Group Rides Guidelines

Group Rides

Group Rides are social events and are an ideal opportunity to practice your Advanced Riding skills. Whether you are an Associate still learning the System, or if you have already passed your Advanced Test, group rides offer the chance to hone your skills to perfection in preparation for the Fellowship test or any further training you may wish to undertake, eg IAM RoadSmart Solent Advanced Plus.

Group Rides are an opportunity to explore new roads, find great cafes, and ride with people who are of a similar riding standard. They also present a perfect opportunity for those new to Advanced Riding to pick up tips from other Associates and more experienced Members. It is perfectly permissible to ask any Observers on the ride if they would be willing to offer informal comment on your riding.

IAM RoadSmart Solent Group Rides are categorised by Ride Levels which provide an indication of the type of roads to be ridden, the length of the ride, its technicality and suitability of the ride for participants, eg Associates or full Members. Group Rides are conducted in accordance with the IAM RoadSmart Group Ride Policy.

Ride Levels

All Group Rides should, by definition, be ridden progressively. Riders should be looking to achieve the posted speed limit where conditions allow and it is safe to do so and each rider must ride within their own capabilities. Associates and Members who are not sure what ride level is suitable for them should contact the Group Ride Coordinator in the first instance. Some Observers may advise their Associate to only participate in Level 1 rides until their riding confidence and knowledge of the Advanced Riding Course is sufficient to allow them to benefit from a higher level.

Level 1 - A Social Ride

Suitability This level is primarily aimed at those riders who are new to Advanced Riding. This includes potential members who take advantage of the free ride assessment offered during SolentSunday, or new Associates who would like to practice their newfound skills. In addition, full Members are welcome to attend to practice and maintain their skills.

Roads Primarily A and B roads.

Unclassified Roads The use of roads that are less than two cars wide should be avoided unless their use adds significant value to the overall ride, e.g., a one-mile section of unclassified road may avoid a longer ten-mile detour. The use of a single-track road, particularly if it has gravel or grass down the centre line, must be avoided. These roads require a high degree of technical ability to ride safely and are not suitable for new Associates.

Distance and Duration A Level 1 ride will typically be ridden in sections of 35–40 miles, or 60–75 minutes, before stopping for a break. 

Overtaking In the event of an overtaking opportunity arising, participants will be expected to be able to recognise and plan for the overtake if their skill level permits.

Level 2 - A Social Ride with Purpose

Suitability This level is primarily aimed at qualified Members and those Associates who have a good understanding of Advanced Riding, have had several development sessions with their Observer and want to take the opportunity to practice their skills between observed rides. Associates must get the approval of their Observer before participating on a Level-2 ride. 

Roads A and B roads will be used, and unclassified roads, subject to the recommendations which follow.

Unclassified Roads A Level 2 ride may take advantage of narrower unclassified roads where there is still sufficient space available to allow a motorcycle and a car to pass safely. The use of single-trackroads, particularly featuring gravel or grass along the centre line, should be avoided unless their use adds significant value to the overall ride. Members and experienced Associates should be able to negotiate these roads although the progress may be restrained.

Distance and Duration A Level 2 ride will typically be ridden in sections of 40–50 miles, or 60–90 minutes, before stopping for a break.

Overtaking In the event of an overtaking opportunity arising participants will be expected to be able to recognise, and be actively looking for, the opportunity to execute an overtake. 

Level 3 - A progressive ride, for full Members only. 

Suitability This level describes a route that would best suit confident and experienced riders who have a high skill set and are able to make progress in all conditions on all types of roads and are able to ride for longer periods without stopping. 

Roads A and B and good quality C roads will be used, and routes may take advantage of single-track unclassified roads with passing places, subject to the recommendation which follows.

Unclassified Roads Where there is gravel or grass down the centre, these roads should be avoided as they detract from the riding experience. 

Distance and Duration A Level 3 ride will typically be ridden in sections of 90 - 120 minutes, before stopping for a break.

Overtaking On a Level 3 ride participants will be expected to make progress by executing overtaking opportunities as they arise. 

August 2023