Scooterzine Group Rides Riding in a group can be quite an experience which provides insights and learning opportunities that just don’t arise on solo rides.
Linda Tubnor In my three years on two wheels I’ve been on a few group rides and have always come away with something to remember.
My first and most regular group rides were with the Melbourne Scooter Connection. These monthly rides start with a slow breakfast and general catch up, where the group decides where to head that day. The rides start with up to 50 scooters snaking through the city streets on a Sunday morning. Keeping track of the group amongst all the red lights can be a hazard. It always helps to know the route before setting off – I felt much less anxious knowing that I had a safety net if I did lose sight of the group. Without fail, I would find myself getting choked up as I took in the sight of a mass of scooters in front of me and people on the streets stopping to look and wave.
When the group gets onto a freeway or highway, this provides for a different experience. In the early days I found it daunting to ride at 100km/h, but I’d relax after a few minutes of cruising at this speed. Then I could enjoy the sights, smells and sensations of getting out onto the open road. Many of these rides include some windy mountain roads allowing the rider to test out lane placement, leaning into the corners, avoiding hazards and judging appropriate speed. It’s great experience if most of your riding is done on relatively flat and congested city roads.
Lunch usually involves lazing in the sun, checking out the other scooters and working out the route back. The social aspect of these rides is a great way to relax, meet like-minded people and get a few tips from other riders about bikes, gear and techniques.
Another group ride experience I had was an instructed ride organised by the Shire of Yarra Ranges and HART. These rides are offered as a way to combat the high motorcycle accident rate in the Shire. The Dandenong Ranges, Reefton Spur etc are very popular with two-wheelers. The rides involve about an hour of theory before setting off, then the ride is split into sections with a short debrief at the end of each section and BBQ lunch. I’ve been on both a regular ride, which was about 80% motorbikes vs. 20% scooters, and a special ride organised for scooters only. The ride takes in a range of terrain and conditions providing an opportunity to attain a lot of new skills. For example, I learned how slippery wet bark on the road can be and where it’s likely to collect. The rides are safe, well-supervised and a great price. The HART instructors are very skilful and surprisingly good at teaching even the total novices (like I was) who may be terrified. My only negative experience was that at times I felt pressured by the rider behind me to go faster.
In 2006 I rode in the MRA Toy Run. It was a sweltering day and we were in the city for over an hour (in hot safety gear) waiting for our group to be released. Once the ride started, about 200 of us (which was only one of about 5 groups) headed off in a line of colour and noise heading to Williamstown. I found this to be a really memorable and emotional experience. The police were directing traffic, so for a change we had right of way and the cars had to give way to us. The people we passed were tooting horns, waving and shouting encouragement. The sight of all the bikes decorated in tinsel and adorned with stuffed animals made me wish I could take a photo. I was touched by all the support from non-riders and the camaraderie of the group – all those people sharing a passion and getting together for a good cause.
This brings me to the subject of the “nod”, which has nothing to do with group rides but is worth mentioning. I love the recognition from one rider to another. To me it speaks of support, encouragement and a recognition of that passion we share, though we may be totally different in every other way. I’ve also had other riders pull over and check to see if I need help, and ask me about my scooter while stopped at the lights, regardless of the fact that they’re on a high-powered motorbike while I’m on a small scooter. Nobody seems to care what you ride, as long as you’re out there.
Group rides can take a bit of planning which makes them harder to reschedule due to poor weather. Unless the weather makes the conditions dangerous, a group ride can still be great if you’re prepared and have the right gear to keep you warm and dry. It’s a good opportunity to watch how others modify their riding in poor weather.
If you’re a new rider (or even if you’re not), group rides are a great way to hone your technical skills, meet people and see the sights.
published 5/11/2008 |