Motorcycle Group Riding Tips
Motorcycles may be thought of as the ultimate vehicle for individual freedom, but that doesn’t mean you always have to ride alone. There are many advantages to riding in a group, from camaraderie to resource sharing to the safety of riding in numbers. If you’re riding on a long motorbike trip, it’s nice to have a group to rely on. But if you do choose to ride in a group, there are a few tips that can help to make the process safer and better.
Accommodate Every Rider’s Skills
When riding in a group, the different skill levels of each rider will quickly become apparent. If everyone rides to their fullest abilities, the group could easily break up and get separated. This could lead to members getting lost or worse. Motorbike riders who are trying to keep up with a group of more skilled riders could push their bikes harder than they’re able to maintain, which is an extremely dangerous thing to do. If you want to keep everyone together and as safe as possible, it’s best to accommodate each rider’s skill level.
One good way to do this is to put the least-skilled riders in the front of the group. If they’re leading or in the second position, they’ll act as a natural speed regulator for the riders behind them. They can set the pace through corners and down the stretch.
Prepare Correctly
When riding in a group, the mistakes of any rider can affect the whole group, and that logic applies to packing, too. If you forget the crucial gear, you’ll have to turn around and pick it up or possibly borrow another member’s gear. This can delay the group or make life harder for everyone in general.
After developing your packing list, be careful to double-check every item as it goes into your luggage. Bring the necessary motorcycle gear for whatever weather you’re likely to find, whether it’s a cold rainy day or a hot sunny day. Then, make sure to take your motorcycle in for a routine inspection. It’s essential to have all of your engine fluids topped off, your tires properly inflated, and your suspension dialed in for the extra weight.
Plan the Route
Planning your route is important for a few reasons. First, it allows you to choose the best roads unfolding among the most beautiful scenery. There’s no need to always choose the straight, flat, boring roads when we have a massive system of beautiful highways and backroads. Second, planning your route will help you hit the best roads for the time of year. For example, you probably don’t want to take a mountain pass in the dead of winter, and you don’t want to get stuck riding in the desert during the peak of summer. Finally, choosing your route will help you to avoid traffic problems and construction zones.
Stop by Hideout Harley-Davidson® for all your motorcycle riding needs. We’re located in Joplin, MO, and we welcome all those coming from Springfield, MO, and Rogers, AR.