First BIG GROUP RIDE.

ninjanewby · May 27th, 2014, 04:09 PM

I'm going on my first BIG group ride this weekend and I'm not completely sure what exactly to expect (apart from lots of bikes). Is there any specific protocol I should stick by? I'm only a learner with minimal experience but as it's my F irstfay big group ride I just thought I'd ask for some tips.

rojoracing53 · May 27th, 2014, 04:23 PM

Slow pace lots of riders who make you think how the F**K did this guy get her without killing himself. Lots of waiting around at stops. Many more then normal pissed off cagers because you guys are causing a cluster****. Yup basically.

csmith12 · May 27th, 2014, 04:47 PM

Go enjoy yourself mang, ride your own ride while within the group and make some new friends. It's ok to just cruise every now and then.

Protocol? Nah, not really, the lead bike should tell you everything you need to know and the sweep rider should be the tail rider in the group. If they don't do these two basic things, think twice about riding with them again. If your gunna ride with groups, get an ICE tag for your lid or a card for your wallet.

Did I say go make some new friends?

Alex · May 27th, 2014, 04:52 PM

Don't crash.

(I don't always follow this rule.)

CC Cowboy · May 27th, 2014, 05:25 PM

Tell the group your experience level and they will look out for you.

antiant · May 27th, 2014, 05:33 PM

Ride your own ride, don't ride above your limits. If people are going too fast, don't try to catch up to them, that usually leads to unfortunate events. If it's hot out there, hydrate yourself, bring water. Other than that, have fun!

NevadaWolf · May 27th, 2014, 07:01 PM

Each group has its own method of doing things, find the lead or sweep and ask. Speak up that this is your first group ride. If they answer clearly and explain what the group expects of its members, you're good.

Have fun though. Ride your own ride, don't feel you have to keep up, be safe, and enjoy yourself.

dcj13 · May 27th, 2014, 07:16 PM

Good luck. Pay attention to those around you (especially next to you and in front of you if these guys ride in a "conga line").

I once accidentally got caught in the middle of an organized new year's day Seattle-to-Tacoma Harley ride with escort bikes that would zoom ahead and shut down cross traffic and traffic going the opposite direction. I went with the flow for about 15 miles before I peeled off when I'd had enough.

capt_bugaloo · May 27th, 2014, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rojoracing53

Slow pace lots of riders who make you think how the F**K did this guy get her without killing himself. Lots of waiting around at stops. Many more then normal pissed off cagers because you guys are causing a cluster****. Yup basically.

LOL! The voice of experience.

Yeah, I hate riding with groups. Ugh.

cbinker · May 27th, 2014, 07:23 PM

stick to the rear. dont try to keep up with faster guys.

CycleCam303 · May 27th, 2014, 09:23 PM

Don't be afraid to dip out early too. Go specifically for the social aspect or else you'll get bored. And literally everything rojo said will happen.

ninjanewby · May 27th, 2014, 09:45 PM

Thanks for all your input. Wasn't expecting this much attention to tell the truth. I've been talking to the group leaders on FB for a while now. And they've all said pretty much the same thing. I always ride to my own abilities and refuse to be pushed beyond them. One of the reasons I waited till I was over 35 to get my license. Otherwise I might not be here talking to you guys.
And just out of curiosity, what's an"ICE"?

antiant · May 27th, 2014, 09:48 PM

ICE (In Case of Emergency) is a medical bracelet, phone info, tag, thing you wear that has all your medical/emergency info on it in case something happens.

Example of ICE

NevadaWolf · May 27th, 2014, 09:56 PM

Re: ICE

One of the cheap things I did was went to Wally World and in their pet section, they have the $5 dog tag engraver. I chose the military style dog tag and had two emergency contact names and numbers engraved onto it.

I never take the necklace off, it'd survive a crash as its inside my gear, and if anyone needs to zap me with an AED i know that it'll end up in someone's hand.

ninjanewby · May 29th, 2014, 04:54 PM

ICE does sound like a good, just in case, idea. Might look into it. Just got my new Dri rider jacket n gloves. The day is fast approaching. I'll let you all know how I go. Thanks again peeps.

ninjanewby · June 2nd, 2014, 02:52 AM

Group ride went great. Getting started was a bit awkward with 170 bikes trying to leave a car park at the same time. But I stayed upright & made it to the finish safe & sound. Was quite fun.

May 27th, 2014, 04:09 PM	#1
ninjanewby ninjette.org member Name: Jimmy Location: Coffs Harbour Join Date: Apr 2014 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 300 Posts: 23	First BIG GROUP RIDE. I'm going on my first BIG group ride this weekend and I'm not completely sure what exactly to expect (apart from lots of bikes). Is there any specific protocol I should stick by? I'm only a learner with minimal experience but as it's my F irstfay big group ride I just thought I'd ask for some tips.

