RIDE CAPTAINS AND TAIL-GUNNERS · BY MARK TURKEL
The complete guide for motorcycle group riding.
A simple, practical system every rider can follow on every ride.
For ride captains. Tail-gunners. Every rider in between.
It is important that everyone participating in a group ride understand the group riding safety rules, and knowing “why” we do the things we do make for a smoother ride in which everyone can be safe and enjoy the day.
BETTER RIDES START WITH UNDERSTANDING
Enjoy safer, smoother, more organized group rides.
Learn how every rider contributes to keeping the group moving together with confidence.
Motorcycles are fun, and even more fun with friends. Motorcycle group riding — riding with friends in a group is pretty awesome, but it’s also where things can quickly go wrong if no one really understands how a group is supposed to function.
Riders get separated. Intersections turn into confusion. Speeds become inconsistent. Some riders push too hard, others fall behind, and suddenly what was meant to be a fun ride becomes stressful, disorganized, and at times, unsafe.
There are a lot of “unwritten” rules when it comes to motorcycle group riding, and most riders are never actually taught them.
Group riding is a topic not widely discussed in most motorcycle books. Even state licensing manuals only touch on it briefly, leaving riders to figure things out on their own, often through trial and error.
This book fills in the missing information riders should know in order to ride safely in a group and actually enjoy the experience without the confusion and tension that often comes with it.
Ride Captains and Tail-Gunners covers the “how and why” behind how a group ride should be structured, and what each role is responsible for to keep the group moving smoothly and safely.
Written by Mark Turkel, an avid motorcyclist, former safety officer, and current ride captain in a club with over 400 riders, Mark brings a practical, real-world perspective shaped by actual group riding experience.
Why most group rides break down
- Riders getting dropped
- Confusion at intersections
- No clear leadership
- Unsafe overtakes
- Group gets stretched or split
Why structured rides work
- Clear leadership from start to finish
- Riders stay together as one group
- Smooth, predictable movement on the road
- Safer overtaking and spacing
- Everyone knows their role
- Confident, controlled ride flow
Who this is for
- Riders planning to join their first group ride
- New members of motorcycle clubs
- Experienced riders who want smoother, more organized rides
- Ride Captains leading group rides
- Tail Gunners supporting and managing the group
- Club members who want to ride safer and with more confidence
- Anyone who rides in a group and wants to understand how it actually works
MEET THE AUTHOR
Real rides.
Real experience.
Welcome to Motorcycle Group Riding!
Riding in a group has always been a “special” kind of ride. No matter where you are in the group, leading, tailing, or somewhere in the middle, the sights, sounds, smells, and the feeling you get riding in a group is amazing! Riding with good friends brings motorcycling to a new level.
KEEP YOUR RIDING LIFE ORGANIZED
Monitor Your Rides
Rider Miles is built for every motorcycle rider — find clubs near you, join group rides, track your miles, manage your garage, and keep your riding life organized.
I hope everyone in your group reads this book. You won't believe how great your group can be on the road once everyone understands "why".
Mark Turkel
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this only for Ride Captains or leaders?
No. This is for every rider in the group. Whether you lead, support, or ride as a member, understanding your role improves the entire ride.
I’m new to group riding. Will this help me?
Yes. It’s designed to give you a clear understanding of how group rides work, so you can join with confidence and know exactly what’s expected.
I already ride in a group. Do I still need this?
If your rides can be smoother, safer, or more organized, this will help. Even experienced riders benefit from clearer structure and roles.
Does this apply to small and large groups?
Yes. The same principles work whether you’re riding with a few people or a full club.
What makes this different from general riding advice?
This isn’t scattered tips. It’s a complete system that shows how every rider fits into the group and how the ride works as a whole.
Will this make group rides safer?
Yes. When riders understand their role and how the group moves, it reduces confusion and helps everyone ride more safely.
Is it complicated to follow?
No. The system is simple, practical, and easy to apply on real rides.
What will I actually learn?
You’ll learn how group rides are structured, how each role works, and what every rider should do to keep the ride smooth and enjoyable.
When should I use this?
Before your next group ride. Once you understand the structure, you’ll start noticing the difference immediately.
Is this something I’ll keep using?
Yes. It’s something you apply on every ride, not just something you read once.
Awesome Reviews!!
https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2021/12/15/ride-captains-and-tail-gunners-book-review-riders-library/
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