GROUP RIDING - How to Organise & Enjoy

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  • Опубліковано 29 чер 2024
  • How to organise and get the most out of a group ride. Suggesting a date & meeting point, riding etiquette, second man drop-off system, coffee & lunch stops, and general tips & tricks for a successful day trip with your friends.
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    CHAPTERS
    00:00 Group rides vs Solo
    02:15 How to organise a day trip
    05:20 Group riding etiquette
    06:06 Second Man Drop-Off
    07:41 Tips & tricks
    10:05 The lunch stop
    10:53 Outro
    Thanks to all my friends who appeared - wittingly or otherwise - in this video, and more generally to Biker Boyz, MC Portimão and AlgarveSeniorBikers.com riding clubs for introducing me to the wonderful roads of southern Portugal.
    #rocketman #groupriding #algarve
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 110

  • @user-rf9me7xm1w
    @user-rf9me7xm1w 29 днів тому +10

    Wow, what self control you must have, I bow to your superior strong will. If I had four Oreos, they’d all disappear very quickly definitely no need for a clip.

  • @gerryryan2302
    @gerryryan2302 29 днів тому +4

    I’ve gone to plenty of “meets” but listening to people’s tales i absolutely would never want to ride with them …very happy on my solo trips .

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  28 днів тому

      Thanks for your input 👍😊

    • @Webbo-gf6eq
      @Webbo-gf6eq 23 дні тому +1

      Would never want to team up with people to ride somewhere and have a chat but totally appreciate that some people do.
      Everyone to their own!!
      As you say, I am one of those people who use my bike to get away from everyone else. We are all different and everyone has an opinion.
      All good. 👍🏻

  • @davidbarton7463
    @davidbarton7463 27 днів тому +1

    I managed a group ride after getting back into bikes after a 20 year break while raising my boys, I refurbished a bike that I had purchased in 1994 and had had kept garaged, it was fantastic as I was just regaining confidence in my riding and I am lucky enough to live in Cornwall and have got to know the guy's who produce "Rider Cam T.V." who organised the ride out. Looking forward to the next one as I will ride my new V100 Mandello.

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  27 днів тому +1

      Good for you👍😊 Bet you can’t wait to try your Mandello. I would have probably gone for a Stelvio over the Tiger, but the MG dealer here is hopeless🤨

  • @lauraiss1027
    @lauraiss1027 24 дні тому

    I passed my motorcycle license same time as my friend. We thought we will have many travels and rides together. We don't ride together at all. I want to travel, he wants to ride a bike. For him motorcycle traveling is twisties, riding fast and far, for me motorcycle is just a means to get to places and see and experience stuff. My jaw dropped when I asked him: "do you actually want to ride two days, 700km a day on autobahn super fast to spend half a day in Alps and then make same way back" and he replied: "but of course, there are fascinating roads to ride fast and lean and enjoy the riding". I want to see churches, camp by the lakes in tents, see the woods, walk down the creeks, meet people, try local foods while he wants to ride a motorcycle. We have similar power bikes. It's even less about what bike you have power-wise, but more about what you want from the ride. I really love motorcycle riding but not that much where it's an adventure and reason by itself.

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  24 дні тому

      I’m more like you, but I have a friend like yours who is more interested in extracting maximum sensation from the road. Fine. He just has to stop and wait for the rest of us at every junction😉 Thanks for your input.

  • @paulyflyer8154
    @paulyflyer8154 29 днів тому +3

    I love meeting and chatting to other riders in the cafes, but riding with a pile of strangers isn't for me. I hate the lack of spontaneity and always find myself either going too slow or worse, being pressured to ride beyond my abilities. They always start off pleasant enough, but as the day goes on, the testosterone builds and it usually turns into a bit of a TT race. I much prefer to go either on my own or with one good friend and then talk bollocks with strangers at different cafes en route.

  • @Rycka1
    @Rycka1 21 день тому +1

    If i do remember there's a lot of citizens from UK and France living in Algarve or aat least their second home.
    That aside nice to see some scenary from that region, and to answer to the video i do prefer solo riding or on rare occasions a small group of 3 maybe, but i'll always chose if possible to do it solo and mainly for the reasons invoked.
    Ride Safe!

