Overview
Leading a group ride is one of the most rewarding experiences in being part of the Mornington Wanderers.
It’s a chance to share the joy of riding, explore great roads, and contribute to the safety and enjoyment of our members. While it can feel intimidating at first, it doesn’t need to be — it is great fun.
Our Ride Coordinator, Ride Leaders and Committee are here to help with suggestions and tips. Just ask the Ride Coordinator or one of our experienced Ride Leaders for assistance.
We have two distinct riding types: General Rides and Adventure Rides.
General Rides are predominantly tarmac, allowing for the occasional roadworks where gravel may be present, or short gravel joining roads.
Adventure Rides have a specific off-road focus and are suited to adventure bikes and off-road capable riders.
A ride does not have to be unique every time. We just like riding, having fun and being with friends.
This overview is designed to help you prepare, plan, and understand the responsibilities that come with leading a group ride.
When you wish to lead a ride and have your details ready, email:
ride.coordinator@morningtonwanderers.org
Include the ride details and the preferred date you would like to conduct the ride. Providing optional dates is also a good idea.
The Ride Coordinator will schedule the ride in our website events calendar. If the ride does not fit on the dates you have requested, you will be contacted to discuss alternative dates.
Please read this entire document.
“More Ride Leaders = More Rides = More Fun!”
Key Summary Points
- Group riding dynamics are very different from riding solo.
- Rider safety is paramount.
- Ride Leaders have a responsibility of awareness and care for the group.
- Make decisions at the front that give the whole group time and space to ride safely.
- We have two different ride categories: General and Adventure.
- Plan your ride — departure point, breaks, end destination, ride length.
- Be prepared for unforeseen circumstances such as breakdowns, emergencies, weather, or road hazards.
- Brief the group before departure.
- Remind the group that corner markers must not leave their post until the TEC flashes lights or clear instructions are given.
- Remind the group that the last rider in front of TEC should regularly keep sight of TEC.
- Choose regrouping and stopping points that can safely accommodate the full group.
- Plan lane changes, turns, and traffic re-entry early — there is no rush.
- All riders must complete the Ride Sheet before departure.
- Photograph and send a picture of the Ride Sheet to the Ride Coordinator before departure.
- TEC should carry the Ride Sheet during the ride.
Understanding Group Riding Dynamics
Riding in a group is very different from riding solo.
Even small changes in the number of riders can affect the feel and flow of a ride. For example, the dynamics of a four-rider group differ from a group of seven, and a fifteen-rider convoy behaves quite differently again.
A well-planned strategy allows for flexibility as group size changes.
To illustrate, at around 60 km/h in dry conditions, a group riding in a staggered formation on a straight road may occupy approximately:
- 4 riders: about 80+ metres
- 7 riders: about 130+ metres
- 15 riders: about 300+ metres
These are illustrative estimates only and based on tarmac. Actual spacing should always be adjusted for rider experience, road type, speed, visibility, traffic, and weather.
It is not unusual for a group of 15 riders to spread over 1km of road.
These figures are estimated for dry conditions. In wet or unfavourable weather, the space between bikes should increase accordingly.
Awareness and Care for the Group
Being a Ride Leader is not just about knowing the route or enjoying the ride at the front. It also carries an important responsibility: being aware of, and caring for, the riders behind you.
When you lead a ride, the group is, in many ways, in your care.
That does not mean you are responsible for every rider’s individual skill level, decisions, motorcycle condition, or confidence. Each rider remains responsible for riding within their own ability.
However, as Ride Leader, your decisions at the front can have a direct effect on what happens throughout the group.
A good Ride Leader keeps the whole group in mind.
This means being aware of what is happening behind you as much as possible, using your mirrors regularly, understanding the general ability and pace of the group, and making choices that give everyone time and space to ride safely.
When pulling over for a regroup, comfort stop, or route check, choose a location that can safely accommodate the whole group — not just your own motorcycle.
A small shoulder or narrow roadside area may be fine for one or two bikes, but it may not be suitable for a larger group. Always think about where the rest of the riders will go when they arrive.
The same applies when rejoining traffic. Do not pull out simply because there is a gap large enough for you. Wait for a gap that gives the group a reasonable opportunity to rejoin safely.
