Wales by Bike

A group motorcycle run is an ideal opportunity to enjoy the open road with people on the same wave length as you.

If you're a new or inexperienced rider, you can get more practice and improve your riding by learning from the more competent motorcyclists in the group. As an experienced motorcyclist with years of riding under your belt, riding in a group offers great camaraderie and the chance to discover new roads and routes.

While a group run can be a lot of fun, there are a few tips worth remembering before you set off to keep everyone safe.

Plan the ride: whether it's a short run for three or four bikers or a day's outing for a larger group, make sure everyone knows where they are going and where you plan to make stops. Sort out meeting points so that no-one feels under pressure to keep up or takes risks if they get separated from the group. You may want to give everyone a copy of the route (list of roads and/or a map together with any known hazards or difficult spots), meeting points and mobile phone numbers so they can make contact (safely) with the group if they get lost. Try and have someone with first aid training on the ride.

Follow the leader: choose one of the more experienced riders to lead so they can set the pace depending on the experience and stamina of the group and their bikes. Nominate a 'sweeper' to ride at the back to keep an eye out for breakdowns or stragglers and to call for help if there's an accident. Both should be familiar with the route and, if possible, have some form of communication such as a bike radio. You should always ride within the limits of the less experienced riders so position them behind the leader. Make sure everyone knows the hand signals you plan to use.

Buddy up: before you set off, pair up with another rider to carry out basic checks on your kit and bike. Make sure that you both have plenty of petrol in the tank - tragically, motorcyclists have died in accidents trying to catch up with the group after stopping off for fuel.

Rules of the road: always ride to the bike behind, not the one in front. Keep the bike behind you in your mirrors at all times. Don't overtake without prior planning and remember the two second rule to keep your distance from the bike in front.

Driving within the limits: drive to the conditions of the road. If someone is riding too fast for the conditions, don't feel pressurised to keep up. Don't ride any faster than you are comfortable with and go at your own pace.