Its been suggested to me that some learners are put off going on a ride out cos they feel a wee bit scared riding in a group, afraid that they may not keep up, or will feel pressurised by more experienced riders to push themselves faster etc than they feel comfortable with. 

I myself went on a lot of day rides with BM members when I was on L plates, being escorted to a rally with UK Harley riding shotgun whilst still running in my new bike & not able to go over 50 was a sight to behold. , but it did help a lot, not only riding as a group, but the hints & tips I got from those round me.

So in true BM spirit I would like to suggest a run out one day, from all areas with a meet up place, that will be done at a pace for those who are on 125's, not only new 125 riders & not too big a group, but for those more experienced who would not mind being part of a 125 group, to help build some confidence, take it at a nice leisurely pace, no rush to get to the end point just enjoying the ride...

thoughts & ideas please 

                                                                                                                                                                             

Yep great idea shell best look at later in the year when sun out and roads dryer                                                                                                                                                                             

sounds like a plan, i would gladly help out, riding at the back etc, need any help shell just pm me !!                                                                                                                                                                              

That sounds a great idea. I feel really guilty a lot of the time riding in a group of experienced riders because I think I'm holding them all back and I have been on runs where the marshall at the front rode off and I couldn't keep up!!                                                                                                                                                                             

Yup, glad to support any new riders cos it's lonely when you are learning and can be difficult to gain confidence on your own.                                                                                                                                                                              

Great idea Shell, if the numbers wanting to join in are high maybe worth splitting into 2 days :)                                                                                                                                                                              

Yep.. I agree... I've done loads of group rides as a L-plater, and am always up for more.
It's great to feel safe in a group as well as gaining the experience.   In my case, not just the riding, but also help and advice if anything should go wrong.. bits dropping off..or the need for Gaffa tape tape...thanks to my mates, you know who you all are!                                                                                                                                                                             

what a beltin idea shell............

especially now that the new biking season is about to get underway.most new riders have been doing there test in the winter months,if you can ride then! you can ride now! all you need is the confidence,to go out and about on your new found pastime,every oppertunity available to you,take it! it comes with experience.and most experienced riders always ride to the learners needs,or the less in-experienced rider within any one group.
so if you need help shell,give us a nudge,alsway willing to help the new rider......
After all we all started their!!!!!!!!


                                                                                                                                                                             

If i'm not working, i'd be happy to accompany anyone that needs some experience. I'm no expert, but a bit of company can give you the confidence to have a go. DC                                                                                                                                                                             

I too would be happy to join in, I am not what i would call experienced but i happy to join in any ride out
                                                                                                                                                                             

Thanks everyone for your support ... Tat ... doesn't matter how experienced you are, will be a nice ride out no rush to get to where we are going, now, what about all you guys that are just getting bikes/done test/doin test/ done CBT ?? 

shell was talking to BJ this afternoon about you idea think its great you could run it like the pilly day but have to watch the numbers as not to make the learners feel crowded on the road but with enough to make them feel safe if poss 1 to 1 bit of a mentor thing
                                                                                                                                                                             

Thats kinda what I was thinking of JP ... the idea being if we end up with lots then we can split into smaller groups from the sounds of it there will be plenty of non learners to do this 

Ideally the max I would like is 2 L to 1 none mainly cos I found this was helpful when I was learning & having spoken to others you cannot be expected to watch more than 1 in front & 1 behind, yeah would be FANTASTIC if we can have 1-1 ratio                                                                                                                                                                               

What about a rideout where an effort is made to split people into groups? Learners with a few experienced riders, middle of the road with a few experienced riders and experienced riders as a group on their own. That way everyone gets to meet other people of varying degrees, but gets to the destination at a pace that feels comfortable, and still gets to enjoy the ride? For example, meet as a group somewhere at 10am. Set off at 11am having sorted everyone out into groups, then meet somewhere else at 2pm, for a brew and a natter? The main point being that everyone starts and ends at the same point. The experienced group can take the long way and the learners/intermediate go the quicker route?                                                                                                                                                                             

I will gladly ride behing you DC                                                                                                                                                                               

Only because you know i'll order the coffee for when you eventually get there                                                                                                                                                                              

ouch....still grumpy then??                                                                                                                                                                              

Think you will get a 1 to 1 shell I personaly wouldnt take a learner out as my bike would make them feel uneasy due to the load pipes                                                                                                                                                                              

Me? Grumpy????? Nooooooooo...........                                                                                                                                                                             

phew...i can come back now then !!