If the Ride Leader pulls out too quickly, it can place pressure on following riders to make poor decisions in order to keep up.
There is no rush. Wait for the right moment.
On multi-lane roads, avoid unnecessary lane changes. Constantly moving between lanes may seem simple from the front, but it can create confusion and unnecessary risk further back in the group.
Plan ahead, move into the correct lane early, and give the riders behind you plenty of time to follow safely.
This is especially important when approaching turns, exits, roundabouts, or intersections. Be in the correct lane well in advance. Last-second lane changes can ripple through the group and may cause riders behind you to make rushed or unsafe decisions.
The same thinking applies when overtaking or passing slower vehicles. If you pass a vehicle just because you can, but the following road offers little or no safe opportunity for the rest of the group to pass, you may split the ride unnecessarily.
Sometimes the better leadership decision is to stay with the group and wait for a safer opportunity.
At times, being a good Ride Leader means sacrificing a little of your own ride exhilaration for the enjoyment and safety of the group. You can still have fun, but remember that what you do at the front is often followed by those behind you.
A safe and enjoyable group ride is not created by rushing.
It is created by awareness, patience, and care.
Do all riders ride at the same pace and skill level?
No, and that’s perfectly normal.
Often there is an assortment of bikes on a ride, each with inherently different handling characteristics. A sports bike handles very differently to a cruiser.
Some riders may be more experienced or confident. Others may have more or less powerful bikes, or they might be adjusting to a new machine. These variables are just part of every ride.
The Ride Leader is not responsible for the capability of each rider.
Each rider will have chosen to come on the ride based on the description provided in the ride promotion and calendar listing.
The Ride Leader’s responsibility is to describe the ride clearly, lead with awareness, and make decisions that support the safety and enjoyment of the group.
Planning the Ride
Good preparation makes for great rides.
When planning, consider the following key factors:
🤔 Decide what type of ride it is
Is the ride a General Ride – tarmac, or is it an Adventure Ride – off-road focus?
📍 Start and finish points
Choose logical, accessible meeting locations, preferably using Branch recommended departure points.
⏰ Duration
Specify total time, including breaks.
🍔 Breaks
Plan stops for rest, refreshments, lunch, toilet breaks and enjoyment.
⛽️ Fuel stops
Base fuel planning on the smallest tank capacity in the group.
🚩 TEC — Tail End Charlie
Confirm who will fill this role before departure.
👥 Regrouping stops
Often it’s not possible to pre-plan every regrouping point. Be mindful during the ride and regroup where you believe it is appropriate.
The spot you choose should be safe and able to accommodate the number of bikes on the ride.
Remember, a ride doesn’t have to be long.
For new Ride Leaders, shorter group rides of 1–2 hours in the saddle are ideal.
The quality and enjoyment of the experience matter more than the distance.
Start and Finish
Every Mornington Wanderers ride must have a clear start point where all riders assemble before departure.
Include the following in your ride promotion:
- Date of the ride.
- Departure time / stands up time.
- Departure location.
- Estimated round trip distance in kilometres.
- Planned breaks where appropriate, such as coffee, lunch, fuel, or rest stops.
- Estimated finish time.
- Finish location or separation point.
Riders must be fuelled and ready to go by the stated departure time.
Type of Ride — General or Adventure?
Clearly identify whether the ride is a General Ride or an Adventure Ride.
A General Ride is predominantly tarmac, allowing for the occasional roadworks where gravel may be present, or short gravel joining roads.
An Adventure Ride has a specific off-road focus and is suited to adventure bikes and off-road capable riders.
Your ride description should help riders decide whether the ride is appropriate for them, their bike, and their experience level.
Duration
Specify the total estimated ride time, for example:
“Approximately 4 hours including breaks.”
Where useful, you may also include:
- Expected saddle time.
- Approximate kilometres.
- Type of roads.
- Whether there are lots of twisties, freeway sections, gravel sections, or slower technical areas.
The clearer the description, the easier it is for riders to decide whether the ride suits them.
Communication
Clear communication keeps a ride flowing smoothly and safely.
Before departure, conduct a short ride briefing covering:
- The route.
