Auckland CBD is the same as a group ride then ?

[Maha]

So then a commute into Auckland CBD is the same as a group ride then ?

No thats way more dangerous...:blink:

[tigertim20]

Course you do. Your tune will change after a few funerals and spending lots of time in hospital waiting rooms. Or are you one of those group riders who just fucks off home after an incident and then laughs behind the back of the poor bastard trying to get his life back together?
Ohhh, right, so because you ride with fucktards, everybody is a fucktard on a bike? Maybe you should look more carefully at who you choose to ride with huh?
I guess You like to make assumptions about how I treat accidents huh? you are wrong by the way, Im the first to get in and help out when something goes wrong. Ive sat on the side of the raod and helped a person stay alive for 2 hours while waiting for a helicopter - not on a groub ride by the way, he hwas hit by a car en route to a rally. Also, on rides, Im happy to stop mid point, or more often, and make sure everyone is still there. I ride with good, fun people who actually consider others, and I look out for them as they do me.

Oh but wait, you know everything right? yes, of course you do.
Maybe you should a) ride with people that arent fuckwits, b) learn HOW to organise a ride safely, and c) look at improving your own skill level and that of those around you, instead of pissing on on here like you know what you're talking about.

You clearly dont know half as much as you think you do, or youd be the minister of transport by now.

And you look like an the sort of cock who'd make that accusation from behind the safety of his keyboard.

Im sure he would be happy to say it to your face, 'cept you're too busy telling everyone else that you know better than them on the inta-webs.

[Mom]

Back to the question in hand, the TEC looks after the newby riders.

Every rider on a group ride is responsible for themselves, they look after themselves and own their own ride. No one is there to look after anyone.

I ride TEC a lot and I see my role as something of a buffer on our learner and newbie rides, between a rider that is out on the open road maybe for the first time and is a bit nervous, and some idiot car driver that cant stop themselves from intruding into the safety circle of a biker ahead. I dont scare easily and am not above making it really clear to anyone following that they need to back off.

For me TEC is also a safety net for any rider that has a problem, whether a puncture or a breakdown or whatever, so that the RIC can be kept up with any problems too. Communication is the key to this. I wont look after anyone but myself out on a ride, I will however look out for other riders and assist if required. I am not above counting the bikes either to make sure we dont lose anyone along the way.

I have had to hunt down a rider that has missed a point bike, and has busily ridden off on their own, all part of the TEC job.

[Kickaha]

Ohhh, right, so because you ride with fucktards, everybody is a fucktard on a bike? Maybe you should look more carefully at who you choose to ride with huh?
Actually he doesn't rid with fucktards

look at improving your own skill level and that of those around you, instead of pissing on on here like you know what you're talking about.
I'd put his skill level and knowledge against yours any day and put money he'd come out on top

You clearly dont know half as much as you think you do, or youd be the minister of transport by now.You clearly don't know half as much as you think you do about Jim or you wouldn't be ranting like a cunt

[DrunkenMistake]

And you look like an the sort of cock who'd make that accusation from behind the safety of his keyboard.
Im glad you can see me, I was worried your little wall of shit was hindering your sight while on the interwebs , Kickacha assures me that your nothing like my last sentence, ill take his word for it, He seems like a good fella,
Doesnt make you any less of an upside down, mutton handed 7 finger muppet.. IMO of course..


I like where this is going. :corn:
Took a while to check back, Have been busy wanking over a new bike haha



Im sure he would be happy to say it to your face, 'cept you're too busy telling everyone else that you know better than them on the inta-webs.
Wouldnt think twice about saying half the shit I type on here to some of your faces, I have no online persona, But..
I would be a little worried to be honest, I herd he has bad breath a little Salty.. :shit:





There ya go, now you have something to be upset about over the interwebs. :facepalm::facepalm:

[Mom]

I would have thought that more "senior" members of this forum would have avoided being hoovered up into a thread started by a self acknowledged OCD sufferer.

Seriously.

[Kickaha]

Kickacha assures me that your nothing like my last sentence, ill take his word for it, He seems like a good fella,

Take that back you bastard I'm no such thing

[DrunkenMistake]

Take that back you bastard I'm no such thing

Sorry!

Uhmm

UHMM
OH NO IM BUCKLING UNDER PRESSURE!!


UH
FAG! :innocent:

[tigertim20]

Actually he doesn't rid with fucktards
really? judging by the way he suggests he has spent so much time attending funerals and hospitals, one would think there is good reason to beleive he does.
Unless of course his shit dont stink, and anything bad that happens to him and/or his mates is just 'one of those things'
I'd put his skill level and knowledge against yours any day and put money he'd come out on top
I suppose you also put money on Australia to beat ireland too did ya?. Or are you dumb enough to go placing bets without knowing what you are talking about?
I have my own experiences, and opinions. I trust them ,and they have saved my life, and have been beyond helpful to others, but of course, you know everything, and your version of reality is the only right one innit? cos you know everything? Just because YOUR version of reality works for you, doesnt mean its right, doesnt mean its the only answer, and doesnt mean you know everything.
Oh and before you piss on about age and whatnot, qaulity over quantity counts more every time, Im sure even you can agree on that. I will stick with my way untill I see some evidence to suggest there is a better way
You clearly don't know half as much as you think you do about Jim or you wouldn't be ranting like a cunt

Firstly, I enjoy being a cunt, Ive no issue with it, even my mates call me 'hey cunt' Secondly, No, I dont know him, and based on his 'Im the man, I know everything, and you are all wrong cos you dont agree with me' style, i really dont fucking care to!!
Perhaps you could now take his dick out of your mouth, wipe your chin, and let him make his own responses though? Cute of you to get on in there on his behalf and all, but if he is as awesome as you insist, Im sure he is a big enough boy to do his own talking!

