Speed control is one of the most important skills in a group ride. Maintaining proper spacing is all about throttle control. Here are a few tips I have learned through the years.
Don’t even try to use cruise control. It won’t work.
Micro adjustments. No need to twist on and off. Small, 1/16th adjustments are all you need. Often times just THINKING about a speed adjustment is enough. It does not have to be instant or even quick. Smooth and easy is the ticket.
I see it every year. We’re pulling out of a gas stop, rounding a corner and everyone feels the need for speed. They haul ass to catch up and then get on the brakes once they catch up. Again, smooth and easy is the ticket.
Part of throttle control is slowing down. Don’t use the brake if at all possible. Brake lights affect bikes several bikes behind you. And can increase the yo-yo effect. Instead down shift. Practice it. A trick I learned is IMMEDIATELY shift back up BEFORE rolling the throttle back on. This way you don’t zoom back up. NOTE: If your bike has the ability to flash the brake light when engine braking, please try to disable it when riding in the pack.
Often times just THINKING about a speed adjustment is enough.
If your uncomfortable maintaining spacing, talk to a tail gunner or a Road Guard and ask for help. Often times a few miles next to someone smooth can even things out.
Did I mention Often times just THINKING about a speed adjustment is enough.
Some great points. Just food for thought as a different point of view as I’ve been to several courses and have taught as well - never heard anything in agreement with your point #4 on brake lights being the causation of yo-yo effect, to the point where the rider should attempt to NOT use brakes. In fact, some courses remind riders to give brakes a tap when engine braking, in case there IS someone following behind them as a way to alert of their intentions to slow down. The industry has gone to great lengths to create devices that will flash (as you mentioned) during engine braking, for the purpose of safety. Brake lights are for safety, to draw your eyes attention toward a potential hazard.
Yo-yo effect is best controlled by a slow and steady pace at the front. Corners creates opportunities for some to roll harder on the throttle - I’d say smooth and easy as you’ve stated.
My tip/suggestion for the pack is to not focus everything on the bike in front of you. Obviously you will, but pay attention to the bikes 5-6 ahead of you. When their lights come on, you’re probably gonna need to use yours. When they begin to speed up, guess what you’re gonna be doing…this anticipation ties in with your point 7 which helps with point 8 - enjoy the ride!!
Your points are valid in most small-pack rides. This is not a HOG chapter ride or a Patriot Guard mission. When you get platoons that have 50+ bikes, the further back you are, the more pronounced the yo-yo effect.
When you are looking several bikes ahead and see brake lights, you immediately want to hit your brakes. The guys behind you do the same and by the time it works to the back of the platoon, the guys up front are already twisting the throttle to catch back up,
There have been Runs in the past where the pack was over 10 miles long. The lead element and platoon leaders make very gradual changes in speed. The further back you are, the worse it gets. I believe the majority of times you see brake lights ahead is because that rider was not practicing slow and easy speed adjustments. Of course, there will be times when you have to use your brakes. You are responsible for your safety and the safety of those around you.
The first few days of the Run are typically hard because riders are not used to riding in such large groups. After a few hundred miles, riders start to settle in and develop a rhythm. You develop a feel for those micro adjustments of speed. The platoons start to tighten up.
Riding in RFTW is not like any other ride. Take it easy. Micro adjustments. We are not in a race. Slight adjustment of the throttle when you want to close the gap. Getting a little close?Micro adjustments on the throttle to slow down.
As I stated before, if you are having trouble, talk to a tail gunner or a Road Guard. I’m sure they can help smooth you out.
@Pawkee great info, To all reading this, if you are in too high of a gear you will not have the throttle control being mentioned here… When riding in the pack i never get to 6th gear most often 4th gear is enough occasionally 5th… But every bike is different to you want to find that sweet spot for your bike where you can make those adjustments in your power band… My FNG year i didn’t learn this until day 6… I wish i knew it earlier
