As all of us experienced folks know, riding in a group is totally different than riding alone. There's much more to consider, rules that apply and buddies to look out for.
So I thought it would be a good idea to start a new topic.
I'll start by taking Geoff's post from another topic....
Group riding is dead simple.
Try to keep to relatively small groups; two to six is an ideal number. If you are part of a larger group, make it clear that people shouldn't be uncomfortable with breaking into smaller groups. I have ridden on tours with large numbers of bikes, thirty plus and we have always broken up into small groups of similar riding speeds.
Try to ride at the pace of the slowest rider. If you're not familiar with other riders, check that they're genuinely happy with the pace a couple of times during the day.
If you are quicker than others, then feel free to zip off ahead and then wait at an opportune moment.
Similarly, if you are slower than the others, never, never feel compelled to try and keep up, this is how big accidents happen, I know, I have seen it. And frankly, if you are riding with a group that is insistent on leaving you behind everywhere, sod 'em and start looking for a different group.
I for one am generally happy travelling at anything from a little under the speed limits on open roads to 30/40 mph above them and many others are the same. In towns, everyone should be around the speed limits.
Post by TeeCee...
..and if it is safe to do so, alternately stagger your road position (i.e. one to the lefthand side of the lane, the next to the right etc.) so that those behind you can see a little further down the road and brake lights etc....
Hi all
I have taken and ridden many group rideouts and always found
the 'Tag system' works really well for all riders:
The second rider stops at the junction's/rounder bouts ect
then waits for the rear marker rider, then re joins the group
in frount of the rear marker rider.
That way all riders take there turn.
Yes guys i do agree it works well for large groups,
I also like smaller rideouts.
But i run a UK club and Euopean club for trips and have up
to 25 bikes on a tour, hey and not aways easy.
Hey TeeCee i have a tour to Scotland (Inverness) planed
in 27 June- 4 July 09 may be able to meet up.
Cheers VR! Not sure if I will still be living in Scotland then... there is a possibility I will be taking a job in England and living on a boat on the Thames while I renovate it... however this will just mean that I could ride up with you so please keep me informed!
I just like 3 max as it is an easy number to get out of junctions / through lights together plus if one bike gets in trouble, one can stay with them while the third gets help...
Saying that, I still prefer riding solo....
Living on a boat??? Where you gonna keep your bike TC?
I have in the past considered living on a boat but it was just the lack of a locked garage that put me off.
I've always found Formation Riding works best in small groups or with slower bikes. Cruisers are ideal, both for the Cruising mentality and because you look best on them.
The Second Man Marker is one way.
What we do, which works fine for 2-40 bikes is as follows;
Man Who Knows Where He's Going rides front and centre.
Bike 2 rides offside of the lane.
Bike 3 rides nearside.
The rest follow that stagger.
Vulnerable riders, like 125s and slower bikes (those with pillions etc) ride up front in the nearside positions, so 3, 5, 7 etc. This way, the more experienced/capable bikes can protect them from traffic etc.
Tail End Charlie is always a fast bike with a capable rider - the rearmost bikes are always playing Catch-Up, so they ride faster.
Each bike maintains their position throughout the ride. If someone ahead of you drops out, then you move forward one space. You do not change sides.
The 2-second gap is kept from the bike directly in front, not the one immediately off your front corner. As a rule, though, watch the mirror of the bike off your front corner and keep the rider's face visible in it, so they can see you.
The stagger is meant to reduce road space taken up when in town. On Country lanes and so on, you may space out a bit to get full use of the lane width.
Above all, common sense is the order of the day and everyone must know what everyone is doing.
Everyone maintains their position throughout the ride??? I am sure it works for some, but that would drive me mad mate lol!
I am a move all over the road according to how far I can see kind of guy. I have never even felt it necessary to stick to my side of the road!!!
I've paid me road tax, so if I want to use the right hand side to get a better view, then I will!
Oh, you can use the whole road when approriate.
However, you maintain the set stagger in town (to take up less space) and on things like Motorways, to stop other vehicles from cutting in.
Remember too that this is designed to cater for a variable-sized group of very mixed riders, from 125s on L-Plates* to the absolute best. The whole thing is about keeping within the speed limit and staying together, usually over long distances. Groups who just want to go blasting work better with the Marker system.
front guys gotta think where to pull in park etc small layby wiv 40 bikes sqeezin in behind yu could be chaotic say the least!!
Oddly enough, we don't regard it as a 'proper' club Rideout, unless we have to do at least one U-Turn!!! And this is despite ol' Mick at the front using SatNav :D
Stops etc are usually planned, but it still works well enough if we just follow Mick and trust in his planning. He's been doing this since my Dad was a nipper, so he always sees us through in the end!!
*Yes, I know - Clearly L-Platers won't be with us on a motorway, but it applies just as much on dual carriageway A-Roads!!
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