[Voltaire]

I went on a group ride once....then I realised buses were not for me.:innocent:

[tigertim20]

Every rider on a group ride is responsible for themselves, they look after themselves and own their own ride. No one is there to look after anyone.

I ride TEC a lot and I see my role as something of a buffer on our learner and newbie rides, between a rider that is out on the open road maybe for the first time and is a bit nervous, and some idiot car driver that cant stop themselves from intruding into the safety circle of a biker ahead. I dont scare easily and am not above making it really clear to anyone following that they need to back off.

For me TEC is also a safety net for any rider that has a problem, whether a puncture or a breakdown or whatever, so that the RIC can be kept up with any problems too. Communication is the key to this. I wont look after anyone but myself out on a ride, I will however look out for other riders and assist if required. I am not above counting the bikes either to make sure we dont lose anyone along the way.

I have had to hunt down a rider that has missed a point bike, and has busily ridden off on their own, all part of the TEC job.

does keeping an eye out, providing a buffer, and perhaps offering some advice at the end of a ride not amount to looking after others? seems like the same thing to me, But I guess thats just semantics. Perhaps it depends on the group you are in. The group of people I ride with always consider their fellow riders. If a faster group is way ahead on a ride with newbies, theyll generally stop and wait for them to catch up. If its taking longer than expected, someone will go back to check that everything is all gravy.

Riding a bike seems to place you into a sort of 'brotherhood' where, (based on those that I personally surround myself with) people all look out for each other. It might be something as little as 'hey this road is a bit cunty for gravel, so look out for it mid corner once you're over the crest of the second hill' or whatever.

[Maha]

I went on a group ride once....then I realised buses were not for me.:innocent:

It went to Kingseat eh?...:innocent:

[Voltaire]

It went to Kingseat eh?...:innocent:

Its under new management now...Spookers.....probably the same staff...
http://www.spookers.co.nz/
:blink:

[Kickaha]

Firstly, I enjoy being a cunt, Ive no issue with it, even my mates call me 'hey cunt'
Looks like your mates would be right

Secondly, No, I dont know him
I suspect he's grateful for that

and based on his 'Im the man, I know everything, and you are all wrong cos you dont agree with me' style, i really dont fucking care to!!
You sound like you quite a similar attitude, maybe you're twins separated at birth

Perhaps you could now take his dick out of your mouth, wipe your chin, and let him make his own responses though?
Sounds like you're quite the expert on having a dick in your mouth and knowing how to clean up the aftermath

Cute of you to get on in there on his behalf and all, but if he is as awesome as you insist, Im sure he is a big enough boy to do his own talking!
Awesome? I don't believe I ever said that but you seem quite the expert on making shit up

[tigertim20]

Looks like your mates would be right

I suspect he's grateful for that

You sound like you quite a similar attitude, maybe you're twins separated at birth

Sounds like you're quite the expert on having a dick in your mouth and knowing how to clean up the aftermath

Awesome? I don't believe I ever said that but you seem quite the expert on making shit up

Thats a pretty poor effort at trolling there buddy. C- for you.:facepalm:
You just keep wiping that chin of yours, and Ill continue happily on my way until someone with something more than 'well I think/because I said so' pops along with some kind of compelling advice.

[Flip]

Every rider on a group ride is responsible for themselves, they look after themselves and own their own ride. No one is there to look after anyone.

I ride TEC a lot and I see my role as something of a buffer on our learner and newbie rides, between a rider that is out on the open road maybe for the first time and is a bit nervous, and some idiot car driver that cant stop themselves from intruding into the safety circle of a biker ahead. I dont scare easily and am not above making it really clear to anyone following that they need to back off.

For me TEC is also a safety net for any rider that has a problem, whether a puncture or a breakdown or whatever, so that the RIC can be kept up with any problems too. Communication is the key to this. I wont look after anyone but myself out on a ride, I will however look out for other riders and assist if required. I am not above counting the bikes either to make sure we dont lose anyone along the way.

I have had to hunt down a rider that has missed a point bike, and has busily ridden off on their own, all part of the TEC job.

I am not taking responsibility for but I do look out for all the other riders on a group ride, I am by nature a good boyscout:innocent:. The other day I donated the wooled army blanket from my side car to a pillion who had a busted foot after they met a car on the wrong side of the road. However as the TEC I do look after, Shepard call it what you want, any learner riders who need or ask for help. Cars tend to keep away from me, I am an old big fat old school biker on a old school dresser. I wish some one had looked after me all those years ago when I was learning to ride. When I started riding with Hog I had been riding for 30 years and I found it a great help when one of the other riders explained the "unofficial rules" of group riding.

On a normal group ride I just tag along at the back and help out if it is needed, but with learners I am usually a bit more active.

About the only bad things about being TEC is that from time to time I miss out on dinner at the meal stop andhaving have to restock my first aid and puncher repair kits.:violin:

PS, Nuts, I have had the small supply nuts, bolts and split pins I carry often raided over the years.

[pritch]

I'm wary of the really big group rides, eg the Christmas toy run. Too many idiots.

The first rule of group rides is: Arrive on time with a full tank and an empty bladder.
(And it's amazing how many can't even manage that.)

Second rule of group rides is: Ride at your own speed.

If you are really uncomfortable - leave. There is no rule says you have to stay.

The ones I enjoy most may be more in the nature of a "group lunch" rather than a group ride. Participants ride in small groups and meet up at the chosen venue. Presumably while following rule #2.

[Brayden]

Great flaming thread would read again! :innocent:

[sinfull]

I bags to be lead rider !!!