What does it take to be a GOOD group rider? There is some simple etiquette to group riding beyond the simple “follow the rider in front of you”. It is long over due that someone put it into print. Call it “Group rides for dummies” if you will, because some people just don’t get it.
First thing you need to recognize in a group ride is that someone went to some trouble to organize, plan and lay out a route for this event. Unless that someone was you, you are a guest and you need to follow their lead unless by doing so you are putting yourself in unnecessary risk, breaking the law or riding above your ability. If this is the case, talk to the lead rider and let them know so they can either assist you or help you safely get home. That is part of their duty as a ride leader, but that is also another article.
Now that we have established you are in for the ride you need to obey the rules that a good lead should address before the ride, oh yeah, I have a list:
1. You are responsible for the rider behind you. If they stop, you stop. Check periodically to ensure they are there.
Okay it is a short list. Important but short. So now we can address the etiquette of group riding. This list is a little longer but can be far more important.
1. Proper bike maintenance. Break downs happen, lord I know they happen to me and I hate it. You feel like you just ruined everyones day. But it happens to the best bikes, so the least you can do is minimize the possibilities by properly checking things before the ride.
2. Do whatever the lead rider says’. They should know the route and be familiar with the trouble areas.
3. If you are a newer or inexperienced rider on the terrain you are entering let the lead rider know so assistance can be made available if needed.
4. If you take tracks of the ride, do NOT share them with others without permission. This is theft of intellectual property in a way. Most people don’t mind others riding their favorite routes but it is the right thing to ask first before posting the track online or leading a group thru the route yourself.
5. If you enjoyed the ride, say thank you. It will not only increase your likely hood to be invited again but gives the person who invested their time and energy in putting it together the warm and fuzzies. If you didn’t like the ride, keep it to yourself. It’s just not nice and lowers the chances others who hear you will put any effort into doing more rides.
Doing a fun group ride can be a lot of work, so encouragement of that effort is important especially for the unpaid. I strongly encourage everyone to do at least one group ride every year that they put together. Size doesn’t matter. But the appreciation you develop for the art will make you a better participant in others rides. So start planning that route for 2012 and have fun.
Topo Lake