By MIKE Phillips

few weeks ago, I was part of a ride that included 27 riders going on their first group ride. There were four road captains spaced throughout the group, one at the lead, then one after every ten bikes. I was assigned to the rear of the group. The bikes ranged from a fully dressed Harley Ultra to a Honda Rebel 250. None of the riders had more than 2,000 miles of riding experience, and most had graduated from the basic rider course within the last three months. This ride served to reinforce basic ideas about group rides.

Ride leaders should meet several days before the ride to make a ride plan. Identify who will carry a first aid kit, jump box, and basic tools. Decide who will have a signup sheet and a waiver at the start of the ride. Know what type of riders are on the ride. A group of experienced riders may want to go faster than less experienced riders. There may need to be two groups, leaving at different times, to accommodate every rider’ s skill level. Plan the route to include ample stops for rest, gas, food, and water.

These stops can serve as collection points to reunite the group. Stops should be spaced about 40 miles apart or once every hour. Every group ride will take 30 percent longer than Google Maps predicts. Be aware that some riders may need more frequent breaks. Different bikes have varying

gas mileage, and some models only have a 2-gallon gas tank. Plan for right-hand turns when possible. This prevents turning left across multiple busy lanes of traffic. Preride the route the day before. Road conditions change; don’ t be surprised when they do. Have a backup plan in place for any changes.

Hold a rider’ s briefing before the ride. This is a time to check the bikes for mechanical issues, especially the tires. Have a tire gauge and an air pump at the briefing. Please point out any mechanical problems with the bikes, but let the rider make the final decision about air pressure and their own safety. I have informed riders with dangerously bald tires that they cannot ride with the group. Tell the riders about the route. Explain where you are going, road conditions, speed limits, hand signals, riding etiquette, and how long the ride is expected to last. Identify the ride captains and distribute their contact information. Inform riders on what to do in the event of a problem.

Always start slowly to allow the group to stay together. If the leader starts fast, the rest of the bikes have to run very fast to catch up. That will lead riders to go faster than they are skilled at, to stay in contact with the group. Ride at the speed of the slowest bike. Always ride at or under the speed limit; that’ s the law. Do not

pass other vehicles on two-lane roads; it’ s just not safe, and what’ s the hurry anyway?

On my last ride, we encountered a heavy 20-minute rainstorm. We stopped the group at a gas station and talked about riding in the rain. People with rain suits had a chance to put them on. We talked about slowing down on wet roads. Turn your emergency flashers on as visibility decreases. Increase the spacing between the bikes. The most significant danger is not the wet roads but that riders get tunnel vision in the rain. Riders tend to focus on what is close-up in front of them rather than taking in the entire picture around them. I asked two trikes to ride at the rear of the group to provide a better visual for cars behind the group.

After the ride, ask for feedback from the riders. Ask them what they liked and disliked about the ride. Make notes about their responses. Ride captains should schedule a meeting a few days after the ride to discuss its outcome. Rely on what the riders told you to make the next ride even better.

Group rides should be safe and fun. This is a time to meet and greet new people. Make everyone feel welcome and included. Greet them as they sign up. Ride captains should speak with as many riders as possible before the ride. Please introduce yourself and welcome them to the ride. Always

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