Why so many traffic laws? Across this great nation, federal, state, and local traffic laws serve to create a framework of predictable conventions which enable us to navigate our roadways with pleasure & relative safety because we know what to expect from one another.

Of course, conventions may change from one region to another. For example, at home we dare not ride left of center, but NOT doing so in the British Isles could ruin our whole day. Even in a world of round-abouts and kilometers, we can operate just fine if we all get on the same page. In similar fashion, we need to recognize that, regardless of how many years or miles we’ve ridden, whether we commonly ride solo or in groups, distance or short hops, in mountains or plains, each of us operates with a set of assumptions and expectations which may differ from those of our companions on any given ride. That’s why every team ride should begin with a simple discussion of expectations – for that ride.

A RIDE MEETING helps to establish and clarify a common set of expectations, putting everyone on the same page for the duration of the ride. That’s a big deal because setting and meeting expectations are key factors in our overall satisfaction with almost any experience – and we all want to have fun.

So, what gets covered in the ride meeting? In addition to a few basics, include whatever makes sense for the circumstances. There’s no need for a dissertation, but it’s important to consider the composition of this particular group and give the meeting the attention it deserves to ensure that everyone comes away with a common understanding and a focus on group safety. And if you’ve established an expectation at the outset, it’s easy to revisit that expectation later in the ride – like when you’re about to pass a semi. A successful ride meeting can go a long way toward facilitating a fun, safe ride for all participants.

Some groups ride together often and with a fairly consistent roster. In that case, a list like the one below may be adequately addressed in short order. But even one new rider in the mix might justify a much more comprehensive discussion of the same material. This is when the ride meeting has its greatest value. The point is to get the “important stuff” out there so everyone knows “what to expect” and “what is expected” on the ride. It’s certainly not about rules and compliance, but this meeting is an opportunity to assert the value of certain behaviors & practices as they benefit the group. Following are a few topics to consider, but you can easily expand the list:

• Destination; planned route; (everyone has a copy)
• Roles – leader & drag roles; team member roles & expected behaviors;
• Schedule – departure & arrival time; meals; frequency & duration of fuel and rest stops;
• Terrain; weather; anticipated character, style & skill level of the ride;
• Formation – stagger; time between bikes; trailer/trike positions within the team;
• Teams – team sizes; time between teams;
• Passing & lane changes; accommodating other traffic moving through the group;
• Communication – primary & alternate radio channels; radio etiquette; what about those without radio;
• Range – bike with most limited fuel capacity;
• Special needs – hydration; medications; medical conditions; heat tolerance; regular snacks;
• Planning for the expected – getting separated at lights; 4-wheelers in the group;
• Planning for the unexpected – disabled & down bikes; locations of first aid kits; who has what skills; shared emergency contact info; ham radio, etc.
• Ride your own ride.

Notice that I’ve only cited a few broad topics. It’s up to the ride leader and the assembled ride participants to determine what they do with those topics. But each one deserves its due consideration.

Of course, ride meetings are pretty common in GWRRA, though they take many forms. But many of us have had ample opportunity to ride outside of the GW community, and we’ve seen just how varied those riding practices can be out there. So, next time you get together with others for a ride, give some thought to conducting a ride meeting before you take off. Cultivate this habit and encourage others to do the same. Even those free spirits in the crowd may be surprised to find an increased level of enjoyment when they understand what to expect from their riding companions.

- Barry Burkinshaw