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  21 день тому +1

      Yes, about 50% of the population here are expats, at least along the coast. Thanks for your input👍😊

    • @Rycka1
      @Rycka1 21 день тому

      @@RocketMan_Moto Your welcome, but i got to thank you once again for showing so nice places. I'll be hoping one day to a proprer trip there ( just need the time, the proper adequate bike... and the funding of course lol ) But for sure i know how i will do it.

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  21 день тому +1

      It’s a beautiful part of the world😊

  • @NoFrictionZone
    @NoFrictionZone 27 днів тому

    Well organized/charity rides are ok. I'm always solo, but 3 day trips are done with my only friend that rides.

  • @5tevieb954
    @5tevieb954 29 днів тому +3

    According to “bike safe” a lot of accidents occur when group riding. In fact someone past away on Teapots last tour…. Nice video though, really enjoy your format.

  • @PeterR0035
    @PeterR0035 28 днів тому +1

    My question would be: Why do we want to ride in a group?? If it's for learning things, I think you'd be better suited with following a small motorcycle course once in a while. Clubs are nice for information exchange and camaraderie, but group rides are not without risks, as many pointed out. I'm 62, started riding when 18 (tought myself on a GS1000S), and now ride a BMW R100GS from 1993. All my trips have been solo, except for 3 one day trips.

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  28 днів тому +1

      I enjoy group rides and they have allowed me to discover the beautiful routes you see on my videos :)

  • @alfie6426
    @alfie6426 28 днів тому

    I saw a group using the second man technique yesterday and wasn't sure why a bike had stopped on the side of a busy road, this explains it.

  • @Wojtekpl2
    @Wojtekpl2 29 днів тому +1

    I do prefer solo riding. As you mentioned riding your own comfortable speed (pretty low in my case), taking stops whenever you want is crucial. I'm not much social guy.

  • @ianhalliwell8604
    @ianhalliwell8604 28 днів тому

    When i had a BMW K100 RS i joined the BMW club and had some good rides out with fellow like minded souls often on much older and slower bikes. You learn to adapt and enjoy the experience and chat, but i didn't keep it long and now seem to be always solo.

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  28 днів тому +1

      Definitely preferable being a faster rider having to wait for the slower ones than the other way round. Thanks for your input :)

  • @esrider7765
    @esrider7765 22 дні тому

    So far only do my own thing. I have a couple of friends I ride when they are in Spain, which is not that often. Just ordered hip lock from amazon spain, cheaper and comes Sunday.

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  22 дні тому

      Group riding adds another dimension to motorcycling imo, but in no way replaces solo riding. The Hiplok is a cheap, but useful addition to any tank bag ;)

  • @Bodenfuzzi
    @Bodenfuzzi 28 днів тому

    100% agree to your conclusions! As much as I enjoy riding alone, I also love the social aspect and comfort simply driving behind others. Frankly, it´s also a good opportunity to compare my own riding skills to others - and sometimes even occasionally improve....😊

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  28 днів тому

      Absolutely, although judging from the comments, we seem to be in a minority, lol :)

  • @aagetreffen
    @aagetreffen 29 днів тому

    I enjoy group riding for the most part. It is a great way to get to know people. And kick the tires and talk about motorcycle. I am new in this town. So I join the local motorcycle club on trips. When they post invitations on their facebook page. Today there was the start of summer meet in town.

  • @teneretraveller8980
    @teneretraveller8980 29 днів тому +1

    Perfectly summed up.
    Ride safe 👍

  • @MrTeriyakiman
    @MrTeriyakiman 28 днів тому +1

    Great vid RM! I'm not a lover of group riding just because, for every bike/rider you add to the group the the faff factor increases twofold. It's so frustrating sitting on your bike with the engine running in the sweltering heat while captain faff remembers that his earplugs are in his topbox and needs to take his gloves/lid off again put them in!

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  28 днів тому

      I hear you, but the 'faff' has allowed me to discover some beautiful routes ;)

    • @Grahamvfr
      @Grahamvfr 27 днів тому +1

      Hahaha I like it, we have a master of faff, but now it's more hilarious than annoying!!

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  26 днів тому

      👍😊

  • @1PercentRealtyVI
    @1PercentRealtyVI 27 днів тому

    Thanks for the zap strappy thingy.

