I have been asked many times about my thoughts on group riding and how it can be better. Generally people ask this question because they are new to group dynamics or have had a bad experience with it. I respond with, It's always about being responsible. First to yourself and then to the group.
I can't express how important it is to have your “contact information and medical information” on you.
Hey, things can happen and your peers can help you if they have access to your vital info.
Being responsible to yourself means being prepared and here are some do's and don'ts to help.
Before saying yes to a group ride, find out what type of riding will be done. You won't have fun if the group leaves you behind and they wont be happy waiting for you at every turn. The same goes for you being to fast for the group. Most groups have varying degrees of rider abilities and most of the time people settle into groups there comfortable with. ( This will take some time)
Now that you've decided to go, Do have your bike ready. “Full of gas”, tire pressure's checked and your bike in proper running order. If everyone is prepared at the beginning it makes for a smooth start for the day. Do know where you are going. Things happen, bikes run out of fuel, flat tires and Sometimes bad things happen and the group splits up. Don't be that guy or gal that has to rely on the group.
It does the group a dis-service to be late and unprepared.
Hopefully you can leave your Ego at home. A group ride is not a track day (well, most of the time) and it's up to you to keep yours in check. Do be responsible for whats in front of you. If everyone does, there is no need to worry about whats going on behind you. In my opinion, the term, “Ride your own ride” works best in a (I'll meet you at the end of the day ride) Riding your own ride generally means, don't get sucked into another persons pace or riding over your head.
Do have a great attitude and be aware of whats going on around you. At fuel stop's, be efficient and prompt. Make sure your not hungry and hydrate. All these things make for a smooth day.
Your place in the group is important whether your the leader or the last person. Most groups have a lead rider and a rider that runs in the back as sweep.(Both are no fun) The leader has to know the route, ride at a pace that is close to perfect and make lane adjustments that doesn't separate the group beyond repair. The sweep rider has the worst job getting stragglers rounded up and ride at a catch up pace to continue. One of my biggest issues in a group ride is keeping the group together in town traffic.
I always tell riders to close the gaps and don't lag behind. If your tight going through a town you end up a group leaving town and people aren't riding beyond there abilities to catch up.
Ride staggered and give distance.
Passing the leader? That's a sure fired way to screw the group up.
Tickets. If someone gets pulled over, don't stop. Continue down the road a way's and pull over in a large area and wait. In a large fast group, the last rider usually takes one for the team.
If a breakdown should occur, the group should do what is reasonable to help that person get what they need to get going or to get help. It should not be a ride wrecker. If the person that is broke is responsible, they will have a contingency plan to help themselves. The breakdown should be a minor inconvenience and the ride should continue.
In short, If your responsible, respectful, aware and alert, you will enjoy.
All of the above is only my opinion based on years of group riding.