- Expected conditions.
- Regroup points if known.
- Planned stops.
- Any roadworks, gravel, hazards, or poor road surfaces.
- Corner marking.
- The role of TEC.
- What to do if someone needs to stop.
If regroup points are not known in advance, simply explain that you may regroup occasionally where you feel it is required.
Check whether riders know the basic hand signals we use. Refer riders to the relevant documents on the website where appropriate.
Staggered formation should be used where possible and safe to do so.
Explain what to do if someone needs to stop: the TEC will stop with the rider, and the group will continue until the Ride Leader finds a safe place to stop or regroup.
If there are qualified First Aiders on the ride, identify them before departure.
During the ride:
- Use hand signals and indicators to mark hazards, turns, or regrouping points.
- Maintain a steady pace and avoid abrupt speed changes.
- Use mirrors regularly.
- If helmet comms are used, keep chatter minimal and reserve communication for navigation or safety messages.
Unforeseen Emergency Situations
Even with the best planning, unexpected events can occur.
Stay calm, act methodically, and prioritise safety.
If a rider goes down
- The TEC stops with the downed rider.
- First aid should only be provided by those qualified to do so.
- Protect the area by warning oncoming traffic if required.
- If necessary, call 000 and provide precise details, including location, number of injured, and nearby landmarks.
If a rider breaks down
- TEC remains with the affected rider.
- The Ride Leader should find a safe place to stop the rest of the group.
- Decide whether to wait, send help, or continue.
- Communicate the decision clearly.
Weather or route hazards
If conditions deteriorate, such as rain, debris, roadworks, or poor visibility, slow the pace or adjust the route.
Safety always takes priority over sticking to the original plan.
Be prepared to adapt the ride according to conditions, even if this means shortening or cancelling the ride.
Safety is the major consideration in these situations. We all want to get home safely.
Interaction with Tail End Charlie — TEC
The TEC is your co-leader and key ally throughout the ride.
If it is your first Ride Lead, ask for an experienced TEC.
Confirm communication channels before departure.
The TEC ensures no rider is left behind and signals any issues to the Ride Leader where possible.
During regroup points, TEC can check on riders at the back and share feedback with the Ride Leader.
When the Ride Leader pulls the group over before continuing, the TEC should ride up to the Ride Leader and advise whether all is okay.
The TEC may then pull in front of the Ride Leader before safely rejoining the rear of the convoy.
A brief post-ride debrief between Leader and TEC helps improve future rides.
Managing Pace and Group Dynamics
A ride’s rhythm and safety hinge on the pace set by the Ride Leader.
While it’s important to ride within your comfort zone, it’s equally crucial to maintain a steady flow that suits the conditions, the group, and the road environment.
Riding too slowly can cause the group to concertina or bunch up.
Riding too fast has the opposite effect — it stretches the group, creating large gaps that may make riders feel rushed or pressured to keep up.
Both extremes compromise safety and group cohesion.
A good Ride Leader sets a consistent, predictable pace that sits comfortably within legal limits and allows everyone time to react and ride within their own abilities.
Remember, not everyone corners or accelerates with the same confidence. Smooth riding helps everyone behind you relax and enjoy the road.
You can think of the group ride like a slinky.
It stretches and contracts, but it also snakes and moves through corners, intersections, traffic, and changing road conditions.
What happens at the front affects what happens all the way through the group.
The smoother and more predictable the Ride Leader is, the easier and safer it is for the riders behind to follow.
This natural “slinky” effect is normal and doesn’t necessarily mean you need to slow down immediately. The group will often reform naturally as traffic clears or the road opens.
The key is to maintain a rhythm that avoids extremes.
Don’t chase a rigid formation. Instead, trust that well-spaced riders, consistent pacing, careful planning, and regular regrouping stops will keep the group connected without forcing anyone to ride outside their comfort zone.
Remember, each rider has their own riding style — braking, accelerating, cornering, spacing, and confidence levels all vary. That is part of the reality, and the fun, of group riding.
The corner marking process allows riders to comfortably ride at their own pace while ensuring we all end up at the destination.
