Why Can't I keep up with my friends ? Wise words of support :-)

[simonm]

I wasnt 100% impressed with this " roadcraft" rider. He talks an awful lot, but I can find fault with much of his riding. Its yet another example of people believing the internet whatever...anyone can claim to be this or that ....I also dont agree with much of his opinions on bikes which I have owned.
As for group riding , keeping together can be  a major issue unless you adopt some form of riding rules...like say stick to speed limits, so everyone can easily keep together, or you develop a good riding relationship with like minded riders.I have heard so many tales of people crashing trying to catch up...thing is, once you put traffic and junctions on any group ride, inevitably you will get strung out. Best tactic is to have some sort of buddy system or regular stops. My ideal group is just 3 or 4 bikes, as any more than this u cant see last person in group easily.I usually lead on my foreign tours, over a week or so, and you have to have some form of system or back up.And thats following a set route ! To just ride out without any route or system, ultimately some will get lost.
Simon- fastest way to an early grave is to ride outside your comfort zone on todays roads m8...end of. It will take time to develop your ability , its  a process of  training and experience. You can help things along with various forms of  specific training , but like any sort of skill training , look on it like an apprenticeship.Its tempting to want to run before you can walk, but we are talking your safety  here.Kerbs and hedges dont take prisoners , let alone other solid objects ...
The IAM is a good starting point as they do all their training at legal speeds, after that  develop your own road speed to a point you feel comfortable.
I also feel track based training is invaluable as a tool to help you learn machine control and build up confidance in both you and your machines capability.Good track training is about handling the bike, cornering styles, how to brake ( yes !), rather than speed itself. Smoothness and accuracy is the key to faster speed.There is an  optimal line for any corner , this has to be learnt to ride faster.
On the road, you have to develop your observational skills to a very high degree to ride fast in safety...many times safety wont allow the fastest course on a given road.The guys in front may well have just chanced their luck, and the next bloke will cop the hazard!

Nobody is perfect, but being a novice I'm watching and learning and asking as many questions as I can.  I'm booked in for a bike safe course in April and I'm planning on doing an IAM course afterwards.  The only issue I have is that I don't want to waste a course being too inexperienced to make the most out of simple exercises.  I'm doing quite a bit of rising (I've done about 500 miles in the month since I've passed my test) but I alternate between happy, confident and scared witless and jumpy.  I'm sure as I get some experience and keep learning I'll become a better rider.


Thanks for your 2p tho.