We ride a lot and with many different groups and we've seen a lot of different ways that groups ride together. Here are some common things we see done well and some that you may want to consider not doing at all when you're first getting to know a new group.
Starting the Day
Host
It can be uncomfortable for someone to ride with a new group, and this is always made more distressing if they don't know how your day typically starts. It's best when a group is riding with new people to always pre-arrange a start time and starting location. Be clear about the time. If you say 9am, is that the time you plan to leave the starting area or is that what time everyone is meeting? Getting started at the right time and not having people waiting around for someone to get their coolers strapped down, and fiddling with their machine is always the best impression.
Always make sure the parking location is well known to everyone and that there will be ample parking for trucks and trailers if there's going to be a larger group. If it's a long weekend or a busy weekend spot, you may want to re-think your launch point. For some local rides it can even be advantageous to have a few people ride from home to the starting location just to cut down on the parking congestion (assuming this is an option at all).
Guest
If you're riding with a new group, make sure to have your gear ready to go. I'd always recommend going in over-prepared and not expecting too much from a new group. Having the tools you need, any emergency repair items, etc. packed on your machine, ready to go is always your best bet. It's better to have a little more than you'll need than getting towed for half the day because you assumed someone else would have a tire plug kit that you need.
Arrive on time and maybe a little early. Some groups will be pretty much ready to go as they unload and they'll want to spend as little time at the parking area as possible so they can get to the first rest area to have a coffee and a visit. Other groups may spend a little more time at the trucks visiting and loading machines up.
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Simple Rules for the Day
- Bring enough food and fuel for an extended day. You never know how long your trip will be. It's best not to make a tough day worse by running out of fuel or being "hangry" until you get fed!
- Stay with the group. You may want to explore certain parts of the trail you're on that the group isn't checking out, but don't take off on your own. Stay with the group at all times. And for those hosting a ride, always make sure your lead and tail riders are in touch. Don't let the group get too spread out. It's always best to make sure the lead rider stops at all intersections so nobody gets lost because they missed a turn in the trail.
- Your riding style may not be the same as the group's. Be respectful of their norms. For example, if they're not going fast enough for you, let them dictate the pace. You're not proving anything to anyone when you take off ahead of the group at Mach 2!
- This may seem logical, but be polite and be patient. Communicate clearly and remember the people you're riding with just want to enjoy the day, so don't add stress to their day.
For us, it's really that simple. We like to have people with us that don't disrupt our day and when we ride with others, we go into the day knowing we're riding in their group, which means following their direction and norms. In most cases, if you can follow these few simple rules everyone will have a much more enjoyable day.
How about you? What are some of the rules or expectations you have for guests riding in your group? Or, what are some of the expectations you have of the group when you're invited to ride with an unfamiliar group?
