"Interest Group Riding" defined
Interest Group Riding is putting together a small group of riders who want to ride in a very specific manner and format that all the group members share a common preference for. I'm going to throw my hat in the ring and state my personal Interest Group preferences as follows:
Interest Group Riding Goals:
1. Start at an agreed time
2. Ride an interesting route that provides a challenge
3. Ride a pace that is spirited yet sustainable
4. Maintain adequate spacing- Riders ride in a staggered formation, try to maintain visual contact with next rider, not ride close together.
5. Group Convergence 1- Allow flexibility of pace for individual riders. Faster riders near front of group, slower riders in rear.
6. Group Convergence 2- Leader goes quickly in corners, but does not maximize speed on straightaways, providing opportunity for those slower in corners to easily keep up.
7. Group Convergence 3- Collecting the group at stop signs, route turns and intersections. In cases where the roadway does not provide room to collect, the group reverts to individual riders waiting until the next rider catches up.
8.Passing slower traffic- Effort is made to avoid traffic, but there will be times when passing must be done quickly to maintain Group Convergence.
9. Stop somewhere in the morning for a brief restroom break
10. Stop somewhere, preferably nice, for approximately an hour for lunch, fuel and social time
11.Stop somewhere in the afternoon for a brief restroom break
12.Arrive back at the host hotel early enough to shower and relax before dinner
Interest Group Avoidances:
1.Traffic congestion
2. Police supervision
3. Frequent stops
4. Waiting in lines
5. Making other group members wait
6. Crashes
Participation Rules- Most of these rules are as much about courtesy as safety.
1. Be ready to ride at the agreed upon time.
2. No gas games 1- Show up at the start of the ride with a full tank of gas.
3. No gas games 2- Top off your tank at each gas stop so extra stops are unnecessary.
4. Every rider needs to navigate- have a GPS and use it. A GPS is not mandatory, but if you are not using a GPS loaded with the day's route, you need to ride in the middle of the riding group to minimize the chance of getting lost/separated from the group.
5. Riders must wear proper riding gear. ATGATT
6. Riders must ride a modern motorcycle in good mechanical condition, including tires in good condition.
7. Group members do NOT unilaterally invite outsiders to ride with the group. Ask the group leader privately and let them decide whether to invite a non-group person.
One more thought about Courtesy- Indiana has a safety slogan: "Hoosier hospitality is no accident!" I used to dismiss it as a typical smart-ass safety slogan like "Click it or ticket" but upon reflection it gave me a positive idea that applies to our riding group- We all have a safety-oriented obligation of courtesy to our fellow riders. Riding responsibly and not crashing is not only good for you, but good for all of us, because even a minor crash by anyone in the group casts a pall that dampens everyone's riding day.
I'm not presenting my rules as something for everyone- they are merely an example of what a set of rules can look like. Anyone who reads them comes away with a pretty clear idea of what our group's interests are. Some will undoubtedly argue that there are too many rules in this example. In reply, I would say that most of the rules are things most of us would do anyway.
Some of the Group Avoidances are the responsibility of the group leader, some are the responsibility of the riders.
Some will think the Participation Rules are picky or petty, but unfortunately they are necessary, based on past group experience when outsiders joined us.
Let the discussion begin...
Norm Kern
