Should Beginner Motorcyclists Ride in Groups? | Motovlog

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 พ.ย. 2024

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  • @MeghanStark
    @MeghanStark  4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thanks so much for watching! If you want to support this channel, there are lots of ways to do so listed in the description. The best way is to buy from my store 😊
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  • @SALTxTHExWOUND
    @SALTxTHExWOUND 4 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Group rides are by far the most dangerous rides, especially when you’re a new rider. I always tell new riders to avoid group rides until they’re confident on a bike. Even then, a lot of dangerous riders go on these group rides and put others in danger.

    • @MeghanStark
      @MeghanStark  4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      They can be so chaotic!

    • @tykiisel8801
      @tykiisel8801 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Totally agree. Anytime you are riding with folks you don't know or don't usually ride with it adds a dimension of sketchy-ness that over the years I have come to avoid. Other than a close friend that I've been riding with for several years, I'd just as soon ride solo.

  • @paulwrighton5236
    @paulwrighton5236 4 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    When I ride with less experience person I let them lead and set the pace

    • @MeghanStark
      @MeghanStark  4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I forgot to mention that! It's smart to do so

    • @benderbender1233
      @benderbender1233 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      ☝☝☝☝☝☝
      ✌😎

  • @MrKingJavo
    @MrKingJavo 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I prefer to ride alone as well. Less distractions and are free to roam where you want without any pressure from others. Stay safe out there!

  • @AstheMagpieFlies
    @AstheMagpieFlies 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I like to be VERY Specific about the people I ride with. I used to lead and organize huuuge 50-90 people group rides when I worked for the Dealership and while they are fun in some respects in others I'm just constantly thinking about what everyone else is doing, it's harder to enjoy the scenery. Some times I would come back from our destination and be like oh wow look at that, because I had totally missed parts of the scenery on the way to the destination because I was too busy paying attention to the people in front of and behind me.
    I also don't generally go out on a ride without my camera, and that's not always everyone's jam, some people get really sore about stopping to take photos so I try to warn everyone I do ride with ahead of time and kind of make it out to seem like a bigger deal than it is to weed out the people who will be bothered lol
    I didn't ride with other people for the first year that I rode, but that was mostly because I didn't KNOW anyone who rode, or even got into the moto community here in Portland until after that first year. I was too focused on getting better at handling the bike to try to find other people to ride with lol I'm kind of glad because it meant I had that whole year to only focus on the feedback from my instructors and not pick up bad habits from other riders. Obviously I have my own bad habits now since it's been quite a while since I've taken a course, but it meant during my "formative" year of riding and getting to know the bike it wasn't ... I don't know 'soiled' by other people's opinions of how I should be doing it.

    • @MeghanStark
      @MeghanStark  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Whew, that sounds stressful! Yeah riding with that many people requires even more focus and attention than usual, especially if you're leading! Keeping it small definitely gives you more brainspace to absorb the environment. Honestly it sounds ideal to do your own thing year one, and there's even higher level courses to help remedy bad habits! I'm thinking I should do one next year, I haven't done a class since my intro course.

  • @BigRobMoto
    @BigRobMoto 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    When I first started riding many years ago, the guys I rode with used to treat the road like a race track, I don't mind what they do, but it turned me off riding initially when I started because I could't keep up, I didn't have the skills, confidence or the bike to ride comfortably with them. These days I prefer to ride alone, but will ride with a group occasionally.

  • @Yamahog
    @Yamahog 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi Meghan. To group or not to group.... Good question. Myself, it's usually kept down to 3 or 4, like my sis and brother and me doing a day trip down some back-road twisties to a nearby city and back on our cruisers . However, I work 35 miles away by highway, So on the highway, Yep... many a time I find myself in the middle of a pack of riders who have grouped up gradually over the distance run.... cuz' well it's the thing to do. And it's awesome. 8 or 9 bikes, ...(sporties and cruisers, guys and gals & some riding 2 up)..., going in one direction on a highway and you pass another bunch coming the other way... and as we pass, out come the low-5's as I call it. I think it must instill Awe in a lot cagers, and kids ... to watch as two MC groups pass each other single-file, (left to right 4 ~ 6 feet apart oncoming), on a curve, at 65 mph each way with their left hand out from their hip, almost touching the ones of the passers-by. None of us know each other personally, and yet the Brotherhood runs so strong in each of us, that the low-5 greeting becomes a natural reflex. So Yeah, highway group rides can be exhilarating. However,... In the city, or on twisty roads.... best keep it down to 4 or 5 riders with good spacing.
    Stay Safe. /w

  • @MartyG1957
    @MartyG1957 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I'm not a big fan of riding in a big group. Pretty much the only group riding I do anymore is with family. That's good enough for me :-)

    • @MeghanStark
      @MeghanStark  4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I feel the same! It's interesting every so often but I definitely prefer keeping it small.

