How To: Group Ride

Maybe better yet we can rent a track for the day and run class
You can rent most tracks if you have 1 certified instructor

Please find one that is not 15 hours away!!!!!!

Quote from Goats_Hogs

I've been leading rides on 2 wheels for nearly 3 decades. My personal take is this.... keep it a tight group with lower numbers and preferably people that you know and trust. That is the easiest. I prefer no more than 6 behind me, but have done rides with many more. Myself and one other guy still put on a ride in September every year, as a benefit to some local needing person or family. We have dealt with up to 100 bikes, and at that point it's not really as much fun as it is work. But it's for a good cause, so we continue to do it.

But with all the rules, and the people that have no idea what it's like to ride in a group.... that leaves me and my wife to be mainly Lone Wolf riders, both in the Slingshot or on the Harleys.

I think my SS was on 2 wheels most the turns. Arms were wore out fighting that damn thing.

We got some really great drivers here - I would be all in for an informative class like this - Im gettin better but still got a lot to learn !!!

Hey @Slingrazor, Hallet is only about 5 hrs from you. 2 1/2 from me.

Quote from dangerdarrell

Hey @Slingrazor, Hallet is only about 5 hrs from you. 2 1/2 from me.

Heck yes, that's only a hop skip and a jump from me. I never been on a track. Those turns at the meet is the closest thing I have got to run on.

I think it would be great to meet up there on the Monday or Tuesday of Eureka Springs, then follow on to the event with some good stories.

Quote from WingShot

I was just thinking here, would it be worthwhile to offer driver skill classes at our events?
We could give lessons and advice, let them follow to learn how to use a groove in cornering, even if your not wanting to go fast its nice to know about handling of apex and breaking. Its all about learning for self improvement.

Would there be any interest???????

Yes!!! I am a newer driver and would love to accelerate my learning curve. I consider myself cautiously aggressive in that I love spirited driving and hammering the twisties, but do not want to wreck. Therefore, my 'pushing the envelope' comes in stages as I gain experience and confidence. The one group ride I've been on with only 3 Slingshots was very entertaining and useful as I was able to follow @BryanL through corners at pace with confidence I wouldn't have had on my own. With @LargeCar bringing up the rear, I was really able to focus on my driving and keeping pace with Bryan through the corners. Just like skiing, quadding, and many other speed sports, running with a more skilled person can increase your skill and confidence much more quickly!

Quote from SlingLow

Yes!!! I am a newer driver and would love to accelerate my learning curve. I consider myself cautiously aggressive in that I love spirited driving and hammering the twisties, but do not want to wreck. Therefore, my 'pushing the envelope' comes in stages as I gain experience and confidence. The one group ride I've been on with only 3 Slingshots was very entertaining and useful as I was able to follow @BryanL through corners at pace with confidence I wouldn't have had on my own. With @LargeCar bringing up the rear, I was really able to focus on my driving and keeping pace with Bryan through the corners. Just like skiing, quadding, and many other speed sports, running with a more skilled person can increase your skill and confidence much more quickly!

Doug, I saw absolutely nothing lacking in your driving abilities. However, getting expert help and advise is always a good thing. Thinking of next week taking a buzz up around Detroit lake and invite you to ride along, maybe we can get Brian to join in.

LC

Thanks LC! I'm always interested in getting to the next level. Jumping over to Portland Owners thread to respond. Cheers!

Quote from Bill Martin

We got some really great drivers here - I would be all in for an informative class like this - Im gettin better but still got a lot to learn !!!

Me too! Not necessarily getting better though... @KayTwo has evidence he just looooovvvvvveeeeessssss to share....

But yeah, would love to give it a SHOT.

Quote from MiM

Me too! Not necessarily getting better though... @KayTwo has evidence he just looooovvvvvveeeeessssss to share....
But yeah, would love to give it a SHOT.

You can teach the class on hydroplaning

Quote from Slingrazor

I think it would be great to meet up there on the Monday or Tuesday of Eureka Springs, then follow on to the event with some good stories.

I got into Eureka Springs on Monday --- road a little (after 660 miles getting there) that evening. On Tue and Wed did a lot of leisure riding.

