Riding in a large group.

I'm thinking of doing a large charity ride in a few weeks (see this thread). Though I've ridden for 12 years and about 11k miles (there were a few years off in the middle there to blow my average) I've never ridden with more than one other bike.

Do you guys have any tips for keep it safe and fun? I can't figure out how long the trip is, but I get the impression its a couple hours. I know last year's ride was HOT and MUGGY, one reason I didn't make the trip. I don't want that to stop me this year. I'm thinking one of those Camelback hydration packs might be a good investment. Any other thoughts?

And of course if any of you Chicagoland folk are going, let's meet up!

 

They should make a planned stop ever hour for gasoine, leg stretching, and rehydration. Take advantage of this to gulp down some liquids.

If needed pack few bottles of H20. You can douse your shirt and it will really cool you down, especially if under a ventilated jacket.

Check out this site. It a womens riding site but the hot weeather tips apply to anyone.

http://www.ridemyown.com/links/summer.shtml

 

This site Clickey has great tips on group rides.

Many other tips 'n-tricks too. Great reading.

 

Thanks Kiwi,
Fantastic site for the novice or returner. Answered a lot of questions for me and I was only there a couple of minutes. It's been bookmarked! Maybe a good one for the links page.

 

This isn't typed intended to be funny.

If you are behind anyone "Horsing around" ... get in front of him.

If you are riding in a big, tight, group ... parade style ... Don't be in the middle.

If you are behind a guy with anything tied-on ... get out from behind him.

If there's a passenger on the bike ahead of you ... that's holdin'-on for dear life ... get out of there.

You know the "Old Joke" about following a real, old, Harley long-enough and you'll see something fall-off.

There's nothing funny about it ... if you're riding too close to avoid hitting it!

 

Thanks for the tips, guys. Anyone want to sponsor me?