New Riders and Those Returning

[GOMO]

With the increase of new riders and/or riders that have returned to the sport after some time; many of us have either ridden with someone that can be listed under those titles or have been the new or returning rider ourselves.

If you have ridden with someone new or returning, do you offer any advise for them before or during your ride? If so, what do you normally discuss or feel is important to pass on?

Now if you were the new or returning one to the ride, what (if anything) have the other riders passed on to you that you found to be useful? Or how about things they may have told you that really doesn't make much sense.

I'm just curious what information is being passed out there, good and bad. I honestly feel that as "experienced" riders we need to be cafeful with what we choose to say to those who are still learning the rules of the road (actually we should all be constantly learning to become better riders). How about this one - in your opinion, on a group ride where do you feel a new or returning rider should be placed: in the front of the pack, towards the rear or somewhere in the middle. Also include the reason for your placement.

Riders have been passing on info, right and wrong, since there have been motorcycles. I have heards tons of different things being passed on lately, just wondering if what people have told me is now becoming the norm.

Keep it Safe

I tell the new riders and returning riders to pay very close attention to all the traffic around them. In fact, I tell them to ride as if the cagers are out to kill them. Years back folks were less distracted by cell phones, GPS systems, stereos etc and actually paid attention to the road. That isn't so anymore. I also tell them to attend a good MSF course and enjoy the back roads more, especially during peak traffic times. You just have to have your head on a swivel and pay closer attention today...cause most folks are on the road distracted and not paying attention to what they are doing...Clif

[JCourneyaP]

I tell them to take a riders course. I also tell them to ride at their own pace. Whats comfortable to them. Solo I will ride behind them so they dont have to try and keep up. If I see bad habits I will let them know. In a group ride they are in the very back. Always have sweeper following the rear of the herd. They can assist with problems. Answer questions best I can. If they are a really bad rider and just dont get it I will not ride with them. I dont wanna get hurt and I dont wanna see them get killed. They can do that on their own time.

[EZE RIDER]

Like the others I recommend the riders safety course. Then a bit of my own advice, I tell them to NEVER try to force their speed faster than they feel comfortable. NEVER try to keep up with riders who ride faster than you. It's better to get left behind than to wind up in a ditch. If you just keep riding your skills and speed will increase on their own.

[botzman]

My advice to guys my age (45) who've never ridden and want to I say "DONT". Im sure its not the best answer but in this day I feel it is appropriate given the number of casualties. Two guys on my block who've never ridden both want bikes. After I got creamed last year with 25 years road experience they both chickened out. Glad they did. I figure if they really wanted to ride they would accept what could happen. I would hate to push them toward riding and have them get killed. For me riding is a sickness I will never be sick of. I know some will disagree with me but I have developed a conscience with age. Damn I wish that didnt have to happen. BOTZ