So you want to ride in a group ride. You have never done this before, but you have seen the huge line of motorcycles on the highway and you have decided you would like to be a part of that kind of brotherhood. You have checked the internet and found a charity ride or a club or riding association ride that interests you. There are a few rules of etiquette that you should know.

Group rides are usually announced to meet at a certain place and time. Kick Stands Up a period of time later. Show up at the earliest time announced. This will give you time to fill out any ride wavers and be present for the pre-ride briefing from the Road Captain. It is also a good thing to show up with a full tank of gas and having checked your bike out for safety such as tire pressure, proper chain tension etc. You do not want to be that “one guy” that shows up on almost every ride that is either late or needs gas.

Now we are riding. Road Captain is doing his job, everything is going great except that “that guy” has lost his or her concentration and fell off the pace. Realizing this they go like a bat out of hell to catch up prompting those behind them to do the same. Keep your intervals.

We stop at the first rest stop. It is hot out and many of us will shed layers of riding gear for comfort. Socializing begins and we are having a good time. Road Captain is watching the time. 20 minutes is usually the average rest stop and after 15 minutes they will call “5 minutes”. That means get your gear back on and get ready to roll. When 5 minutes have passed and most are in their leathers baking and wanting to continue the ride “that guy/gal” is still messing with helmet, gloves, ipod, getting gas that they should have had before starting the ride, etc.

This happens all too often. Please do not be that “guy/gal” that causes discomfort for the entire ride. Show up on time, full tank of gas on a safe motorcycle. The rest of us on the ride would really appreciate it.

We respect each other and not just think of ourselves. That is the brotherhood of riding motorcycles.

Ride safe and happy trails.