IBA Party Ride-In
March 3-7, 2008

MTF's Long Distance Ride Philosophy

Group riding typically refers to large groups of bikes riding together in a pack. MTF Long Distance rides are not "group rides." Rather, each ride is a "mass ride." Mass ride is a term coined and used in the long distance community and refers to a ride where all riders start from the same location, begin at roughly the same time, follow the same route and end the ride at the same destination.

For various reasons the MTF does not encourage groups of more than three riders while particpating in an MTF Long Distance event. The major reasons deal with safety, but in the end, each rider makes his/her own decision to ride with others or not. If you're riding with others, here are some things to consider:

• Set expectations up front. Discuss fuel ranges, stop times, food stops, speeds, etc. Will your fuel stops be "splash and dash" or "fill and chill"?
• What happens when someone breaks down? While being on the side of the road sucks, remember the people with you and what it must feel like for them. If your safety is not in jeapordy, will the other riders carry on?
• If riding with others isn't working out, don't be afraid to wave them off and carry on at your desired pace rather than allow yourself to get frustrated. In the end, each rider is responsible for their own ride. In the words of an LD rider, "Everyone gets tired at different times, or gets hungry or even has to pee at different times. It's YOUR ride and it really isn't much fun when you are sitting on the side of the road waiting for your riding partner who is taking a quick nap."