Last Saturday, we did this route: http://goo.gl/maps/qKfR1 towards Algonquin, including 507, led by Afelotreyu.
It was my: 1. first long trip: around 400km. 2. first big group ride: 10 bikes. 3. first fast speed trip: average 100-120 kph.
My conclusions of riding a long group ride as a newbie are:
1. members in the group are very important... all the members in my group are very nice, considerate, helpful, patient and experienced. Everyone knew that I'm a newbie and constantly checked up on me and gave me tips. when we were doing 507, they were ahead of me riding much faster. I was at the back and riding at 100 at my own pace. at the end of the road, they were all patiently waiting. And they fixed my plate during the trip.
nice people wouldn't intidate you by making you feel too slow or you are dragging/inconveniencing them.
2. a great lead is very important... Andres did a great job leading and was very protective/thoughtful. He made sure that every member was clear that there's a newbie in the group, hence the speed wont be faster than 120kph, and there will be stops/breaks around every 75/100 km. He also explained in details of all the signals and rules in group riding.
3. know your limit and comfort zone. don't pressure yourself to keep up with the experienced ones and the bigger bikes, especially on twisties.
I will add more thoughts when I think of more, and welcome to chime in if you have any tips/experience to share to other newbies about long group rides.
It was my: 1. first long trip: around 400km. 2. first big group ride: 10 bikes. 3. first fast speed trip: average 100-120 kph.
My conclusions of riding a long group ride as a newbie are:
1. members in the group are very important... all the members in my group are very nice, considerate, helpful, patient and experienced. Everyone knew that I'm a newbie and constantly checked up on me and gave me tips. when we were doing 507, they were ahead of me riding much faster. I was at the back and riding at 100 at my own pace. at the end of the road, they were all patiently waiting. And they fixed my plate during the trip.
nice people wouldn't intidate you by making you feel too slow or you are dragging/inconveniencing them. 2. a great lead is very important... Andres did a great job leading and was very protective/thoughtful. He made sure that every member was clear that there's a newbie in the group, hence the speed wont be faster than 120kph, and there will be stops/breaks around every 75/100 km. He also explained in details of all the signals and rules in group riding.
3. know your limit and comfort zone. don't pressure yourself to keep up with the experienced ones and the bigger bikes, especially on twisties.
I will add more thoughts when I think of more, and welcome to chime in if you have any tips/experience to share to other newbies about long group rides.