Quote from Ross

I've been on a few group rides with the Slingshot - some at rally's and some from dealership groups or area groups. To be honest, it is one of my favorite things - I wish there were more Slingshots in Wisconsin.

But I am always surprised at the number of folks that aren't sure of the "how to" group rides. We had great rides at the Slingshot Invasion in Eureka Springs - heck we always do thanks to @Slingrazor, @dangerdarrell, @HeRSling, and others - but other rides we've been on have been more frustrating than pleasurable so I thought I would post this in the hopes of helping others that might be new to group rides.

Rule #1
Be prepared. If you are going on a ride, please make sure that when you arrive that you have enough fuel to get you through the entire ride or at least until the first fuel stop. Every rider should always have their own emergency supplies, such as a cell phone (even if it is a flip phone), spare cash, and their own set of tools/supplies ([yes, I am still amazed that a vendor hasn't put together such a kit for Slingshot owners] zip ties, duct tape, a flashlight, a few spare fuses and something for a flat tire). A first aid kit is also highly recommended.

Rule #2
Always have a ride leader. The ride leader should have a lot of experience with the area, have a planned route, ability to communicate with the tail ride leader, sense of everyone's capabilities, and be well organized.

Rule #3
If you aren't familiar with the area and the ride make sure you attend the riders meeting. During the riders meeting the ride leader will go over the pace and riding style they will be leading at (spirited vs aggressive vs leisurely). This is your chance - if the ride isn't for you because it is too spirited or too leisurely now is the time to to let the ride leader know that you are going to bow out. THERE IS NO SHAME IN BOWING OUT - in the long run it will a more enjoyable day for you AND the other riders.

The ride leader should give you a general idea of where you are going, the length of the ride (time or miles/kilometers), the pace that he/she will be setting, any stops along the way, and, of course, the destination.

The ride leader may also set the ride order - placing more inexperienced riders at the front. This allows more seasoned riders to keep an eye on the newbies, and give them pointers based on what they observe. With more skilled riders up front, it becomes too easy for them to ride at a fast pace and leave newer riders behind unintentionally.

The ride leader may make a stop to split up the group for a short time - maybe to take a "fast pack" through the fun part of the road while letting the slower group go at their own pace, and just regroup later.

The ride leader should also introduce the tail ride leader if there is one. A tail ride leader is someone who is familiar with the route and will keep an eye out for stragglers, machines with mechanical problems, or anyone doing anything that might be unsafe to the rest of the group. If they have to fall back to deal with any of these problems, they will be able to help out, and can arrange to get the group back together by contacting the ride leader.

Rule #4
Know your hand signals and USE them to help the riders behind you. If you don't know the hand signals here are a bunch of motorcycle hand signals

To add to this - use the thumbs up when regrouping and you and the rider behind you are good to go

Rule #5
Don't risk it. Unless you are on a local, state, or federally sanctioned ride lead by law enforcement don't be stupid. The laws and rules of the road still apply as do the tickets, points, fines, and chance for accidents whether a scratch or life threatening. DON'T DO THE CRIME IF YOU CAN'T DO THE TIME OR PAY THE FINE. The larger the ride or the more urban sections of the ride are, the more difficult it is for the leader to have planned a route without stop lights/signs or other motorists who insert themselves in the group. See Rule #6 and you should understand why you don't need to run red lights, cut off traffic, speed excessively or risk your life in any way.

Rule #6
For me, this is THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE. No Rider Left Behind. Remember, even if you are a skilled rider who takes on all roads without any fear or issues, there will be some in the group that may not be as comfortable at excessive speed or through the twisties as you are. Even if you aren't the leader or the tail ride leader you are responsible for the rider behind you! Slow down if you see them dropping behind. If everyone on the ride does the same, no rider is left behind whether because of inexperience, lack of comfort, or mechanical issues.

