Before Kickstands Go Up

A good group ride starts before anyone fires up. Two parts: getting you and your bike ready, and making sure everybody hears the same plan.

Before you ride: the two minute version, every time

• Tires, brakes, lights, chain, oil. The two minute version of T-CLOCS (the full walk-around is in Rider Safety Basics).
• Gear on. Helmet, jacket, gloves, boots. Every ride, including the short ones.
• Fuel up before you arrive. Nobody wants to stop at ten miles because one bike started dry.
• Route on your phone, phone charged and mounted or pocketed where you can reach it.
• Emergency contact set up on your card, so the information is on you rather than in someone's memory.
• Turn up early. Kickstands up means moving, not arriving.
• If you've had a drink, you're not riding. There is no version of this we're relaxed about.

The briefing

Before kickstands go up, everybody hears the same thing:

• The route, the planned stops, and where we end up.
• The pace we're riding, set for the least experienced rider here.
• Who's leading and who's sweeping, so you know both bikes on sight.
• The hand signals we're using.
• What happens if the group gets split, and where we regroup.
• Anything you need to say: new to this, new bike, short range, low fuel, not feeling it.

That last one matters. Say something if you're new, on a new bike, or not feeling it. Everyone has been there, and the pace will adjust.

The briefing is also why getting separated is no big deal. When everyone knows the route and the next stop, nobody has to chase.

The MSF video walks through the same sync-up: full tanks, a quick riders' meeting on the route, stops, and signals, naming the lead and sweep, and putting newer riders right behind the lead. Download the Group Ride Briefing Card below: it has the checklist, the briefing, formations, hand signals, and the what-if plan on one printable card.

This course is for education. It doesn't replace a state-approved rider course or motorcycle licensing.