[BikerSwagBoy]

I've been riding for 35 years but this will only be my second year of leading group rides for a club I started. We ride 2 times a month and last season we averaged 15 bikes per ride.

For any of you that have more experience leading than I, I'd like to hear your thoughts on LESS EXPERIENCED RIDERS. We always ride in staggered formation but I've read that less experienced riders should be near the front of the group.

Why??? For some reason these are the people that always insist on riding in the back. Should I make them stay up front? Are they really safer there?

Any insight appreciated.

 

[wsharp]

Well, you may get differing opinions on this, but I can see having the less experienced riders up near the front to help you set the pace. With them up near you they are easier for you to observe and you can adjust the pace to fit their comfort level.

Plus people are less likely to ride beyond their limits when they set the pace rather than trying to play "keep up or look bad" with more experienced riders.

You are right, though, a lot of less-experienced riders like to ride the tailgunner position, probably so they don't feel self-consious having other riders watch them ride and they don't want to feel as if they are holding back the group. :roll:

We usually (almost always, as a matter of fact) ride in staggered formation since that allows more maneuvering room, and it's easier to handle the sweeping curves. We really only have one guy we ride with (very experienced) that would prefer to ride two abreast, and I have done that with him on the interstate and straight back roads.

If, as the leader, it makes your job easier by having them near you then by all means lay out the ride order before the ride and request that everyone sticks to it if at all possible.

My 2 cents for what it's worth.

 

[Louis]

I believe they are indeed safer at the front. Being to the end, and especially the last one implies good skills and judgement as this person is the protector of the group. There must be great communication between the leader and the last guy, especially in scenarios such as changing lanes. So, being an inexperienced rider myself, I wouldn't want to be closing the pack with a group of mixed rider. I've closed the pack on a group of all inexperienced rider where our instructor was leading (we where 5).