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Going on my first big ride tomorrow any pointers you guys could give me. The ride is about 2 hours one way, and i only have 800 miles under my belt on my 636. Thanks, Jason

Stay within your limits. There will be alot of seasoned riders with alot of experience who will be doing things you may not be ready for.

If the riders ride staggered that is good on the straight roads, but when you get to the curves, spread out so that you have the whole curve to yourself.

If you find yourself next to someone who is wobbly or gets too close, move.

and what they said above....ride at your skill level...don't be pushed into riding beyond your capabilities.

If some other rider has to stop for gas or go to the bathroom, don't hold up the whole group and wait for him, if somebody complains they are having trouble with their bike don't worry about him either, its not ur fault he owns a piece of junk, leave him along the road, if the whole group can't make it thru a green light or stop sign don't stop and wait for everybody else, everybody should get together and plan out the trip and everybody could meet and get together at a certain stop that everybody agreed with and don't pass somebody in the same lane thinking they will see you coming behind them, and keep up and go a constant speed limit, if the guy in the lead is riding fast then slowing down without using his brakes cause he's sightseeing flash ur lights and beep ur horns and get someone else to take the lead, just because you have the fastest bike doesnt mean ur the leader, its the best rider that should lead, and if there are women riding on the back of the bikes they will nag nag nag and complain about road dust in their hair and bug splatter on their faces, tell them to "SHUT UP"! they should expect that riding a motorcycle!

personally i think that participating in group rides that large is a little imprudent. you have to figure there will be a lot of idiots in the group without skills, a license or insurance. it's like playing russian roulette.

636SE wrote:Going on my first big ride tomorrow any pointers you guys could give me. The ride is about 2 hours one way, and i only have 800 miles under my belt on my 636. Thanks, Jason

Back on topic, Jason what I would suggest, besides what you're alredy been told, would be to just check in with the rides Road Captain and ask him if they have any special hand signals or line formations that you need to be aware of. Besides that, just keep your distance, stay aware and have a good time. Let us know how it goes.

well the ride went well, it took about 2 1/2 hours to get to the BBQ place we were heading too. It was a benefit ride with all kinds of bikes and not to many people doing anything stupid. This was the first time i've been to a motorcycle burnout contest in person and that was crazy. They did all kinds of motorcycle games and things like that. Overall i'm glad i went and will be doing it again.

636SE wrote:well the ride went well, it took about 2 1/2 hours to get to the BBQ place we were heading too. It was a benefit ride with all kinds of bikes and not to many people doing anything stupid. This was the first time i've been to a motorcycle burnout contest in person and that was crazy. They did all kinds of motorcycle games and things like that. Overall i'm glad i went and will be doing it again.

Good to hear that...