Riding in a group is an incredible feeling. You have a similar passion for motorcycling, you may all have completely different backgrounds, yet you are now on a journey together that takes you away from your everyday life.
However, for this to work well, a certain amount of discipline and common sense must be applied.
Below you will find some useful tips when group riding, such as hand signals and corner marking.
A comprehensive guide to our riding etiquette can be found by clicking on this link.
Signals for safe group riding
Hand and foot gestures help us communicate on the road when riding in a group, with turns, hazards, stops or formation changes.
When riding in a group consider that those behind you may not have seen the ride leaders signal, if you believe that might be the case replicate the ride leaders signal to allow riders further back in the pack to be made aware of the instructions, like a chain reaction.
It is advisable to familiarise yourself with these simple but effective gestures. Some of the common signals used are illustrated below.
The downloadable sheet is more comprehensive and will help you to learn the gestures prior to participating in a branch ride. To download click on the “DOWNLOAD HAND SIGNALS” button.
LEFT TURN
This lets the group know that you and those following will be turning LEFT. Extend your left arm straight out, palm facing down.
LEFT indicator ON.
RIGHT TURN
This lets those following that you will be turning RIGHT. Extend your left arm at 90 degrees up, fist clenched.
RIGHT indicator ON.
STOP
Lets the group know that you intend to stop and they should prepare to stop. Bend your arm 90 degrees, facing down, palm open.
SPEED UP
Let the group know that you want them to increase the pace. Left arm extended out palm facing up and swing in an upward direction to give the signal.
FOLLOW ME
Tells group that you are moving on and to follow. Extend your arm forward
SLOW DOWN
Extend your left arm out palm down and swing in a downward direction to give the signal to slow down.
CORNER MARK
RIDE LEADER tells rider immediately behind to mark the corner. Point to your helmet then point arm extended to the ground at 45 degrees.
PIT STOP
Tells group that you intend to stop for a break. Extend your arm, fist clenched, make short up and down movenments.
REFRESHMENT STOP
Time to eat or drink.
Fingers closed thumb to mouth, indicating “drink”
Key roles in group riding
It’s pretty simple, when riding with us on a group ride there are three key roles involved.
1 – The Ride Leader.
2 – Tail End Charlie.
3 – You!
Lets take a moment to cover off how this all works.
Who is the ride leader?
The Ride Leader is normally the person who organised the ride and planned the route including stops. Occasionally due to unforeseen circumstances there might be a stand in for the role on the day.
The ride leader will lead the group and set the pace, provide instructions en route such as corner marking (for more information on corner marking click on the “Corner Marking” button below), also ensuring all riders are accounted for at the beginning, at stops and at the end of the ride.
No rider is allowed to pass the Ride Leader.
It is the ride leaders responsibility to ensure that the ride sheet is completed by all riders prior to departure and that the ride sheet is sent to the branch ride coordinator in a timely fashion upon completion of the ride.
What does Tail End Charlie do (TEC)?
This rider stays at the end of the group to primarily ensure no one gets lost and that all riders reach the destinations.
Tail End Charlie cannot pass any other rider in the group and will always be the last rider.
TEC, must also get a copy of the ride sheet prior to departure, this ensures that if there are any break downs or incidents that occur they have access to all riders details, including emergency contacts.
What do I do?
Your job as a rider in the group is to enjoy yourself, have fun and above all else ride safely within your own limits and pace. Be respectful of other riders around you, tell tall tales over lunch and make memories that you can share with your friends and family.