You’ve clocked the miles, earned your stripes, and someone’s finally handed you the clipboard and said, 
“Right then, you’re in charge.”


Whether you’re heading across the Alps, into the Pyrenees, or just corralling a few folks around the Lakes, leading your first motorcycle trip is a big moment—and a totally different beast to riding solo or with your mates.

I’m based in County Durham, been riding and leading for a good while now—started taking mates out in 2012 and went professional with it in 2018. And even with all that experience, I can still remember the nerves of that first“official” group ride. Different sort of pressure when people are trusting you with their time, money and safety.

So if you’re just stepping into the guiding role, here are five things I wish someone had told me when I first started.

1. Lead the Ride—Don’t Race It

This one’s easy to forget, especially if you’re used to riding with experienced mates who’ll happily pin it on gravel or lane-split through city centre traffic.

But when you’re guiding a group, you set the tone. And the tone should never be, “Try and keep up with me, lads.”

Your job isn’t to impress anyone—it’s to get everyone through the day safe, smiling, and ideally not limping.
So ride smooth, keep the pace comfy (especially for the least confident rider), and make sure no one feels like they’re the weak link holding everyone back. Because if one person struggles, the group struggles.

2. Do a Quick Daily Brief—Yes, Every Day

You don’t need a PowerPoint presentation or a laser pointer. Just take five minutes each morning before the engines start and run through the plan for the day:

It keeps people relaxed, helps prevent daft mistakes, and shows you’ve got a grip on things—even if you’re quietly panicking because your satnav has just reset itself in French.

3. Stay Calm, Even When It All Goes Pear-Shaped

Things will go wrong. It’s not a matter of “if”, it’s “when.”
Maybe someone drops the bike, maybe you take a wrong turn and end up in the world’s angriest vineyard, or maybe you’re stuck on a mountain pass behind a Swiss cheese truck for two hours.

Whatever it is—you staying calm is what matters most.
If you panic, everyone else will. If you shrug, smile and go, “Right, plan B,” the group will follow your lead. That’s leadership. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about cracking on when it isn’t.

4. Build the Group, Not Just the Ride

Here’s one that still surprises me: the best moments on a trip aren’t always on the bike.

Sure, the twisties are great, and that gravel climb you all conquered before lunch was a buzz—but what people really talk about later are the laughs over dinner, the weird little roadside café with the world’s worst coffee, and that shared sense of “we did this together.”

Encourage people to mingle. Suggest a pub. Be the glue when needed—but don’t force it either. You’re not their social worker. Just set a tone where people feel welcome, and the group dynamic usually takes care of itself.

5. Lead With Empathy (Not Ego)

You’re in charge, yeah—but that doesn’t mean you’ve got to be the loudest, fastest or most technically gifted person there.
It just means you’ve taken on the responsibility to look after the group.

That rider who’s nervous on off-road? You were them once.
That person who keeps checking their mirror and riding tense? You’ve done that too.
So don’t lecture—encourage. Don’t show off—guide. Lead with empathy, and you’ll earn their respect a lot faster than if you try and show them how brilliant you are.

To Summarise: It’s Not About You

At the end of the day, guiding isn’t about you. It’s about creating a safe, memorable, enjoyable experience for the people who’ve trusted you to lead the way.

And the truth is, it’s a brilliant job—if you get it right. You’ll see places in a whole new light, meet people you’d never have crossed paths with, and come home knackered but buzzing.

If you’re just starting out—or even if you’ve done a few trips but want to step it up—check out the Overland Guide Association. There’s a growing community of like-minded riders, sharing ideas, stories, and support so we can all keep raising the bar.

See you on the trail. Bring snacks (bonus points if it’s squashies).

Kelvyn