Riding your own ride

**Mom** · 21st June 2009, 09:44

Originally Posted by FJRider

The key thought is ... do you trust that rider behind you, to not run into the back of you ???

A couple of years ago we were on a group ride where the majority of the riders were simply following in one anothers wheel tracks, like a big snake. When we stopped at our first regroup point the TEC hauled up and gave the lot of them a chat about safe following in group situations. Probably had never occured to any of them that it was dangerous and limited their ability to avoid a situation should it arise. Good lesson learned for them.

**idleidolidyll** · 21st June 2009, 09:49

the thread statement is generally correct but;

i don't believe the unfortunate rider was racing; i reckon he was doing well under the speed limit and either the road condition or a mistake was to blame (there was a little gravel where he fell).

my deep felt condolences to his family and friends

**carver** · 21st June 2009, 09:49

Originally Posted by Grahameeboy

Did you give him the bike back??

i wanted to keep it, but he was beside me.

**Little Miss Trouble** · 21st June 2009, 09:54

Originally Posted by smoky

I agree whole heartily - but i would also ask;

If you can ride very well, and you're out with riders who do not have the same ability as you, but try to stick with you, you can see they're riding beyond their skill level - do you think you have a responsibility to slow down, rather than encourage them on?

I don't know?

My feeling on that is that it depends a lot on how the ride was advertised - if its a cruisey 250 type ride then yes you do have the moral obligation as a more experienced rider to tone it down or not turn up in the first place. A ride like the coro loop however is usually going to be a much faster paced ride, if you notice someone pushing it beyond their ability a 'calm down or piss off' chat should suffice

**Grahameeboy** · 21st June 2009, 10:07

Originally Posted by carver

i wanted to keep it, but he was beside me.

But I thought you Mormons believed in bikeligamy.....

**carver** · 21st June 2009, 10:13

Originally Posted by Grahameeboy

But I thought you Mormons believed in bikeligamy.....

but we do not believe in theft!

**Grahameeboy** · 21st June 2009, 10:14

Originally Posted by carver

but we do not believe in theft!

Theft has many guises...........

**FJRider** · 21st June 2009, 10:21

Originally Posted by Grahameeboy

Theft has many guises...........

Theft is an ugly word ... I much prefer "borrow" ... for a while.

**scumdog** · 21st June 2009, 10:38

Originally Posted by carver

everyone is responsible for their own life and ride.

after what happened today, i just wanted to make it clear, its not worth dying over.
i cant judge how good a rider you are, or your abilities, as i only get a brief partial insight when riding with people for the first time.

Maybe the rider that binned had read a few of your posts and was out to emulate you??? who knows.....

But older/more experienced riders DO influence n00bs, both by their riding style and their words, often to the detriment of said n00b.

**hayd3n** · 21st June 2009, 10:42

the last(also my first huge group ride) in chch itwas well organized ,they had the fast riders go first, then not so fast second ,and the still not so fast group last.
it broke the groups down into smaller groups and we stuck to out abilities.
i had no idea where i was goin . so i just sat in the not so fast second groups
had a ball and no one crashed !@,
we went over the port hills and stopped for a coffee/beer/feed at some dead end (nice) pub.
and strangers wouldn't criticize they would give out tips

and try to improve your riding ability

**FJRider** · 21st June 2009, 10:47

Originally Posted by scumdog

But older/more experienced riders DO influence n00bs, both by their riding style and their words, often to the detriment of said n00b.

But no matter how good a rider you are, there will always be some that are better. Knowing the warning signs when trying to follow another rider helps. Ignoring those signs will cause pain ... Eventually.

**Ragingrob** · 21st June 2009, 10:57

Yep ride your own ride.

Especially on the road! Yesterday I was on roads I'd never been on before, who cares, I just enjoyed the scenery and took it easy, knowing that at the turn-offs the others may have to wait a max of like 2 minutes for me.

When I'm on roads I know or with smaller bikes I'm absolutely fine having 2min stops while they catch up.

If you're feeling any pressure to push yourself, you're with the wrong crowd I reckon. Well if they are gonna judge you for it.

Everyone's out there for a good time individually, and everyone's individual 'good time' differs. Ride your own ride and have a good laugh at the pub afterwards!

**Maha** · 21st June 2009, 10:57

Originally Posted by hayd3n

the last(also my first huge group ride) in chch itwas well organized ,they had the fast riders go first, then not so fast second ,and the still not so fast group last.
it broke the groups down into smaller groups and we stuck to out abilities.
i had no idea where i was goin . so i just sat in the not so fast second groups
had a ball and no one crashed !@,
we went over the port hills and stopped for a coffee/beer/feed at some dead end (nice) pub.
and strangers wouldn't criticize they would give out tips

and try to improve your riding ability

Theres no reason why that senario couldn't happen on every group ride.
A ride briefing centred on capabilities.
Anyone should feel at ease on any group ride, if not, then they shouldn't be there.
But those that post group rides expect that those who turn up will take the adult and mature stance for the day, and for themselves.
Not one person is soley responsible for any action taken by another at any time (unless others are put at risk by that action) then something could be said, and thats all will take hopefully.

**beyond** · 21st June 2009, 11:30

Some good points made in this thread.
On group rides you need rules of some sort. The last one I organised earlier last year turned into a biggie so I made this thread to ensure everyone knows what is expected:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/ca...=attend&e=1598

A good 80 riders actually turned up for this run.

Feel free to copy the information for any rides you organise, if it means a safe one.

The final call is: everyone is responsible for their own behaviour which includes the way you ride. (Always ride within your own abilities) Unless someone else actually causes an incident then the fault will always be on the riders shoulders and no one else can be held responsible.

Condolences to family and friends and to those who had to witness such an event.