beginning rider riding with more experienced riders

beginning rider riding with more experienced riders

by Dawne
(NY)

Is it a good idea for a beginner rider to ride with one or more experienced riders? I have been saying no to some of the guys I work with who ride, because I am afraid I will slow them down or will not be able to keep up with them, that I will lack the skills they have. I have been riding solo since I got my license (just a month ago) and have only toured around town on my bike. The one guy who I am friendly with, says that you learn by riding with other riders, and I can see that being beneficial. How do I know when I am ready to ride with others? I'd appreciate any feedback.
Thanks!

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beginning rider riding with more experienced riders

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May 15, 2009

Inexperienced with Experienced
by: Anonymous

I ride with the American Legion riders and in spite of me having a 400 for the last 7 months my friends are encouraging, helpful and totally awesome.

If you ride in a pack with people they always (or they should at least) have the leader and then the tight people in the front then someone to cover the rear right behind the newer riders. I am just now getting to where I can ride in the middle with the "big dogs".

Oct 13, 2008

Good idea but choose your riding mates carefully
by: Mickey

It is a very good idea to ride with one or more people, particularly when you are a new rider and you plan on riding beyond your own town or city...as they say there is safety in numbers. For this purpose, I joined a local riding group when I got my new bike a year and a half ago. Most of my experience with this group has been pretty good. It is good good for one's ego to know that you are the only one to make mistakes on your bike and it is an opportunity to learn from other's mistakes rather than your own!

However, there is an occassional individual who isn't as receptive to new riders and can cause the ride to be less enjoyable and, in my opionion, less safe for both the new rider and everyone else on the ride. Don't be afraid to ask questions such as what their style of riding is and don't be afraid to say what your's is. Let them know that you are timid because you are inexperienced and concerned you will slow them down. Let them decide if they would like to take a newbie on. Once you commit to ride with someone you need to be able to say whether or not you are comfortable with the style of riding if it is unsafe.

Generally, if you get along well with individuals in another social situation then that is a good indication that either you won't have to be concerned about unsafe riding practices or they will be sensitive to your position and slow things down. If I don't care for a persons overall attitude or how they conduct themselves, I politely decline their company.

Oct 09, 2008

beginning rider riding with more experienced riders
by: Brenda W

I think it's an excellent idea to ride with experienced riders. All the biker friends I have are more than patient when it comes to riding with me...My husband is awesome, he always rides behind me so that if I have a problem he can just ride up to me and not have to turn around and come back. Bikers know not to "crowd" you when you are riding in a pack. Also, when they see you doing something that isn't quite right, they will tell you what you are doing wrong, and show you the correct way to do it. What better way to learn? Learn from your mistakes. Be safe and have fun!!

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