May 27th, 2014, 04:47 PM	#3
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Go enjoy yourself mang, ride your own ride while within the group and make some new friends. It's ok to just cruise every now and then. Protocol? Nah, not really, the lead bike should tell you everything you need to know and the sweep rider should be the tail rider in the group. If they don't do these two basic things, think twice about riding with them again. If your gunna ride with groups, get an ICE tag for your lid or a card for your wallet. Did I say go make some new friends? __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

May 27th, 2014, 04:52 PM	#4
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	Don't crash. (I don't always follow this rule.) __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

May 27th, 2014, 05:25 PM	#5
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	Tell the group your experience level and they will look out for you. __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!

May 27th, 2014, 07:01 PM	#7
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	Each group has its own method of doing things, find the lead or sweep and ask. Speak up that this is your first group ride. If they answer clearly and explain what the group expects of its members, you're good. Have fun though. Ride your own ride, don't feel you have to keep up, be safe, and enjoy yourself. __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow.

May 27th, 2014, 04:23 PM	#2
rojoracing53 Fast-Guy wannabe Name: Jason Location: Brentwood, Ca Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja250, 2011 RM-Z250, 2004 NSR50, Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jan '13	Slow pace lots of riders who make you think how the FK did this guy get her without killing himself. Lots of waiting around at stops. Many more then normal pissed off cagers because you guys are causing a cluster**. Yup basically.

May 27th, 2014, 05:33 PM	#6
antiant antiant Name: antiant Location: Cali Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): None Posts: A lot. MOTM - Oct '14	Ride your own ride, don't ride above your limits. If people are going too fast, don't try to catch up to them, that usually leads to unfortunate events. If it's hot out there, hydrate yourself, bring water. Other than that, have fun!

May 27th, 2014, 07:16 PM	#8
dcj13 Participant Name: Dave Location: South of Seattle Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): '94 K75 std Posts: Too much. MOTM - Aug '15	Good luck. Pay attention to those around you (especially next to you and in front of you if these guys ride in a "conga line"). I once accidentally got caught in the middle of an organized new year's day Seattle-to-Tacoma Harley ride with escort bikes that would zoom ahead and shut down cross traffic and traffic going the opposite direction. I went with the flow for about 15 miles before I peeled off when I'd had enough.

May 27th, 2014, 07:23 PM	#10
cbinker Track Clown Name: Chris Location: Kingman, AZ Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R, 21 MV F3 800, Kawasaki 400 build Posts: A lot. MOTM - Sep '15	stick to the rear. dont try to keep up with faster guys. __________________________________________________ TEAM ALFALFA www.apexassassins.com

May 27th, 2014, 09:23 PM	#11
CycleCam303 King Hamfist Name: Cameron Location: NorCal East Bay Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Crf 150R, 2011 Hypermotard 796 Posts: 940	Don't be afraid to dip out early too. Go specifically for the social aspect or else you'll get bored. And literally everything rojo said will happen.

May 27th, 2014, 09:45 PM	#12
ninjanewby ninjette.org member Name: Jimmy Location: Coffs Harbour Join Date: Apr 2014 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 300 Posts: 23	Thanks for all your input. Wasn't expecting this much attention to tell the truth. I've been talking to the group leaders on FB for a while now. And they've all said pretty much the same thing. I always ride to my own abilities and refuse to be pushed beyond them. One of the reasons I waited till I was over 35 to get my license. Otherwise I might not be here talking to you guys. And just out of curiosity, what's an"ICE"?

May 27th, 2014, 09:48 PM	#13
antiant antiant Name: antiant Location: Cali Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): None Posts: A lot. MOTM - Oct '14	ICE (In Case of Emergency) is a medical bracelet, phone info, tag, thing you wear that has all your medical/emergency info on it in case something happens. Example of ICE

May 27th, 2014, 09:56 PM	#14
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	Re: ICE One of the cheap things I did was went to Wally World and in their pet section, they have the $5 dog tag engraver. I chose the military style dog tag and had two emergency contact names and numbers engraved onto it. I never take the necklace off, it'd survive a crash as its inside my gear, and if anyone needs to zap me with an AED i know that it'll end up in someone's hand. __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow.

May 29th, 2014, 04:54 PM	#15
ninjanewby ninjette.org member Name: Jimmy Location: Coffs Harbour Join Date: Apr 2014 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 300 Posts: 23	ICE does sound like a good, just in case, idea. Might look into it. Just got my new Dri rider jacket n gloves. The day is fast approaching. I'll let you all know how I go. Thanks again peeps.

June 2nd, 2014, 02:52 AM	#16
ninjanewby ninjette.org member Name: Jimmy Location: Coffs Harbour Join Date: Apr 2014 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 300 Posts: 23	Group ride went great. Getting started was a bit awkward with 170 bikes trying to leave a car park at the same time. But I stayed upright & made it to the finish safe & sound. Was quite fun.

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