One of the special things about riding a motorcycle is that you can get away from the world and be completely alone when you want to, or get together in a large group and enjoy the sense of belonging among people who share the love of riding just like you! Being a part of a group motorcycle ride can be one of the most exciting experiences ever which opens up the door to meet new people and forge a strong bond of friendship in a community of like-minded people.
If you are planning a road trip in India, here are a few tips that you must know before embarking on a group motorcycle ride either with your friends, or a group of stranger motorcyclists.
Never Skip The Pre-Ride Meeting
The pre-ride meeting is very important. This is when the group decides where to to stop for breaks, where to go, and how long to ride for the day. In addition to these, pre-ride meetings provide a good opportunity to know the other riders in the group, find out communication signals and other important things that are unique to every group, and which are necessary to stay safe and connected.
No rider left behind
Every group has its own protocol when it comes to taking care of the members in the group during a ride. In certain conditions, a rider may get separated or may encounter a problem with the motorcycle which might force him or her to stay behind. Find out what the group leader has in mind to take care of such situations. This should be addressed in the pre-ride meeting but if it is not raised, make sure that you ask for it and get clarity on the topic. These protocols are absolutely essential especially in off road riding where the chance of a mishap is considerably more compared to normal highway cruises.
Staggered formation, no overtakes!
When it comes to riding long distances on highways, every motorcycle is going to be at a high speed. Therefore, it is important to maintain a safe distance between each rider to prevent any accidents caused by sudden maneuvers that might have to be made on tight corners or to avoid road obstructions. The safest way to ensure that is to ride in a staggered formation with every two-wheeler being equal distance away from the one before and after it. Overtakings are usually not allowed in group riding, make sure that you understand the rules of your particular group.
Know the hand signals/communication codes
Staying in contact with your group is a good idea at every stage of the ride. In most cases, this can be done with the help of bluetooth headsets attached to your helmet. If that is not the case and your group is a traditional one, then make sure to know all the hand signals before getting on with the ride. The hand signals and other communication codes are usually discussed during the pre-ride meeting. A raised fist may mean two different things to two different groups of riders. Find out what the common communication signals and codes are for your group. It is also a good idea to get the phone number of your group leader to get help in case you get separated from the group.
Don’t cut corners on your riding & camping gears
Riding gears absolutely essential whether you are riding solo or riding in a group. If your helmet is old and has comprised safety features, make sure to get a new good helmet for your upcoming ride. Based on your riding preferences, you can get an open face helmet, or a modular helmet along with bike riding goggles and biker hand gloves. Also, no plan for road trips in India is complete without camping. Find out what your group provides, and get all necessary camping equipment such as tents and beddings. You will also need additional space for all the extra stuff. Look for good quality bike side bags with a lock to keep your luggage safe.