SOME RULES.
. No overtaking on the ride between stops.
. Pace and riding style.
. Understanding experience levels.
. If you get lost or take a wrong turn.
. Drop-off system for riding.. Lead and tail-end Charlie.
. Dangerous riders will be asked to modify their riding. If they fail to do so they will be asked to leave the group.
. Less experienced riders will be at the front with the more experienced riders at the back.

We will need all bike details, phone numbers and contact details before we ride.
Ideal group size will be 5-7 with a maximum of 10.  If we have more than 10 wanting to ride we will endeavour to split the group.  This may not always be possible, so it will be on a first come, first served basis.

Key Points: You are responsible for your safety and that of your fellow group riders.  Dangerous and inconsiderate riding will not be acceptable.

All riders must bring:
.    Mobile phone.
.    Money.
.    Spare key for their bik /alarm.
.    Basic bike tool kit.
.    Roadside Recovery details.

You will be provided with:
.    Details of the route.
.    What to do if you get lost – firstly, don’t panic!
.    Stop off points – Tea / Coffee Breaks and Lunch.
.    Telephone numbers for the Group Leader, Tail-End Charlie and Cotswold Motorrad.

Group Motorcycle Riding Formation. Formation is huge when it comes to group riding. Riding in formation properly gives riders the proper space cushion to react to any hazards, and also helps drivers on the road avoid motorcyclists. The preferred formation is the ‘staggered formation’ (where if a line were drawn from each rider to the other you would create a zig-zag pattern.

If we ride through a narrower road or a road with lower visibility or poor surface conditions where more of a space cushion is required, a single-file riding formation should be used. Either way, avoid a side-by-side riding formation at all times. A staggered formation like this looks good, and gives everyone room to manoeuvre if there’s a problem or an obstacle in the road.

Separation Anxiety. Even with the best efforts to keep a group together, riders will usually still get separated somehow. Whether it’s at a red light or because of a car that just isn’t getting the hint, riders almost always find themselves broken away from the main body of the group at some point in a group ride. If this happens, don’t panic. If you had your pre-ride meeting, you should know where the designated stops are located. Go at a safe pace and just meet the rest of your ride there. Try not to break the law, split lanes aggressively, or ride faster than your skills just to catch up to the group. Rolling up to the next stop a few seconds late is a lot better than getting into a crash!

Enjoy the Ride! Most importantly, enjoy group motorcycle riding. Most riders don’t ride in groups all the time, it’s usually just something to do once in a while. So, when riding in a group, try to be a good group member; keep the pace, and try not to ride aggressively or show off. You can always do that later on your solo rides! If it’s your first time, just go along with the ride and try to learn how the group operates. You might find that you like group riding, but maybe you’d fit better with a more aggressive group that attacks the twisties, or conversely, with a more laid-back group that likes to enjoy the scenery.

Learn different people’s riding styles and soon you’ll find people you like to ride with, and people you’d prefer not to. That’s fine! No matter what, just have fun with it, after all, you’re riding so what more could you want?