A few thoughts

[gsxbarmy]

I found out earlier today that one of the guys I rode with down to the Alps last year, unfortunately did not survive an RTA over the Easter weekend.

The very experienced ride leader who led us down to the Alps last year and who has ridden thousands of miles subsequently posted up separately what I have unashamedly copied and posted below - whilst it may appear obvious, it never hurts IMO to be reminded once in a while and, if it helps bring us all home safely from our rides out this year and next then it's worth a read. You can absorb it, discard it, discuss it or ignore it, but if it helps one person then that's a positive.

1. Before you take-off, pick your landing.

Before you decide to overtake, decide where you're going to pull back in. If your landing zone relies on other road-users making room, I'd suggest it's suboptimal. You can extend your landing zone if the conditions allow - for example a moving line of cars. You may decide for one or two cars but then the road is still clear; then move your landing and continue the process. Don't start the manoeuvre aiming to overtake all 6 cars and hoping nothing comes.

2. Imagine you coming the opposite way. Same line. Same speed.

This is straightforward. If you're overtaking at 80mph+ on the opposite side of the road and you encounter another motorcycle doing 80mph+ then I guarantee one of you, or both of you is going to panic. Never go into the overtake (or any manoeuvre) hoping for the best. Always plan for the worst outcome and you won't be surprised.

3. If it's "probably on" then it's "definitely off".

It surprises me how many riders overtake in precarious situations and reply, when asked why, "oh, I thought I had enough time!" If it's not 100% guaranteed that you will make it before the car / gate / cyclist / hazard then abandon it and wait. There is ALWAYS another time to overtake. The advantage of the 'corner marker' system is you don't have to see the rider in front and be on his tail.

4. Imagine taking someone with you, on a short tether.

Whenever you can, try to find gaps large enough for 2 of your bikes. Imagine you have to take another biker with you on this overtake, could you both make it? If you're only just squeezing into gaps between vehicles then you're putting yourself at increased risk. Also, and more dangerous, if you're only just avoiding oncoming traffic before getting back into your lane then your imaginary friend is fuc*ed...and the car driver will rightly be pissed, and your underwear will be filthy.

5. Don't follow into an overtake.

If you follow the bike in front into an overtake then your are riding their plan, not yours. If they have to abandon it then you're in deep trouble. If they pull into a gap for one bike, you're in trouble. If they go down on oil / gravel, you're in trouble. If you regularly ride with people and you know them well, you can adapt this rule but if you don't know them, or think they're shit, then stay back.

6. Leave your ego at home.

You may be surprised to know that you're not a riding god! Neither am I. There is always someone more proficient (and less) on a motorcycle than you. It's very frustrating if you're "Like Rossi in the straights. And Pavarotti in the corners." If you see them in your mirrors then be aware and maintain your speed and let them do what they plan. Don't let anyone force you to overtake.

7. The best riders know when to go slow, not when to go fast.

Better to arrive safely than not all all. Drive defensively and smoothly and you'll get to wherever you are going safely. Does "saving" a few seconds make that much difference?

[Kiwifruit]

Wise words Dave........

This week a mate decided he liked the sound of an advert for a VFR1000. We talked about it over the phone and he was keen.
I said to him l reckon it took me 9 months to a year before i was comfortable riding my 14, so be careful.

He turns up at my place with his son after his test ride. How'd it go I ask. OK but f....n near killed myself he says. How did that happen ?
"Went into a corner too fast"  How long did it take you to do that I ask, 5mins......10 ? Oh no much quicker than that.

So did you buy it?.......hell yeah !!

You and your lad should do one of those riding skills courses, "I'll come and do a refresher with you guys." Great idea he says.

He's a first class bloke. He was lucky and I'm so pleased he survived his wake up call.

[seth]

We have all had that close call at some point wether it be our fault (lack of concentration, not knowing the road or just plain bad riding)
Or it be others fault (bad driving from other road users ,bad/dirty road surfaces or weather conditions)

So very wise words @gsxbarmy (dave) 

And our thought are with you and your friends family .

[Mick_J]

It's always sad to loose a riding mate but riding bikes is a very dangerous hobby, we should always take care out on the road as we are not the only nutters out there.  Sorry for your loss Barmy.

[grog]

Great thoughts Barmy. Sad for your loss. Riding is dangerous, we should all realise that. Ive always prefered solo rides, so many less things to go wrong. Not saying i dont like riding with mates but they can be unpredictable.

[Notty]

Sad for your loss Dave - very wise words

[froudy]

Sad news Dave..

[KiwiCol]

I feel for you Dave, sad news indeed. Reminds us of our own fragility and mortality.  Your riding mate had sage advice there, thanks for sharing.

[GSXKING]

A very wise motorcycle instructor once said to the class "A thinking rider is a survivor, a non-thinking rider is a statistic waiting to happen".

Even so we know riding can be dangerous and most of us develop sixth sense and eyes in the back of our helmets.

Sorry to hear of your loss Dave, 

[Del]

Very Wise words Dave - Sorry for your loss fella

[Sweaty]

Sorry to hear that news Dave.
I have basically stopped going for any long group rides as too many members starting riding like bloody maniacs.
They could do with reading your OP.
Particularly #5, Don't follow into an overtake. Every time you go for an overtake into a gap for 1 bike, you had someone right up your arse, so you had to pull into the gap and go across so they had room as well 

[VladTepes]

Sad circumstances mate, but very wise words.


I had the opportunity to go on a ride yesterday.

Option 1. Join a ride with about 55 other bikes (of all riding capabilities from beginner to arrogant to advanced).

Option 2. Me and a couple of mates, doing our own thing.

No contest, option 2 it was. 

[cbrt]

Sad news but some very good advice..... Probably why i stopped riding in groups a long time ago

I had a very very close call when riding with a friend at high speed coming out of Oulton park after a track day - ego was in full effect and I nearly paid the price - ride solo mainly now

[Kiwifruit]

I'm not a fan of group rides. If l do l like to be at the back.
Often ride with the bride on the back and usually on our own.

[shanered6]

allways very sad to loose a friend this way .... condolences to you and his family .