A corner marker should not leave the marking spot until either the TEC waves them on by flashing headlights, or communication is received via the Ride Leader that an incident has occurred and they should continue to the meeting spot for the main group.
Familiarise yourself with the corner marking tips on our website: The Art of Corner Marking.
Keep these tips in mind:
- Your ride has been clearly defined as General or Adventure.
- You have posted appropriate information so participants can choose whether the ride is suitable for them.
- Pace should be steady and legal — not the fastest or slowest rider’s speed, but a comfortable middle ground.
- Avoid quick acceleration after towns; the group will naturally close the gap.
- Be in the correct lane well before upcoming turns, exits, or intersections.
- Avoid unnecessary lane changes on multi-lane roads.
- Do not overtake simply because you can if the group behind has no safe way to follow.
- Use periodic regroup points to bring riders back together and check in with your TEC.
- Choose regrouping points that can safely accommodate the full group.
- Communicate regularly with your TEC during regrouping stops. They are your best gauge of how the group is travelling behind you.
- Leading a group is not about maintaining perfect formation. It is about creating flow while allowing the group to move safely and naturally.
- When the pace, spacing, planning, and communication all work in harmony, the ride feels effortless, and every rider finishes with a smile.
Ride Leader Tasks
Before departure:
- Ensure all participating riders have completed the Mornington Wanderers Ride Sheet.
- Use your smartphone to take a photo of the Ride Sheet.
- Email the photo of the Ride Sheet to the Ride Coordinator.
- Check that Tail End Charlie has the actual Ride Sheet.
Ride Coordinator:
ride.coordinator@morningtonwanderers.org
The Ride Coordinator will then forward the details to our ride statistician.
The Ride Leader is not responsible for the condition of participating riders’ motorcycles.
It is the responsibility of each participant to ensure that they hold a current motorcycle licence and that their motorcycle is in roadworthy condition.
If the Ride Leader believes a motorcycle is not roadworthy or poses a danger to other participants on the ride, the Ride Leader may refuse that rider’s participation in the ride.
Group Briefing Before Departure
It’s a good idea to choose your Tail End Charlie before the day of the ride if possible.
This may allow you to do a pre-ride together, or at least go through the route you plan to take, so you both know what to expect on the day.
You might also work out how you’ll communicate at stops, including signals to show when everyone is ready to go, or if there is a problem such as a breakdown.
Before departure:
- Introduce yourself as the Ride Leader and point out your bike.
- Confirm the ride destination.
- Confirm the approximate total distance.
- Explain the route you plan to take.
- Explain roughly how long the ride should take.
- Mention where stops will be for fuel, lunch, morning tea, afternoon tea, or rest breaks.
- Mention anything else that may be of interest or concern, such as dirt or gravel roads, roadworks, poor road surfaces, potholes, or known hazards.
- Introduce Tail End Charlie and point out their bike and vest.
- Explain why we have Tail End Charlie and how it works.
- Explain that someone near the back of the ride should keep an eye out for Tail End Charlie.
- Inform riders of any known roadworks, deviations, dirt, gravel, or hazards.
- Explain corner marking and how it works.
- Strongly remind riders that the corner marker must not leave the corner until Tail End Charlie arrives and signals them on, or until the Ride Leader provides other instructions.
- Ensure everyone has filled in the Ride Sheet.
- Ensure everyone is fuelled up and ready to go.
- Confirm that Tail End Charlie holds the Ride Sheet.
- Take a photo of the Ride Sheet if possible, in case Tail End Charlie becomes separated.
- Remind everyone to ride within their own ability and at their own pace.
- Remind riders they do not need to keep up or catch up if they fall behind.
- Reinforce that rider safety is most important, and Tail End Charlie is there for the group.
- Ask if there are any questions.
Final Notes
Being a Ride Leader is about more than navigation.
It is about leadership, awareness, patience, communication, teamwork, and care for the group.
The goal is always the same: a safe, enjoyable, and well-paced experience for all riders.
With preparation and communication, every Ride Leader can help ensure the Mornington Wanderers’ reputation for safe and well-organised rides continues.
A downloadable and printer-friendly version of this document is available in the members area under Handy Links.
ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE
AND MAKE MEMORIES WITH FRIENDS!