  • @tonydavis5053
    @tonydavis5053 ปีที่แล้ว

    I’m a 50 year rider and I take new riders on their first group rides, I key on the basics of group riding and building confidence the does and don’t!

  • @ttrguy9952
    @ttrguy9952 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I fully agree with the comments below. Let's say we have 2 scenarios. Group "A", Beginners riding with other beginners and Group "B", beginners riding with experienced riders.
    Group "A" Everyone has probably done this in their life and the groups always tend to have a max of 5 riders because these are riders that probably started out together and are most likely friends. This is their own "Baptism of Fire". As they ride together they will be overly cautious generally and learn spacing and get feedback from their friends, ie, if they did something uncomfortable to the others. We've ALL most likely have been here! I know I have.
    Group "B" I agree 100% with the comments below about letting the beginner or newer riders ride up front to set the pace. The groups should remain small with no more than about 5 or 6 riders. The experienced rider/riders can easily observe what's going on ahead and give feedback if something looks sketchy. Usually folks that ride in small groups all know or are familiar with the each other. We all know someone we talked into getting their motorcycle license and became a new rider at some point in life.
    Accepting these beginner and new riders into the community of riding motorcycles is the KEY to their success riding motorcycles in the future.
    Great video Meghan!!! 👍👌

  • @urbanprowler
    @urbanprowler 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very wise words to ride your own ride and not try and keep up with faster riders.
    If I'm leading a ride with someone I don't know I always tell them I'm not going to loose them and will wait at junctions if they don't know the route.
    Unfortunately some people's egos get the better of them and that's when things can go wrong.
    We do a cornerman system on big group rides so it means you can ride well within your comfort zone and everyone has fun 👍🏻

  • @travisv.4213
    @travisv.4213 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Communication is huge. If the more experienced riders are leading, they should keep an easy pace for the begginer following. If the newer rider is leading to set the pace, the following experinced riders should not follow too closely to avoid "rushing" the beginner. Groups of no more than 6 are good. I've ridden in 15-20 bike groups, and wasn't a fan.

  • @devonnobles1083
    @devonnobles1083 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You don't need to consult any so called experts on group riding. You're a youtuber. Thats all the credibility you need.

  • @ginaengland2483
    @ginaengland2483 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    As a new rider, I rode with one other person. He was much more experienced than me, but very careful to keeps things easy for me. Until he had a road rage incident that made me not want to ride with him any further, as it involved having to escape a driver in a van. Not something a beginner rider wants to deal with. I’ve been invited to ride with a group that has a mix of bikes and skill levels, but several of those members have already had “incidents” with their bikes. I declined. I’m a loner on a good day, so I prefer riding alone anyway. It just feels safer to me as I don’t have to worry about what another rider *might* do and how it could affect me.

  • @0neTwo3
    @0neTwo3 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Warf? Worf? Werf? Meghan, you are just what I needed today! You are super cute when you’re self-distracted.

  • @jtreppens
    @jtreppens 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    As a new rider I had the desire to someday ride in a group, but I felt I needed to build my riding skills and the best way was alone. Practice practice practice. Rest, repeat. I don't recommend group riding for beginners. And when you do, start small and with others more experienced who are aware of your skill level and who ride routes to challenge you. Ride with mentors who keep an eye on you. Then branch out to larger groups when you can moderate yourself and ride your own ride. If you don't understand that phrase, don't group ride. It will come.

  • @FeedOnSpeed
    @FeedOnSpeed 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    i've seen too many things go wrong with huge group rides. max i would do is 4 people that i know and know how they ride (like how you said aggressive and what not). i totally agree about the beginner thing, people who just started riding should not do group rides. i find that they try to 'keep up' with others, let their ego get in the way, and it just makes a huge dangerous mess 😣 most of the time i just ride with 1 buddy or myself.

  • @edcarr8692
    @edcarr8692 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    It's usually just my wife and me riding our bikes, but sometimes we get with a FEW friends. We like to keep group sizes fairly small. Although, we have both ridden in some very large groups. 10 trips to D.C. for Rolling Thunder and several trips into NYC for 9/11 memorial runs. We prefer small groups or just the 2 of us.

  • @melissagreen7049
    @melissagreen7049 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Group riding can be a real situation. However, I ride occasionally with a small group of women riders, usually 3-5 riders, and I really love it! It's a good vibe, we are watching out for each other, we get to have fun together, and we also "challenge ourselves" as riders b/c usually there is something happening that one of us has not done before (riding major highways, riding a bridge, riding in rain, riding through a field.... yeah, that happened) but we are there to support each other, pick up a bike for someone if needed, and to learn from each other and become better riders. I also appreciate the "safety in numbers" that riding in groups can provide as far as visibility of the bikes for the other vehicles on the road.

