Advice for the new guys on upcoming bike runs

[Mustang]

We're quickly approaching the time of year with a lot of local bike runs for the upcoming festive season.

Is there any advice from the more experienced riders for the first timers that frequent the board.

My buddy is hesitant about doing the local toys for tots run since "it takes all day to get going then you're only going twenty five miles an hour anyway!"

So looking for tips on everything from experience to bike prep before the ride......

This'll be interesting:)

[Nibblet99]

Check engine coolant levels and oil before you start.... You bike isn't very good at getting rid of heat at those speeds (25mph can be optomistic), and your clutch is going to be used a lot (unless you're on a small bike)

Keep your distance from other riders, and make sure you know where they are at all times (don't rely on just mirrors). If it's your first time, maybe get a couple of more experienced guys to flank you till you gain more confidence.

Finally, don't follow a sportsbike, as there's always the odd twine who'll do a burnout at the traffic lights.


Having said that, I wouldn't let anything I've said put you off, as they are great fun, and bring a whole new spirit to biking

(plus you get to laugh at the people who've lowered their harley's idle revs, so they vibrate like a washing machine)

[Nibblet99]

Oh, and watch out for things that'll make other people swerve aswell...

such as

Pot Holes
Furry dead critters
Dog poo
Oil slicks
Drain covers - some people would rather kill themselves than ride over theses, even when it's nice and dry

[Ions001]

This is a good read, with some really good pointers if you've never ridden in a group before:

http://www.canyonchasers.net/reference/group-riding.php

[sv-wolf]

All that and

let people know this is your first time. If the rideout is half decent someone will keep an eye on you.

Ask in advance for feedback and advice.

drink some, but don't drink too much. There's nothing more agonising than riding in a bunch of guys with your bladder fit to burst!

Make sure your gear is up to the weather conditions.

It's dead easy to get mesmerised by and fixated on the bike in front. Make sure you keep looking well ahead.

There is a lot of unconscious peer pressure in a riding pack. Keep reminding yourself that this is your ride. You do it the way you want.

Check out the habits and riding styles of the riders you are riding close to. You get the occasional dork who swerves across the road or likes to brake hard. if you need to, move away from anyone who is riding inconsiderately.

position yourself for good vision as much as you can.

It's easy to get stressed on a long run. Do whatever you can to remain relaxed. Keep checking out that you are not clenching your abdomen, or tightening your arms and legs.

Make sure you know what rules are laid down by the ride, before you start.

And to repeat what Niblett said; keep your distance, keep your distance, keep your distance. I recently saw a video of what happened when the leader of a tightly bunched group of riders had to brake hard to avoid a rabbit. It would be very funny if the consequences weren't so a) unpleasant, b) expensive.

Enjoy the ride. You can have a great deal of fun in a group. it's a great experience.

[9000white]

send them a donation then find out their route and go in the opposite direction.

[Mustang]

send them a donation then find out their route and go in the opposite direction.

[flynrider]

send them a donation then find out their route and go in the opposite direction.

Perfect! That's exactly what I do. After watching a few local charity bike runs, I was pretty much convinced that they didn't need me to add to the clutter. A couple of hundred bikes trying to navigate the streets in a group, and half of the riders didn't bother to pay attention to the plan.

I'd sooner go out looking for a nice traffic backup during rush hour.

[Wizzard]

Ah come on peeps , where's your spirit of adventure ? Not to mention your spirit of giving ............
Regards, Wizzard

[sv-wolf]

You want to improve your slow riding skills? Ride in a slow moving group. Nothing better. It's a challenge. It's fun.