  • @victorkorando
    @victorkorando 28 днів тому

    The best groups to ride with are custom groups(Harley angles look alikes😁)...I rode a year with Praetoriani Portucale, lots of rules as you mention in the vídeo. Got tired of rules and left the "gang"...Got so tired of rules and swore that would never ride in groups again, after 10 years riding solo opened an exception and rode with a group....worts mistake of all time, no rules, two bikes fell...total chaos!!! So...back to solo riding, because to ride on a group you have to follow rules and behave!! I'm 51 and tired of rules and behaving well at work....

  • @edgybikercop
    @edgybikercop 29 днів тому +1

    Wow! What a landscape. I will have to get down there.

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  29 днів тому

      The Algarve is so much more than the beaches😊

  • @Grahamvfr
    @Grahamvfr 28 днів тому

    I'm really surprised by the negativity comments of group riding. yes I love riding on my own, but often ride at least once a week with mates (3, 4, up 6 maybe,and have lead groups up to 12 over to nurburgring ...great rides. 50 yrs a biker.

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  28 днів тому

      I have been surprised, too. I enjoy both solo and group riding😊

    • @skymningforelsket1302
      @skymningforelsket1302 28 днів тому +1

      @@RocketMan_Moto We'd all ride with you, Rocket Man. You're a very methodical fellow ps why do you pack Oreos, shouldn't you be packing English butter toffee💂🍫😄

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  27 днів тому

      Haha, wouldn’t toffee melt in the heat here? Thanks for the vote of confidence, though👍😊

  • @lynsmith1096
    @lynsmith1096 28 днів тому

    Good video. When I used to go on a ride on a Sunday there were 5 or 6 in the group on average but on the occational spin in the week there would be 2 or 3.

  • @joeln6861
    @joeln6861 28 днів тому

    Have only done a couple of large group rides, but they are ok because they have riders block intersections (often with local police), but when you don't have that, traffic lights are an issue. Most of my riding is with 1 friend and we trade who goes first (who chose where we are going). That works well. I do not care for group riding on major highways as there are so many cars in and out, etc. even if it is only with one other rider. I like to be able to choose my own lane, pace, and exit strategy on big highways.

  • @theportugeeza
    @theportugeeza 29 днів тому

    I prefer solo riding... I did a group ride along Rota Norte, along the Douro in northern Portugal... great bunch of guys, but they just didn't stop! So much beautiful scenery!!

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  29 днів тому

      The most difficult thing is to find riders with the same mindset

  • @Knockelhead
    @Knockelhead 29 днів тому

    We use it to chat and tell free or car coming. Some of us adhd riders got music and the ppl that are less experienced dont got Music. We ride in groups of 4 to max 6 or you need to wait every red light stop. I cant ride without its helps you with a extra set of eyes on the road

  • @user-sw2lv3zp6o
    @user-sw2lv3zp6o 29 днів тому +1

    I would much rather ride on my own. You can stop when you want and go at any speed, fast or slow, that you want to. I think it's also safer. A problem with group riding is that someone will be riding faster than they want to.

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  29 днів тому

      Yes, that can be a problem, but we do tend to take it easy😊

  • @MGman100
    @MGman100 28 днів тому

    I toured in the West Country last September with two other riders. I didn't like it. Despite setting a motorway speed limit the lead was exceeding it by 20mph within a quarter of a mile of pulling onto the motorway. I'm a much newer rider and there were times when they were doing very dodgy overtakes so I ended up a considerable way behind. By the end of the week I was getting a bit fed up with the jibes from my friends. They also weren't interested in stopping at many of the places I wanted to stop. I much prefer riding by myself!

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  28 днів тому +1

      This can be the problem and is why I insisted on the fact that the most important - and difficult - thing is to find people of a similar mindset, skill level and bike power. I think I got lucky here in the Algarve, but from what others like you have been saying, it's a bit hit and miss. Thanks anyway for your input :)

  • @bmp72
    @bmp72 29 днів тому

    looking forward to joining the ASB 😀 and getting to know the Algarve, it looks beautiful.

  • @paullee6663
    @paullee6663 29 днів тому +2

    My idea of hell, but to be fair a group ride on the Algarve is a completely different affair than one starting 8 miles from Birmingham at least by the look of your video 👍

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  29 днів тому

      I’m lucky in that I fell in with a group of nice guys. Also, yes, the roads & scenery are fabulous down here😊

    • @paullee6663
      @paullee6663 29 днів тому

      @@RocketMan_Moto I think when you are able to ride that regularly, it becomes more than just a bike ride, more a kind of social event. i can see the appeal, but it's just not appealing to me, even on the Algarve. I'm still working full time, so maybe that could change, but I don't see it if i'm honest.