  • @roadkingrichard4269
    @roadkingrichard4269 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I agree with your advice! I'm an MSF Rider Coach and give basically the same advice during our classes. Good job.

  • @davidvance3527
    @davidvance3527 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Group rides are a mixed bag. Two or three if you know how they ride can be good. Five, six or more can have too many variables. A larger organised group with lead, whoever is up front in the line blocks and falls back into the line in front of the sweeper. Those rides can be good to move larger numbers of riders to destinations. New riders are best to start by themselves or with someone that's helpful and compatible. This is just one person's opinion. Good subject.👍😎

  • @TheMajorRE
    @TheMajorRE 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I prefer group rides, I've been with smaller groups (8 or fewer) and larger groups (30 or more) and they both have their pros and cons. The 30 group ride was very well organized with multiple people who would stop to wave the group for each turn. But in general, I think 8 is the sweet spot for our area, lots of twisty mountain roads with little traffic so we don't have to worry about timing signals.

  • @SilencetheFear
    @SilencetheFear 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    just found your channel. I like the content! Taking the MSF course next month. Cant wait to get a bike and start riding.

  • @Supermankev2001
    @Supermankev2001 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I do a lot of group riding. We put the newbies in the middle and usually have them come to a small ride before a big one.I am a former MSF instructor so I go full instructor mode when we have new riders.

  • @viennapalace
    @viennapalace ปีที่แล้ว

    I've been on LOTS of group rides, everything from just me & a mate or two to huge club runs with hundreds of bikes & let me tell ya, big groups can be the scariest experiences you can have on a motorcycle. Especially when old men & Harleys are involved...
    I'm currently guiding a very inexperienced rider into the murky waters of motorcycling & the number one thing I've noticed when in this situation is realizing that even doing the speed limit can be frightening for a newby.
    I find myself constantly reminding myself that everything is new for her & things I take for granted like gear changes & dodging pot holes require a lot of concentration, so if you find yourself in this situation, make sure BOTH parties understand the idea is to get there safely & learn along the way, not to get there quickly & discuss how you did it afterwards.
    Tomorrow we try out a bike to bike communication system & I'm hoping it will make life a bit easier for her since I'll be able to explain what I'm doing & why as we go & she will be able to tell me to slow down/ speed up & ask questions as required. I hope it goes well because I really want her to enjoy motorcycling as much as I have in my 40 plus years of riding.
    Thanks for another interesting video. And yes, I have suggested she check out your channel. You have a lot to offer new riders, no matter what their gender.
    Ride safe & have fun!

  • @HimbikerVishu
    @HimbikerVishu 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Oho my goodness awesome video

  • @darin1697
    @darin1697 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I’m often a spur of the moment rider so too difficult to coordinate with other people a lot of the time. Plus I find people are very reluctant to commit to things nowadays

  • @brendonchase9460
    @brendonchase9460 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I agree, but I find myself agreeing with most all of your logic, and smiling or laughing along with you :). I'm a A to B rider, if I don't have a destination I don't go anywhere because I don't roam, but do prefer alone, keeping my own pace be it fast or slow.

  • @Yann954
    @Yann954 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Yes, but only in a small group and to go to Lake Michigan !

  • @jesseonamotorcycle
    @jesseonamotorcycle 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I went on a ride with a couple hundred other riders and it was the worst experience I had riding. Not my vibe lol. 1-5 riders is definitely more enjoyable for me.

  • @H20-town610
    @H20-town610 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I like mostly to solo ride. Possibly one or 2 other bikes is ok.

  • @yl9154
    @yl9154 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    All very sensible advice. I would also add to be careful of group of young riders where group dynamic gets into play, each trying to impress the others by increasingly reckless behaviors. Not that there are no old reckless drivers! But there is an age where the need for peer's esteem can override judgment very easily.

  • @artlogonmx
    @artlogonmx 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I didn't get on a group ride with a MC until I had like 5 months under my belt. And when I join them, always always go to the back and if I get separated, I just run the predetermined route at my pace, no rush.

  • @dommm111
    @dommm111 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I prefer ridin by myself, I'm tge kind of guy who speeds the whole time

  • @dhemong
    @dhemong 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    i read a leaflet book that write convoy or group riding. it teach about hand gesture thing.
    assume we are fighter pilot while driving motorcycle. everything is on the edge, life and safety matters.
    light signal is also important, horn also play role as commucation to team in group. i was riding with my brothers last time, 3 motorcycle, hilly road and sharp curves,i uses horn to warn blind spot as well other road user.
    but most important, if in group:a leader must be elected to control the pack, leader should tell where to stop, what speed, and who will be the martial at the back, he/she must always be the back. basic radio is nice to have to communicate. i think speed and distancing is the main concern. in my country, Malaysia, lorry and bus is the main safe hazard. what ever the situation, the leader must be aware and the rear driver always vigilant. its all discipline actually. in group, ego must be taken aside, safety first.

