Doing my Sergeant Major thing here again folks.
Thought I'd post about numbers on ride outs and how we can improve organisation on large ride outs.
Having arranged a good number of ride outs and weekends away for other clubs, I can say from experience that one thing that does seem to make for a good run is a sensible number of bikes.
By sensible number I am talking about anything up to seven/eight. Once numbers get above this and certainly above ten bikes being able to keep all of the group together as one becomes practically impossible.
Also, having numbers greater than this in one group tends to become dangerous as those towards the back of the group invariably end up playing catch up and it is then that ride out accidents happen. Believe me, I know.
Please don't get me wrong, I am not suggesting that we should limit in anyway the number of bikes that should come on a run. Far from it, the more the merrier.
But there are two things we should perhaps do.
First suggestion, especially if there appears to be a large interest in a particular run, is have a number of designated "responsible" bods.
These would be people who know the route (or know a decent route to the destination) and who are willing to lead a group themselves. This way if more than ten bikes do turn up for a ride out (or 21 in total for my recent ride out to Whitby!), these can then be split up into groups of up to seven/eight.
Also, all responsible people can have the telephone numbers of all the other responsible people which would help dramatically if things do go wrong. I for one am happy for any of the regulars certainly to have my number and I can take calls whilst riding even (although I try to keep them short), as a number of people can.
It doesn't matter how the groups are split, whether it be by speed that people want to travel at, choices of possible routes or whatever, but this splitting of the group into smaller ones would help ensure everyone gets to the destination safely whilst still having fun.
Being a "responsible person" does not however mean that the group leader is in any way responsible for the individual riders within that group. Only that he or she is leading that group and is responsible for knowing how to get to the destination. If individual riders choose to break from the group and do their own thing, this is fine, but if you get lost, tough!
The second suggestion follows on from my last point above.
Anyone coming to a ride out without knowing how to get to the destination or worse, home from it, is frankly being a little silly lol!
May I also suggest therefore that if you are attending a ride out in an area of the country that you don't know, you do a little bit of research and as well as ascertaining how to get to the start off point, learn where the destination is and how to get home from it.
Also, take a map or sat nav if you have one. In fact if you do have a sat nav, do as I do and take a sat nav AND a map!! Nowt worse than being in the middle of nowhere and the fuse for your sat nav blows at which point you realise you have absolutely no idea where you are.
This way if you do find yourself split from the main group, you can at least meet up with the group later and/or make your way home. Just do us a favour and let someone else in the main group know by telephone or text, we do worry you know!
Final point. If you do need to ring me on a ride out or anyone else for that matter, find out where you are first. "On a road somewhere", doesn't really help!!!
I won't say who offered me this wonderful insight into their location! I love you honey-bun!!!
Very sensible words Geoff.
As with the Whitby run, when I'm around, I'm happy to act as a "responsible person", and also happy for people to have my number, as I can also take calls on the bike. I say "act as", as I have no intention of ever becoming a "Sensible Person".
On an additional note though, the split of "fast vs slow" didn't really work, so a different split should be sought.
And final addition: for a ride out, it's easy to prepare a set of waypoints, or even a complete route, depending on what satnav you've got. Therefore: MATT - Can we have a "Download the route here" (or similar) part of the Events pages so the organiser can share the GPS co-ordinates, Zumo Route, TomTom Bike Route etc for the "responsible people" and others.
I do feel sorry for Matt sometimes with all these requests for this button and that button lol!!!
On this note though Matt, can we have a "Boost my karma" button that only actually works for me.
Perhaps a staggered departure is in order if there is a large group? This way the slowies and wobblies can leave earlier and maybe use a slightly altered route and not feel under undue pressure to play catchup or to push a little too hard to meet an agreed meeting time?
And Geoff......you as an S.Major?.......is that the frog patrol? lol
Just kiddin bud.
bluesbiker In: Birmingham in th
Posts: 2510
Karma:
If there are a lot of people want to go. You could always split the group into two . maybe a slower and faster group. allowing peeps to go with the group they feel more comfortable with. Meeting back up at tea stops and destination.
If i'm leading a rideout i useually do the route by myself the week before so i'm happy about and deviations i may have to make. Plan the ride. Ride the plan.
It didn't work because I left with only 2 other bikes, and Geoff was lesft with everyone else.
I would have been better to have a "second group", rather than a fast vs slow...
I refer you back to Geoff's "I was not stressed" posting...
I would prefer mixed groups.
Am guessing that the 'slow' group would be mainly those on L plates or with 125's, would be better having a mixed rider ability group should something happen.
Also as learners those with in the group who are not, they may be able to offer some pointers towards how we are riding, I know it helped having Ian behind me Saturday when I tried out my bike for the 1st time
That's a good question for debate.
Can you *force* people to split into groups? No.
Can you suggest that they do... Yes
Can you put them off splitting by saying that one group will be going fast... Yes.
"I would prefer mixed groups."
I suppose the question on a number of people's lips (quite rightly) is "What about us learners?"
The reality I am sure is that all newbies would probably prefer mixed groups and I can entirely understand why. Indeed, I would suggest that any run that has an "L" or newbie contingency should have a group for them with some experienced riders amongst them.
However, to always have a number of "mixed" groups is likely to discourage the quicker riders from attending. Similarly, having these quicker riders amongst a "mixed" group every time could create pressure on the slower riders, which in turn would discourage them from the next run.
I would rather not discourage anyone from attending a ride out (I already have for one incidentally and I didn't like doing it), but the truth is not every run would be suitable for "L" riders unfortunately.
I'd suggest that now isn't the time to decide on the TYPES of groups as it is likely to vary from one ride out to another. Some may work better with slower and quicker groups (such as longer runs), some better with "mixed" groups (shorter runs on perhaps slower roads, single tracks and similar).
However, I do think that this is the time to agree that having a number of groups for larger ride outs is the correct thing to do. And as long as we ensure that there are ride outs for newbies etc as well as for more experienced riders, everyone should be catered for in some way.
if some expeienced riders are amongst the learners or lesser experienced riders then they can give out hints and help the riders.i ride a fast bike, but would be happy to ride amongst the newbies
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