Post by Dean Watson on Oct 18, 2016 20:24:58 GMT 10
Firstly, riding as part of a group requires a completely different mindset to solo riding. You are now responsible to the group for each and every decision you make. You make dozens, maybe hundreds of decisions unconsciously every minute while riding. These decisions have been honed by experience over the years, but rarely do they take into account anybody but yourself? "Do I have enough room to pass this car?"
It takes training and practice to place yourself into the group mindset. Your decisions now cannot be automatic, but thought through remembering that every decision will have an impact on at least one other in the group. "Will the person behind me follow me around the car I am about to overtake? Is there room for both of us to pass safely? Am I putting pressure on the riders behind to overtake illegally, to try and catch up?"
It goes without saying that you need to look out for one another. If you have no concern for the others in the group, then it's not for you. "Have I seen anyone behind me for a while? It's been 10 minutes, do I slow down or do I stop and wait to see what's happened?"
Next, it's not a race. No one else cares if you can out ride Rossi. If you try, you will certainly get talked about, but not in the favourable light or with the admiration you were probably seeking. Unsafe and just plain illegal overtaking has no place in group riding. It's just stupid, dangerous and if you are involved in or cause another rider to have an accident, then the day out is ruined for everyone. It is the ultimate selfish act.
Group riding is not about egos, if your’s is doing the riding for you, group riding is not for you.
Lastly, none of this means that you can't have fun or a little sport with the other riders. Just do so remembering that you are now responsible to the group for your actions, and think through the consequences of your decisions.