  • @AlexVitoriano
    @AlexVitoriano 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Depends on the group, it could improve the riding in some cases. But could be a trap with large groups.
    Agree 100% with U nothing is more relaxing than a nice ride after a hard day of work!

  • @alexred09
    @alexred09 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    What’s interesting is that from what I’ve seen on TH-cam (granted not a huge sampling) is that women tend to, more often than not, go solo citing being able to do what they want when they want (seems like that freedom is on their top agenda). Versus men tend to like to pair of with each other or even a group (putting brotherhood and or bromance as their main objective, the togetherness). Very interesting 🤔, but like I said it’s a pattern I’ve witnessed on a small sampling on “TH-cam”. I might be off here, but just thought I’d share and see what others have witnessed.

  • @ahmed2527
    @ahmed2527 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Agree with you.🏍️

  • @sammemrys8195
    @sammemrys8195 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    For me...group means one other person. Even then I'm more vigilant. What if they didn't sleep well, had a fight with a family member, forgot their medication, are just grumpy that day. The list of reasons a person might be distracted or less patient that day is endless. Naked. Solo.😊

  • @dhemong
    @dhemong 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    personal life things,hmmm...i also forgot what i did yesterday.

  • @JohnnyXoz
    @JohnnyXoz 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wharf, Whorf, Worf, Wolf... now it sounds weird 🤪 Rather ride on my own or with 1 other, so yeah you're right

  • @sarag1158
    @sarag1158 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    My union has a bike club but I'm too new to participate.
    And I know it.
    Know your limits people. So many of those crash videos on TH-cam in love group rides (and lack off proper gear)

  • @cericj99
    @cericj99 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Last group right I went on was a demo for Honda and two other Riders and I almost got hit by a truck... I don't think I'll go on a group ride for a while maybe a couple of friends but no more than 5

  • @theChestnutMtnTinman
    @theChestnutMtnTinman 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Two up with a new rider is probably a ride slated for disaster 😎😎

  • @SteelSteedStan
    @SteelSteedStan 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I just ride my ride and I don't care. If I fall behind the group, they'll stop and wait for me at some point. I don't feel compelled to prove myself to anyone. I ride for the pleasure of it, not to get more stress.

  • @jamiemui5186
    @jamiemui5186 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    solo riding is more relaxing. Groups are dangerous. Pack mentality cause people not to ride within their ability. Best this for a new rider is riding in pairs with a good experience rider that is super patience. 30+ years of riding, and I have seen more accident in groups then solo.

  • @OntarioAndrews415
    @OntarioAndrews415 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I like your Icon helmet.

  • @mouchthebiker2938
    @mouchthebiker2938 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm group riding with my own brain all the time...unless I'm blasting Celine Dion
    EDIT: group rides are cool I've been doing it for basically my entire riding life, with the same 2 awesome lads.

  • @michaelcase8574
    @michaelcase8574 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    You know the old adage. Ride your own ride.

  • @alanbstard4
    @alanbstard4 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    yes, why not?

  • @benderbender1233
    @benderbender1233 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    ima lone rider but eye wud follow u anywhere!
    ✌😘

  • @abbihendrickson2955
    @abbihendrickson2955 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    How long should you wait until you ride with someone else on your bike?

    • @MeghanStark
      @MeghanStark  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      When I took my rider course they recommended having a whole season with your bike under your belt. So I'd say at least half a year is safe (depending on how many miles you put down). To be honest I haven't had a passenger on the back of my Ducati (I did on my Rebel 250 for just a short ride), I haven't warmed up to it yet! I think it's easier on cruisers than on sport bikes or taller bikes.

  • @papasaintmark3880
    @papasaintmark3880 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    no.1 dont ride past your skills. in a big group "10 ppl +" theres a good chance the noob will get left behind u cant ride and keep track of everyone all at once, its bad to be distracted. 3-5 ppl is good, its even better with other noobs you learn together. and make sure the ppl u ride with arent dicks, theres always gonna be the asshole fastboy that thinks you suck for slowing him down. communication is key, 3-5 ppl can pick up bluetooth headsets for pretty cheap, for emergencies and messing around. have fun stay safe

  • @zainuddingadiyaar1780
    @zainuddingadiyaar1780 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Butiful.💙💙💙💚💚💚👍👍👍.sister.