This has more to do with your metal attitude than your riding skill, this is not a race but neither do we have unlimited time on our hands to soak up or snap or click, every small detail en route. The ride is so structured so as to allow you ample time to enjoy the beauty while at the same pace yourself according to your comfort. You are absolutely free to choose your own riding style, buddies and pace.

A steady rider will cover the given distances in half a day or 6 hours that translates to an average speed of 50 km/hr at the longest stretch and 18km/hr at the shortest. We do this for multiple reasons:

- To ensure that in case of a contingency we still have ample time and daylight to reach our destination.

- You have ample time to recover, explore the destination, relax, rest and prepare for the next days ride.

The only time we expect to ever ride in close formation (almost like a procession) is while entering and leaving a city so that no one gets lost. This shall be in a tight 2x2 formation. This serves to guide the group on an intended path in a grand and cohesive manner.

- The most important thing to keep in mind while riding in a group is communication both on and off the bike. Communication should be crisp and clear with least ambiguity.

- Before we start there will be a briefing as to how the group will proceed and the details of the stops and destinations etc. but given below are some of the points that will ensure a good ride.

- Keep safe/comfortable distance between the rider in front and you, do not come too close to the rider in front that will make him nervous.

- Try to stay with the leading pack.

- Do not overtake and come between riders who are riding together (maintaining constant distance between themselves)

- Be prepared to ride when the group starts don't waste time preparing (wearing helmet gloves) when the group is ready to ride.

- Whenever you stop give first priority to the reason for stopping whether it is taking photographs, ordering food Taking a leak, checking the bike etc don't just loiter around and then act busy when everyone else is ready. In short try to ensure that people do not have to wait for you.

- Overtake without causing discomfort to anyone.

- Indicate before overtaking

- Never overtake from the other side if someone is overtaking from one side.

- Never stop without warning

- Do not show fancy hand signals

- Make sure your brake light is working

- Check your bike constantly

- Don't be aggressive or over smart on the road, it could lead to dangerous things if not for you for someone else on the group.

- If there is a difficult stretch (like an steep climb, descent or a water crossing) wait till the person ahead of you has cleared it before embarking on it yourself

- Try to ensure that you can see more of the road i.e. get yourself slightly offset from the rider in front to get a better view

- Try not to stay in another person's blind spot

- Indicate before you overtake

- Do not park uncomfortably close to another bike

- Be aware of your headlight and blinkers do not ride with them in ON position.

- In case you notice something unusual or dangerous do bring it to the notice of the group leader.

- Do not overtake when the person is braking, he could be braking for a hazzard and you could rush right into it.

Signals (while on the bike)

Signals work only if accepted and know to all riders, in the absence of a common format at best we will not understand each other or get confused but at worst we could misunderstand with disastrous consequences.

As we shall be a group riding together for the first time with varied backgrounds, skill level and experience try to keep signalling while on the bike to a minimum. Do not place the onus of your riding or safety with other riders of the group and similarly do not take responsibility for the other rider. This does not mean we do not watch out for each other. Here are some of the signals that we shall follow:

I'm slowing down - Could be for a speed breaker or a ditch on the road or a dog or anything else
Brake light - ensure that your brake light is working and that should be signal enough. Do not attempt any fancy wave of the hand etc.

I'm having some trouble stop or stop - I want to warn you or bring something to your notice or I want to talk to you or can we stop and admire the view or can we stop for tea - if you are in trouble and you want the person ahead to stop and help you in any way pl turn on your headlight. Do not ride during the day with your headlight on.

I want to over take you - Make sure that the person ahead is aware that you are overtaking him do not spring up too close or suddenly on the other bike specially when the road is narrow and the terrain difficult.

Please overtake me - The best signal for such a move is the slow down and give ample space to the person who wishes to overtake you.

Lets stop here for some time - Pull over gradually with your brake light and left indicator turned on.

Differentiating between bike in trouble and rider stopping to admire or capture beauty on camera for 'bike in trouble' park the bike facing backwards, the direction opposite to the one you are proceeding in. always parallel park in such a way that you are visible from the road and out of harms way.

Signals/intentions to avoid on moving bike

- Asking someone to stop suddenly (this could lead to an accident)

- Showing or pointing out to things of interest or beauty to fellow riders (this could affect your or the other riders concentration) there will be ample time to discuss all this when you stop

- Signalling for speed breakers, ditches and other hazards on the road - your brake light will do the trick

- Trying to explain complex things with weird signals for example if you want to inform someone about his helmet strap which he forgot to put or luggage which is falling off etc its best to signal with your headlight if you are behind or slow down and pull over gradually with your brake light and left indicator turned on.