This is a great group, with a great bunch of people, regardless of where we go together, we have fun, because, we are not a riding club. We are a group of friends who all happen to love riding.

To be a part of the Cruisers, we ask that you take 3 rides with us as part of the group. This will give you a chance to learn about riding with us and give us an idea of how you ride with a group. Riding with a group is a skill that needs practice. And, as with any skill, it is important that we have some group riding practice.

The skill of Group riding must be learned and practiced. Some things that are critical to group riding seem contrary to your natural instincts. If you are used to riding by yourself, group riding skills are unique and you must be constantly aware of them. Group riding is very different from solo riding. When riding with a group you are not just riding for yourself, you have to ride and anticipate for the guy ahead of you and beside you as well.

And if you are new to riding with our group, regardless of how long you have been riding, there may be things that we do differently than you are used to. I'm not saying that we do it right and you do it wrong... that's not the point.

The point is that as a group, we have to ride together. You have to know what the people in front of you (and beside you) are going to do. The safety of everyone depends on this. This means that you have to learn our riding... style (for lack of a better word.)

Over the next month or so, as you ride with us, some of our members or officers may point out riding behaviors that you need to work on. Again, this is simply a safety issue. Many of us have been riding together for several years now and have, over time, learned what works for the group and what doesn't.

And frankly, it doesn't matter if you've been riding for twenty years and the person who is talking to you has only been riding for five. Our concern is the safety of the group. Period.

If a senior member of the group approaches you with a comment about something you have been doing - or not doing - then just stop and listen. Accept the comments in the spirit that they are intended; making the group safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

So... here's the upshot of this message:

We are asking the core members of the group - those who have been on most of our rides - and the officers to keep an eye on the 'new guys'. If you see a behavior that is out of line, be sure to say something to the rider or - if you don't feel comfortable doing that - mention it to an officer so we can address the problem.

Also, we're am asking you 'new guys' to just listen to those riding around you and think about what is being said. Check your egos and be quiet for a few minutes and just listen. If an officer approaches you, and talks to you about something that happened during a ride, you can bet that it's because he (and several others) saw you do something that jeopardized the safety of the group.

You probably weren't even aware of it.

And that's my point. For you, as you become a new member, this journey is a learning experience. Remember that...Learn your lessons from those around you.

Your future rides will be better and more enjoyable for everyone if you do.

Thanks.