May I please remind you all of our ‘Group riding Code’ when riding out as a club to enable us all to enjoy the ride and not have it ruined by being held up, for whatever reason, (traffic lights, tractor etc, etc) and spending the rest of the day completely lost. Meanwhile, the front end of the group is waiting in a lay-by somewhere, wondering where others have got to, and not knowing whether to go on or wait, all because someone has forgotten this simple rule:

Please make sure all the bikes are started before leaving the start, usually the Imperial. If the bike in front turns left or right from the road you are travelling on, check behind to make sure the bike behind you is in sight. If not wait at the junction until the bike behind catches up. Make sure the rider sees you turn off, and then continue on your journey until the bike in front turns right or left.

If we all follow this simple rule, no one will ever get left behind or lost. It may be frustrating to have to wait at the junction when some of your mates are in front, but as soon as the bike behind you has caught you up, you can ride at your own safe speed until you catch up with the group or come across the rider in front, waiting at the next junction to let you know the group has turned off left or right.

Remember, the basic rule is, follow the road straight ahead unless directed otherwise. Therefore, at a roundabout, no need to wait if the bike in front goes straight ahead. But, if it leaves at another exit, or you cannot see the rider behind you, WAIT and then continue.

It is also helpful to exchange mobile phone numbers, so that if there is a ‘break down’ you can call another rider to let the group know.

Doing all this, if you do get held up or left behind, you can enjoy your ride, knowing that you are on the right route, and that if the group has turned off, one of your mates will be there at the roadside waiting for you.

Kindly supplied for the club by Trish Bainborough (Club Welfare Officer).

Safety Note: Advice from the police motorcyclists is that if you are behind another rider, do not try to keep up with them if you are going to exceed the legal speed limit, but more importantly, if you are going to exceed your own personal safe speed limit. We want everyone to arrive safely.