About Us

Regularly GEM takes group rides and the following outlines our “rules” for riding
together:

Safety
You are always responsible for your own safety. In a group how you ride impacts all
the other riders!!! Don’t assume everyone rides like you or have the experience you
do. Hence, it is really important to make sure you are riding at a safe level for yourself
and for the whole group.

Lead Rider Role
The role of the lead rider is to choose the route and set the pace/speed for the group.
The lead rider is an experienced rider who knows the route.

Tail Rider Role
The rider at the end of the group is an extremely important position. This rider has the
responsibility of “controlling” the traffic behind the group and they are responsible for
monitoring the group. If the tail sees someone having trouble they will ride up to that
person to see if they can help.

Position Of New Riders
Typically, new riders should be in the back of the group and in front of the tail rider.
The tail rider keeps an eye on the new rider and will be able to give them feedback
on how they are doing. If possible the new rider should follow someone who they
know how they ride or an experienced rider. The new rider should watch the
experienced rider and do what they do. The person in front of the new rider should
help pace the new rider and make difficult maneuvers at a slower pace so the new
rider can see how to do it. Two new riders should never rider next to each other.

Watch Your Mirrors
As important as watching what is in front of you, in a group, you also need to watch
what is going on with the group behind you. If the bikes behind you are lagging, slow
down and let them catch up. And if someone has an emergency get off the road as
soon as it is safe to do so.

Keep It Together
Keep the distance between you and the rider in front of you safe. Typically, you want
to ride in a fairly tight formation with less than a bikes space between you and the
biker in front of you. But you need to use your judgment - make sure you have space
to compensate for changes other riders might make and for the riding conditions.
Know who is riding in front of you and know their experience level. If you or the rider
in front of you is a new rider you may want to leave extra space. If there is too much
space the tail rider may ride up to you to see if there is a problem.

Staggered Formation
Most of the time we ride in a staggered formation. If we need to change the lead
rider will give a hand signal to change to single formation.

Changing Lanes
When it is necessary, the lead rider will put on their turn signal and everyone else
should put on their turn signals. The tail rider will be the first biker to change lanes
and other bikes will follow from the rear to the front. The last rider to change lanes is
the lead rider. This is the safest way for a group to change lanes because the tail
rider controls the traffic behind the group. And that way everyone in the group can
change lanes easily and smoothly.

Passing Other Vehicles
If the road is a multiple lane road we use the same technique as we use to change
lanes. If it is not a multiple lane road, rarely do we pass, but if we have to we do it in
reverse order. The tail rider will ride past the group and be the first to pass then the
other bikes follow. Again, the tail rider controls the traffic.

Hand Signals
Prior to riding the group should review the hand signals that will be used during the
ride.

Emergencies
When possible, move out of formation and ride up to the lead rider and let them know
you need to pull off. The lead rider will get the group off at the next safe place.

Most of the GEM riders are very experienced riders. It is also a great
place to for new riders to learn skills and gain confidence. If you are a
new rider here are some tips to keep in mind:

1) Know your skill level and admit it the other riders.
Your safety is your own responsibility and the most important thing you
can do to be safe is know and admit your own skill level. Learning to
ride safely is not about trying to be macho, to show off, or to be cool – it’
s about learning to ride safely. You’re a new rider you are not suppose
to know a lot – and that is ok!

2) Listen to the experienced riders.
GEM riders are committed to helping each other continually grow and
be safer riders. Regardless of riding experience, GEM riders frequently
give each other feedback and share tips and techniques. As a new rider
you have an amazing opportunity to learn from a very supportive group.
The experienced riders will give you feedback, criticism and tips. If they
see you doing something unsafe they may be a bit cranky and forceful in
how give you feedback. But remember they are trying to help you learn!
Listen to what they are saying to you.

3) Be open to learning and ask questions.

4) Make sure to let the ride leader know if something makes you
uncomfortable.

5) Have fun