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On Leading and Following: There
is a lead rider and a tail gunner on every
ride. Leader gets to pick the roads and
the pace. The tail gunner let’s the
leader know the group is all-intact at each
stop. If you don't like either, find an
open stretch and step forward. We stop at
each turn in the route and wait for everybody,
so don’t head out front unless you
plan to lead the ride.
Stay on the main road when in doubt. You
have to be aware of the road you are on
particularly when approaching Y-intersections.
Sometimes our main route will zig-zag, like
Reid Hooker Rd, for example, so you should
follow that route if riders ahead are not
waiting for you.
It is appropriate to ride in staggered
format in town. On regular country roads,
a 2-3 second space from the guy in front
of you might give you a better chance to
respond to an emergency.
Ride at the pace YOU are comfortable at.
Do not try to keep up. Ride at your own
pace, and more importantly "ride your
own bike" not the bike of the rider
in front of you. You will not be left behind,
because the MSSR always re-groups during
the ride.
Don’t like someone tailgating you?
Wave them on by. Wanna get by a slower rider?
Find a good straight stretch and muscle
on by with ease.
Watch out if he likes riding the curves
faster than you though and respect that
difference.
You are responsible for the person behind
you seeing a direction change during the
ride, such as a turn onto another road,
even if you haveto stop and wait.
If you break off from the group, make absolutely
certain you communicate that to other riders
who plan to stay with the ride. Otherwise
we turn around and look for you.
No one in this group should feel any responsibility
for a "new" rider going down on
a ride. The embarrassment you may feel when
the guys have to wait for you is easier
to bear than if they would have had to pick
your ass out of the ditch. If the brain
between your legs overrules the one on your
shoulder, you should probably sell your
bike and find another hobby.
On Signaling: If you
are leading others and come across an obstacle
in the road, like sand, dead animal, live
animal, etc, safely stick your leg out to
let others behind you know to be careful.
Another useful signal is the left arm extended
straight out or bent upward to indicate
an upcoming left or right turn. Seeing flush
mount or modified turn signals is hard in
broad daylight.
Know who you are riding with - the guy
in front of you could determine your fate
if you are following too closely. Get to
know people and study their riding styles
before deciding to dice too closely. Reintroduce
yourself periodically. Most of us remember
each other as that guy on such-and-such
bike but can't remember a name.
On Passing: You might
find yourself passing on a double yellow.
Do so with discretion. Give the car some
space, don't clip his mirrors, watch for
side roads and driveways, and pick your
spot. Uphill into a blind, decreasing radius
turn definitely is not the best spot. Waving
to the folks in the car after you make the
pass (not the finger) might just make the
driver think twice before picking up his
cell phone to dial up the local authorities.
Do not crowd other vehicles when passing.
Allow room and no STUPID passing moves please!
It only pisses the car drivers off and causes
them to pick up their cell phones.
If you're following someone and he does
not pass the car in front of you. DO NOT
take it upon yourself to pass them both.
Chances are there is something he can see
that you cannot. Maybe a left turn-signal,
a dog running to the road, a driver unfolding
a map, another bike, car, pedestrian, etc.
coming from any direction.
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