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  28 днів тому

      Fair enough. Each to their own :)

    • @steveparish9210
      @steveparish9210 27 днів тому

      At least it's not Birmingham, Alabama!

    • @paullee6663
      @paullee6663 27 днів тому

      @@steveparish9210 😄

  • @MCGMB
    @MCGMB 28 днів тому

    Another wonderful review. I would encourage you to at least try an intercom for group riding, or even when with one other rider. It opens up a channel to easily communicate timely info: safety-related, an interesting site, bathroom break, food stop, etc. Furthermore you don’t have to wear it for every ride. But you have the option.

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  28 днів тому +1

      I am looking into the Sena intercom for my new Neotec, but if I don’t like it, it will be more €€€ wasted😬

  • @andrewdyson4255
    @andrewdyson4255 28 днів тому

    I’ve done a fair few group rides both at home and abroad. I am now a solo rider just for the independence side of it, doing what I want to do when I want to do it. Yes I miss the social side of things but you have to be very selective in your choice of group members. I have seen average riders get themselves into a pickle trying to keep up with others that are faster or more experienced.
    It’s best to ride your own ride to your own ability and you don’t have the temptation to go beyond your ability. Pros and cons for both but it’s best to try it and see what you think

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  28 днів тому

      Totally agree, Andrew. As I said in this video, the most important - and most difficult - thing is to ride with like-minded people.

  • @teslageek9257
    @teslageek9257 28 днів тому

    Mixed opinions. I’ve ridden solo for many, many years. Just easier. The few exceptions in the past when I did ride with others it was fun. Recently moved to a new area and have ridden with a loosely organized group that averages about 8 or so riders. I’ve gone three times so far and I’ll probably try to continue with the group when I can. Rider’s experience and skills has varied. I’m comfortably in the middle. It has prodded me to up my pace to stay with the better riders. I’m enjoying the challenge and hope to stay within my capabilities. Crashing sucks.

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  28 днів тому

      Yes, there are pros & cons. I enjoy solo, but you do learn things in a group. Thanks for your input👍😊

  • @steveh545
    @steveh545 29 днів тому

    I’ve got limited group ride experience. I do have a com but haven’t used it much. I think they’re invaluable for communicating road hazards and man down/ mechanical/pee breaks, but don’t want to be bombarded with chit chat. (Unless I know the riders well, and then maybe not). I don’t use it for music either.

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  29 днів тому

      I think that’s what I would limit my intercom for, if I do get one. Not sure I fancy chit chat throughout the ride😬

  • @armandomorales5857
    @armandomorales5857 29 днів тому

    Most of my riding has been with a group. I prefer smaller groups and have switched groups as I find better-fitting ones. When I ride alone, I tend to go slower.

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  29 днів тому

      Interesting. I tend to ride faster when I’m on my own. Thanks for your input👍😊

  • @tridentyyz1031
    @tridentyyz1031 29 днів тому

    The new TFT screen on the Tiger looks fantastic!

  • @creedm3040
    @creedm3040 29 днів тому +1

    Awesome video! I am a confessed lone rider. How are you getting on with your bike? Best!

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  29 днів тому +1

      Thanks. Nothing wrong with lone riding, I do it a lot too. Loving the Tiger👍😊

  • @bking1369
    @bking1369 28 днів тому

    More reviews on the tiger please

  • @Lacehairwigs
    @Lacehairwigs 28 днів тому

    I prefer to ride on my own or a small group that respects my limits. I don't want anyone pulling up next to me or in front of me waving me to go faster.

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  28 днів тому

      Of course. I've never had anyone pressuring me like that, though. Maybe I just got lucky with the guys down here? Ride safe :)

  • @skymningforelsket1302
    @skymningforelsket1302 28 днів тому

    Funny, I was just thinking about this very subject. Wondering if I should try group riding (again).
    I found group riding only worked for me with 1 other bike when I rode with others in the past, sometimes even that was a little dicey. For example, I planned a ride and unexpectedly ran into heavy traffic on the route. One guy got really mad at me b/c his bike started overheating. You know? Another guy I ride with speeds like a maniac and gets 4-5 speeding tickets per year and spends a fortune on lawyers to keep his license. He tells me "You need to get a move on" (ride as fast as he does.) Then again, being a loner all the time can be ...lonely . LOL! Damned if you do, damned if you don't 😅
    Quite an area you live in there, btw. Looks very much like Del Mar, California

