Changes to how the friendly rides are run.

[billinom8s]

Coming soon.



After how things panned out and the numerous negative comments I received both on here and directly, the way we do this kind of ride is going to get a reboot.

The idea for this style of rideout was that all were welcome and could come along and have fun, maybe even learn something from the more experienced riders in attendance. This seems to have been lost somewhere over the years and we need to get it back.

I'm trying to work out a way of doing this so be patient and hopefully we can be given a second chance by some of the newer riders.

Remember, we all learnt from someone being patient with us.

[Moley551]

Sounds good, how about pairing one experienced rider with a new one, they could change at various points and give feedback and look after them, it doesn't have to be advanced rider level stuff maybe just encouragement..

[menzies3032]

Would be good if we could practice the new way of doing things before Winter so we are ready for the cobweb run in April 2017.

[billinom8s]

March

[menzies3032]

Ok March

But again some practice this year might be good if we get some sun shine before Winter properly hits.

[Red5]

Coming soon.



After how things panned out and the numerous negative comments I received both on here and directly, the way we do this kind of ride is going to get a reboot.

The idea for this style of rideout was that all were welcome and could come along and have fun, maybe even learn something from the more experienced riders in attendance. This seems to have been lost somewhere over the years and we need to get it back.

I'm trying to work out a way of doing this so be patient and hopefully we can be given a second chance by some of the newer riders.

Remember, we all learnt from someone being patient with us.

Totally agree Si, We've all lost something somewhere with the friendlies along the way the last couple years. Possibly a meet with some, most if not all of the usual junction markers and see what can be sorted or if we can suss what's changed. We've all got our own ideas of what's happened I'm sure and probably all of them relevant to a greater or lesser degree.

But it does need reigning in some where. Full support from yours truly!!!

[Breva750]

As a newbie to the group (but not to riding) I thought the ride I went on was OK, but if you were a total new person, say on a 125 or R3 or similar there may have been problems.

I'll do anything to pass on the stoke of riding to new folks, and that includes encouraging them to tour that thing!!

[Robbo87]

I've not been able to get out on rideouts for a while now . A temporary state of affairs for the reason that some of you know, and now rapidly coming to an end I hope .
Anyway, I've been following the various rideout reports and comments, both online and otherwise with interest, and in view of what's been said and what I've observed myself in the past, here's a thought: What about grouping all the riders who wish to do so immediately behind the Ride Leader with an experienced SWB rideout rider acting as 'sweeper' to them at their rear, with everyone else to follow. The ride leader's priority being to keep these less experienced and/or slower/nervous riders firmly in view, adjusting road speed etc to suit. Experienced Junction Marshals and a TEC would still be used as normal.
Just a thought.

[badgerKDD]

I haven't attended any ride outs for a while, location and dates clashing with family commitments, but would it help to re itterate the rolling JM method at the start of the Post? In a condensed way maybe, for those who don't bother to click on a link .

[billinom8s]

We have,every time

[Bullet]

I've been on a few friendly rides and JM most. I see no problem with the premise of the ride and the way it's run, my humble opinion is that's it's down to the style of some of the riders within the group. Possibly some not understanding the rules of the ride, maybe some have itchy fingers maybe some just don't realise what it's about. I've seen JM cut up other JM's, I've seen other riders become JM's as they don't seem to want to allow the JM past. And the last one I saw everything from riders going their own way to JM being told to go!
I'm not perfect in any sense of the word and I too have an itchy finger at times but when safe to do so and unfortunately the last ride saw me having to hit a speed just above 70 m'laud. I found the ride Un-enjoyable and more like a race which is why I decided to leave and go home the scenic route on my own.

Again I see no issues with the friendlies or the way it's run and the premise behind it and I hope that futures friendlies are a great success for you all

[The Muppet]

The last ride out was my 1st and i enjoyed it , if high speeds at some points. my only comments would be that on some of the junctions the markers where not always visible . also before the start Make sure everyone knows who the sweeper is ( maybe wearing a pink high vis ) and state that on no account should markers leave there post until the sweeper is behind them as to speeds this is a hard one as it only takes a tractor, horse rider , etc to hold traffic up

[Tractorwackyracer]

Well said Sean I have been tech on the last few and like you have seen absolutely everything good the bad and the very ugly there's a time and place for everything and a friendly is a FRIENDLY !!! I think with maybe a few minor tweaks / changes it can get back to where it was, an enjoyable day out with like minded people

[Red5]

Thank you The Muppet for a positive report... Think folk generally do ride well but guess as human nature, we remember the idiot that cut us up... not necessarily that great, clean and safe overtake that rider did when passing us...

None of us are perfect but we are all responsible for our own actions... I try to blame the voices

[MellowYellow]

I am usually very good a sitting on fences. however...

My very first group ride was with you lot in March '14. Until then, I had no idea that group rides even existed. In for a penny, in for a euro I thought and rode from Bristol to Tiverton (which, at the time. was a long ride for me in itself).

I listened to the spiel. kept in the back half of the field and had a wonderful experience. Admittedly I was initially slightly disconcerted by large, fast noisy bikes roaring past me carrying large noisy bikers. This lasted about 15 mins. Dealt with it.

Since then I have been out with several groups, and indeed have planned and led some 20 + rides all over the place. Was even honoured with a red armband on a large SWB ride. Wheee. !

I agree with much of the last 2 posts. Simply get the top end of the nutters to turn it down a couple of notches. Overtaking is essential, but knee-down on left-hand bends is NOT.

E & O E