"On the go group rides"

kcalB

kcalB

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So i was wondering, what’s the etiquette if your riding along, and see some one else riding along, and you go "Jee, I’m just going to follow this other biker and have a impromptu ride".

Generally speaking would this freak people out or what?

I’ve rode behind some people, and ended up having a great ride over a short stretch of road….Just wondering.
 
Nothing wrong with it I Guess but don't ride staggered or pull up next to them at a stop unless you know them or have another reason to.

I would not like someone just kinda of forming a group ride with me because i don't know if they know how to safely ride in a group. But some riders might not mind. It does happen to me from time to time i don't let it upset me tho i just ride my ride.
 
I pull up next to other riders at stop lights all the time just to chat and maybe ask about their bikes, Ive always gotten a smile and a good albeit short conversation. Sometimes Ill kinda group up with them for a short ride, you can usually tell pretty quickly if somebody isn't interested in that, I personally have no problem with it.
 
I usually don't have any issues with someone pulling up beside me at a stop and having a quick chat. Just don't take off in front of me and then switch tracks. I don't pull up beside other riders though. I stay back. I've also pulled up behind others on the move and stayed in the staggered position behind for a while. If I want to pass them, it's in another lane and with a wave or nod.
 
What's your definition of following along?

If it means you follow along close to me (staggered or not) like we're on a group ride then I would take exception to that. This is because, you'd likely be close enough to be considered tailgating. You're not my riding buddy, and I don't know you. The entire lane and the close space in front & behind me is mine (just like in a car). If I "follow along" anyone, I generally will do it in my own proper lane position, because I'm not riding with that person and I'd be a proper travelling behind the vehicle in front. That is unless traffic and speed dictate much less space between each vehicle in which case I may adopt the proper staggered position.

If following along means you're a couple car lengths back and just going the same direction I am then there is no etiquette needed except to follow the rules of the road. It's a free country and you can go where you want to go - even if you're going in the same direction as another driver on the road.
 
Two50noob said:
Nothing wrong with it I Guess but don't ride staggered or pull up next to them at a stop unless you know them or have another reason to.

I would not like someone just kinda of forming a group ride with me because i don't know if they know how to safely ride in a group. But some riders might not mind. It does happen to me from time to time i don't let it upset me tho i just ride my ride.
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I agree with "no stopping beside them" but what I've been thought is that if there is a bike in front of you... you ride staggered, for safety reasons, whether or not you know them. :confused:
 
Too needy.
 
It bugs me when another rider I don't know rides behind me in my tire track, as it makes it very hard to see when when quickly checking mirrors. At least if they ride a few car length back staggered, not only can I see them when glancing at my mirrors, but also it 'should' help prevent cars from infringing on the lane as well.
 
I form up in a stagger a few bike lengths back or until I can see their face in their mirror. Just for sake of visibility. Never had anyone take issue with it either, although I have abandoned the position a number of times because the rider didn't seem aware that I was there which always feels weird.

Tailing groups can be an interesting adventure because they're usually on a ride to somewhere which often involves good roads. I'm hardly an atlas so it's not usual that I take a chance that they might lead me to some new and interesting roads. As long as everyone is safe and respectful, it wont likely be a problem. If it is? Ride on, you're better off without them.
 
No problem with riders behind me in staggered position and in my mirror view. If they can keep up in the corners for some reason I feel they're not out to rob me :p As for pulling up beside me at a light, I admit that can be pretty annoying. Between the ear plugs and termis theres no way we're having a chat. I usually just nod and look ahead but sometimes point to my ear to indicate I can't hear.
 
OnAnySunday said:
I agree with "no stopping beside them" but what I've been thought is that if there is a bike in front of you... you ride staggered, for safety reasons, whether or not you know them. :confused:
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In stop and go traffic i could see it but on an open country lane i say in the left tire track if i'm alone. even when behind another biker
 
Following along, SAFELY, tire tracks and all. My question is more along the lines of if i start following some one (while being safe) do people get freaked out. Like say your going home, its a good day to ride, you do the things that make riding fun, i see you having fun, jump behind you (safely) and follow you until you stop riding, where i then continue on. Would people be inclined to think I'm going to rob them, maybe find out where they live to steal a bike ect (things i would definitely not do.....or would I ;) )
 
No problem.
Except when they start talking to me but i can't hear what they're saying because of my ear plugs.
 
I'm much happier if a rider forms up behind me. It gives me the impression that they know what they're doing.

I've been stuck behind a bike in traffic only to have them wander all over their lane. I made space as quickly as I could because I had no idea if they were predictable or not.
 
pm127 said:
I've been stuck behind a bike in traffic only to have them wander all over their lane. I made space as quickly as I could because I had no idea if they were predictable or not.
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I do that to keep riders I don't know from joining up with me. :cool:
 
I Ride to be alone but if you wanna tag along, stay in my mirrors and don't pass before its safe. If people pull up with me at a light it's not a big deal unless they take off in front

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Bettyvee said:
I'd be freaked out if some random bike started following me..creepers!
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Lol its one thing to be followed and another to tag along :p

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Does not bother me one way or other but will be a little more carefull as they will often pass you in your lane...
 
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Macs said:
I Ride to be alone but if you wanna tag along, stay in my mirrors and don't pass before its safe. If people pull up with me at a light it's not a big deal unless they take off in front

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Same. Last night I had a few people follow me for a bit and they stayed in my mirrors the whole time, it was fine, fun even! When I'm in decent traffic, Kingston rd say, or slow moving DVP or 401, I would rather have someone behind or in front to help be a little more visible.
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