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  28 днів тому

      I hear you. As I said in the video, the most important (and difficult) thing is to find like-minded people with similar bikes and skill levels. Yes, the Algarve has some beautiful scenery :)

  • @marcfalardeau6058
    @marcfalardeau6058 28 днів тому

    Hi sir, I am 61 years young & a new rider since spring 2022 on a GS 1250 and joined a club since the beginning. I must say it is less relaxing for me to ride in formation. Only 2 seconds between the riders is not enough space for greater security. Also, today’s ride lasted 7 hours which is too much for me. Could I have your opinion on these two issues! Merci et bonne route! Marc, Quebec 😉🏍🇨🇦

    • @PeterR0035
      @PeterR0035 28 днів тому +1

      My question to you would be: Why do you want to ride in a group?? If it's for learning things, I think you'd be better suited with following a small motorcycle course once in a while. Clubs are nice for information exchange and camaraderie, but group rides are not without risks, as many pointed out. I'm 62, started riding when 18 (tought myself on a GS1000S), and now ride a BMW R100GS from 1993. All my trips have been solo, except for 3 one day trips.

    • @skymningforelsket1302
      @skymningforelsket1302 28 днів тому +1

      I'd use automobile distances between bikes. 3 seconds of time between bikes up to 40 mph. Add 1 second of distance for each 10 mph over 40 mph. For example, at 60 mph, you'd have 5 seconds of space. Watch the bike in front of you pass a stationary point on the side of the road, then count the seconds until you pass the same point to measure the distance. It's as much about reaction time, as stopping distance. You simply need a certain amount of time before you can recognize the need to brake and start to apply the brake. This can be up to 1 second, even if your on the ball and paying attention. So no, I wouldn't say 2 seconds is enough distance to stop.

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  28 днів тому +1

      Seven hours is way too long for me. I sometimes - begrudgingly - join groups on 4-5 hour rides, but I find it too much. When I organise, we usually ride 1.5-2 hours before lunch and then ride home on our own. Re. the spacing, that 2-second diagram is more for urban environments. If you look at many of the clips in this video, on quieter rural roads, you’ll see we are much more spaced. The important thing is to ‘do your own thing’. Don’t feel pressured to ride faster than you would like👍😊

  • @johnmcdonnell81
    @johnmcdonnell81 28 днів тому

    Gosh, all that would be too much for me I'm afraid.

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  28 днів тому +1

      Once you’re in the thick of it, you don’t really notice the organisation part. Honest😊

  • @SQuesado
    @SQuesado 29 днів тому

    Love riding, but being anti social I don't like group rides or meetings...

  • @davidfoster9890
    @davidfoster9890 28 днів тому

    Personally, no more than 6 in a group.
    Or if more, split up into 6's.......

  • @onthepegs
    @onthepegs 29 днів тому +1

    you lost me at "social" :D

  • @JDWDMC
    @JDWDMC 28 днів тому

    It's awful. Don't do it. It just ends up in a nightmare of ambulances, helicopters, trailers and tow trucks. Plus the odd funeral. No more than 3 people. Ever. Those other 2 people better be good friends and decent humans too.

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  28 днів тому

      Sounds as though you had a particularly nasty experience

    • @JDWDMC
      @JDWDMC 28 днів тому +1

      @@RocketMan_Moto More than one. It doesn't matter how careful you try to be, or how many "rules" you attempt to impose on an organised group ride, there are always 4 or 5 people who think they are both invincible and invulnerable. It always catches up with them.

    • @skymningforelsket1302
      @skymningforelsket1302 28 днів тому

      I notice a theme on the comments that many people say, they say a problem with group riding is that sometimes less experienced riders "can't keep up" with more experienced riders. Maybe that's so --on a track. But on the street, the more experienced riders aren't always the ones that are going the fastest all of the time. 😉. Experienced riders know when to lay it on, but they also know when to lay off. Inexperienced riders are the ones who usually don't know when to lay off.

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  27 днів тому

      I’ve never encountered ‘characters’ like that on the rides I’ve been on

    • @RocketMan_Moto
      @RocketMan_Moto  27 днів тому

      Agreed👍😊