Anyone have any thoughts on this? Interesting thread.
I should have put this as the link: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...d.php?t=107628
I'll have a proper read.. have a look at this one if you ain't busy. over 200 opinions in 2 days http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...d.php?t=107578
Yeah! It seems pretty logical, lots of ideas/rules I've seen in various articles. Probably a good idea for everyone to read and understand. Too many rules kill the fun, not enough may kill the riders. Pity common sense has to be dictated/mandated in such detail, but increasingly people don't seem to be able generate their own.
Same..I agree with some of it...but too many rules confuse.....guys new to group rides are in danger of trying to follow the person in front and may get into trouble....i think the BFTP rides are sweet....slow casual laid back....over-taking is always going to be an issue..thats why to some extent i prefer to know where i am going so i can do my own ride and them meet at the next stop...rather then having to stay in touch.
cmoore ....i think the BFTP rides are sweet....slow casual laid back... I invited 2 riders I barely knew on a BFTP group ride, it ended rather badly. Mostly for me. flyingcrocodile46 but increasingly people don't seem to be able generate their own. Yep, see above... The ride descriptions could be useful for new participants to get some idea of what is in store. Plus if it is someone we have not met, and they have just got back on a bike, it would be good to know so we can keep an eye out for them. Yes it is mostly common sense, but there is always something to learn. The challenge of the rides also reflects on the machine. With classic bikes that don't get ridden all the time things can reduce the safety of what is basically old and outdated machinery anyway. After 2-3 years tyres get harder and start to lose their grip Brake fluid that is not flushed annually can cause fade after some twisty demanding riding Suspension and seals can blow under heavy loading and extended periods Unlubricated cables can snap Aged rubber brake lines can bulge or rupture Bolts can vibrate loose A WOF is not the end all to bike safety. I make sure all my machines are in tip top shape, as best as they can be given their age. I will never preserve originality if its sensible to upgrade things like brakes and suspension. One wonders if 'the new guy' on a ride feels the same way and is competent in his or her riding abilities and maintenance schedule/machine condition? Shit, saying all that means I'm going to break down next ride eh? Dammit!
I have two examples to give: The Coro Loop Disaster- Rider back on bikes for only 8 months, no one knows that, weeping fork seal.... overtakes me and I'm leading it, next part is something I don't want to relive. But even if I knew all that what could I have done? Should have done a briefing first, made sure everyone knows what is expected. I learned something. Last Weekend- Ride with someone I haven't riden with before, so used to watching The Robot and others dissapear in the distance and suddenly I'm closing up on the leader in the tighter corners. Adjust distance, and lead on the tighter stuff on the way back, issue solved. I should have not taken the 'usual scenario' for granted and taken it as a 'sit back and watch' perspective. I learned something.
hey dogyviti.....does mean I was ok or what?...i probably rode like i normally do...slow n careful to start and then warm up a bit....but generally i don't take risks....to many things on the road i cannot control....
Perhaps Caseye can insert a one line 'group ride etiquette' link to the thread from our main blurb and Psy might be able to do the same on our thread in the main forum.... if they feel it adds value. Definitely couldn't hurt. Sorry Dodgy, I don't have anything relevant in the way of personal experience to add to the theme. Fortunately I haven't been on a group ride where there have been any problems other than breakdowns.
cmoore hey dogyviti.....does mean I was ok or what?...i probably rode like i normally do...slow n careful to start and then warm up a bit....but generally i don't take risks....to many things on the road i cannot control.... Nice to see you have a common sense approach
I do think it important to question new riders as to how they ride and maybe offer a buddy for the first ride...we all tend to assume people can take care of themselves...maybe BFTP should adopt a voluntary rating system?
I also wonder about the racing rule of holding your hand up to let people know something is wrong and no one should pass you...
thanks croc....the track is prepared for riding... the road has all sorts of shit on it....i enjoy watching the guys who lean right over on a road bike on our chip seal roads...but it won't be me....
the "pointer system" that i like to use is there so that everyone can ride at their own pace. it caters for fast and slow riders alike. in my mind that system allows enough room for everyone to ride like they would if they were on their own in traffic. plus they need not think about missing a turn so can concentrate on riding. it works for me and i think it's also worked fine for peeps that joined us so far.
I certainly think it is good psy.....especially if you float around the middle of the pack....