Even the best rides end up with riders getting separated somehow. Whether it's at a red light or because of a car/truck that just isn't getting the hint. If you end up separated, don't panic. If you had your pre-ride meeting, you should know where the stops are coming up. Additionally, the rider in front of you should have noticed that you've fallen back and found a safe way to slow down and wait for you to catch up - as did the rider in front of them and the rider in front of them and so on. So, just go at a safe pace to catch back up with the rest of the ride. If EVERYONE PRACTICES NO RIDER LEFT BEHIND then you won't have to to break the law, split lanes aggressively, or ride faster than your skills just to catch up to the group. Catching up a little later is a lot better than a ticket or getting into a crash!

Rule #7
Enjoy the ride.
If you have observed the six rules above you should enjoy group riding.

Hope this helps - ride safe

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Great post....

Quote from Chain

I think my SS was on 2 wheels most the turns. Arms were wore out fighting that damn thing.

You did awesome Chain!

Sent from my iPhone using Polaris Slingshot Forum mobile app

Lots of good shared information in this thread. Coming from riding super sport bikes, I've learned to keep my riding to a group maximum of six. Any groups larger than that have led to stragglers, accidents, and sometimes--new to midlevel riders being overwhelmed when getting into those nice twisting curves, especially when they are back to back requiring almost complete drop ins and a higher skill level. It seems that everyone is a racer on the straightway and dying to pass. Racing cars, not of the ricer variety, is always a good ride with the right group of people (as long as none have watched Fast & Furious lol).

Being new to the sling, I know she has a handling learning curve on her own. She will require that I put hours and miles of seat time. It will require that I take her out on runs alone to hone in my skills. So often I have found new riders, not necessarily newbie riders, rushing to acquire a quick, steep and dangerous learning curve. That can lead to the jeopardy of all in the ride, and the driver themselves. I've seen too many motorcycle traumas, called too many times out for time of death. It always makes me shiver a bit and my respect for what I do when riding can easily translate into a loss for my family. SO, not to be a downer, the number one goal of all rides is safety, followed by ensuring that we all leave and all return. An experience lead is critical, as well as an experienced tail. Communication between the two is crucial when a driver breaks down or fails to negotiate a curve. They are also good to have when someone is late and doesn't fill up and runs out of gas because they think being 10 more minutes late is more convenient than sidetracking the ride for 30-45 minutes while a fuel can is purchased, along with gas, the trip to and back for fuel *sigh*. The rider's meeting the day prior or morning of is really essential in making an enjoyable ride. I tend to keep a GPS on dash at times to make sure I can see the road ahead but on a bike, things come up too quick, so memorizing the ride is more valuable for me. I think it will be a good tool in the sling.

In the end, I'm always up for learning. I know the variation of taking a turn on two vs three wheels will be different. I know that entering a curve and exiting one at a high rate of speed will take a while getting use to. In the end, with this riding community willing to share it will be a continuous sharing of rider's knowledge and experience. In the end, I hope to look forward to riding with a group of 20 slings during a Texas Hill Country outing

Excellent post Ross, and excellent contributing comments...

An additional tip; don't make a turn until the vehicle behind you can see the turn.

Quote from Red

An additional tip; don't make a turn until the vehicle behind you can see the turn.

Uh, what? Not sure I get this? So, if the vehicle behind me can't see the turn, I don't make it? And go.... straight? Followed by off the road or into the other lane? The only way I get this is if there is a turn OFF you want to make, and the vehicle behind you doesn't appear to see your intentions. If on a twisty road, I'll watch the one behind me best I can, but I hope and trust they are riding within their limits. I will not avoid turning if the road turns... that is on the rider behind me.

After leading the Posse to Maggie Valley and then pulling up the rear on ES rides. I think being in the back is soooo much better!!

Quote from Goats_Hogs

Uh, what? Not sure I get this? So, if the vehicle behind me can't see the turn, I don't make it? And go.... straight? Followed by off the road or into the other lane? The only way I get this is if there is a turn OFF you want to make, and the vehicle behind you doesn't appear to see your intentions. If on a twisty road, I'll watch the one behind me best I can, but I hope and trust they are riding within their limits. I will not avoid turning if the road turns... that is on the rider behind me.

Turn as in not continuing on the same roadway. Example; making a right turn from highway 31 onto Main street.