Lead, Sweep, and Everyone in Between

Every rider on a group ride has a job. Knowing yours, and knowing who's doing the others, is what keeps a group together without anyone having to think about it.

Ride lead

Knows the route, sets the pace, and picks it for the least experienced rider present rather than the best one. Signals hazards early enough to be useful, and holds a pace the back of the group can actually maintain. A good lead checks their mirrors for the whole group, not just the bike behind them, and builds speed gradually.

The lead also makes the call when conditions change: slow the pace, change the route, stop early, or call the rest of it off.

Sweep

Rides last and stays last. Nobody rides behind the sweep, so if the sweep isn't the last bike, something has gone wrong. The sweep stops with anyone who drops out, and carries a phone, a charger, and the lead's number.

Lead and sweep should both be experienced group riders. Learn both bikes on sight at the briefing, so you always know where the front and back of the group are.

Everyone in between

Hold your position and your gap. Pass the hand signals back so they reach the tail. If you want to go faster than the group, this is not the ride for it, and nobody will think less of you for saying so before we set off.

The riders around you are planning on you being where you were. If you need to change places, do it at a stop.

Where newer riders go

Near the front, right behind an experienced rider, not at the back. The back of the group is where the accordion is worst, and where it's hardest for the lead to see you.

The MSF's "Who Does What" video covers the same three roles: lead, sweep, and the riders in between.

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