So I've been riding for a while now and until recently have never ridden with anyone else. My buddy just bought a bike and I've been riding a little with him but we go really slow because he's still pretty green. I was thinking about joining one of the local weekly rides but I don't know if there's any rules or etiquette to follow in large groups. Any pointers?

Generally I like to stay in a staggard pattern and about 2 seconds behind.

If figure it out look at some stationary object on the ground, the dashed line on the road is good, after the guy in front passes it start counting untill you pass that same marker.

The only other thing that comes to mind is give people space when turning. I hate it when people ride my butt going into a turn.

It's also a good idea, if you're the guy behind, to look into the front guys mirror and try to see his eyes. If you can see him then he can see you. I don't like it when people ride in my blind spot either.

Ok, one other thing. If you're following someone a lot faster than you don't try to keep up. Just let him go, eventually he will notice that you're not there anymore. A lot of accidents happen when slower riders try to keep a pace that they arn't comfortable with.

Good luck!

New group riders stick to the back of the pack. As Steve said, never push in an uncomfortable way to keep up (very easy to find yourself doing this)... they will stop someplace to get the group back together (depending on the kind of ride). Never do anything you don't feel comfortable doing - following the pack through red lights, stop signs, passing cars, etc... Don't worry about what they think, if it is a good group to ride with they will be a good group to ride with (know what I'm saying?).

Most groups have a website or Yahoo Group where they will post up their rules. But always talk to them to find out what the deal is. Usually go over some hand signals and what they expect for overtaking and such.

great tips i learned a lot im a realitivly new rider to street anyway

Also always be consistent about where you are riding within the lane. If you are on the right side of the lane, and the group changes lanes, make sure you stay on the right side of the new lane also.

A buddy in my riding group is constantly screwing this up and it drives me crazy! Especially when leading the pack, he'll be on the right side of the lane, then he'll change lanes and move the left side of the new lane, making everyone behind him scramble for a new position. AAARRRGGGHHH! It's not that difficult, is it????

Sorry, just a pet pieve of mine! :crybaby

Eventually you'll find that riding alone is much better. 8)

Eventually you'll find that riding alone is much better. 8)

And not as dangerous.

Eventually you'll find that riding alone is much better. 8)
And not as dangerous.
I agree with you but I think it is important to learn how to ride in groups... a group ride is fun just for the social aspect of it and to see how others ride/talk shop. We usually meet up for breakfast, ride out some place, have lunch then take the long way home...