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As
a long-time motorcyclist, I have gone on many solo rides and
have also participated in a great number of group rides
ranging from two to 120 riders. While the occasional solo
ride is a welcome interlude, I really prefer the company of
other riders who share the enthusiasm of riding and the
sharing of good stories over a good meal.
Each of us
who have participated in a group ride has observed a number of
different riding styles, techniques and skill levels. Some
riders who have not been on a group ride probably have a good
idea of how to ride in the group, but might like a few
pointers on what to expect and what may be expected of them.
The following guidelines are a compilation of ideas from
personal experiences, insights from experienced riders, and
clarifications from books and articles. While these
guidelines are not exhaustive (and may be somewhat
controversial depending on the reader), it is my hope that
you, the reader, will benefit from them in some manner. For
more extensive reading and additional explanations of skills
and techniques related to group riding, there are many other
publications you might enjoy, two of which are shared below:
Proficient
Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well by David L.
Hough (Bowtie Press), and
Guidelines
for Group Riding for Street Bikes by
James R.
Davis
(The Master Strategy Group), available online at
www.msgroup.org.
So, with
the best interests of enthusiastic riders at heart, here is a
list of ten suggestions to help you understand what you will
experience when participating in a group ride in your near
future.
1. The
Ride Team
Your Ride Leader, Ride Crew and Tailgunner (or Sweeper) are
all part of a team that has helped put your chosen ride
together. Care has been taken to scout the routes and look
for good points and bad places. On some rides, there may be a
Chase Crew to accompany your group. Generally, the
responsibilities for the Ride Team and Chase Crew are
described as follows:
The Ride Leader starts and stops the
group, sets and changes the riding pace, sets and changes the
riding formations, navigates the ride route, keeps the riding
schedule, selects the fuel and picture stops, and usually
initiates the hand signals for changes and road hazards
The Ride Crew keeps the group together,
keeps trailing riders on the right route, passes hand signals
to the group, assists riders who need to stop for some reason,
and communicates with the other Ride Team members regarding
any problems that are encountered. Members of the Ride Crew
may also help secure a new lane when a lane change is needed.
The Tailgunner is the last rider in the
group and has the same responsibilities as the Ride Crew
members, except he or she will stay with a stopped rider when
needed. The Tailgunner will appoint an alternate if necessary
to follow the group, and will communicate any problems to the
Ride Leader and Crew.
If we are fortunate enough to have a Chase
Vehicle (and crew), it may carry such items as water,
tools, tire repair kits, first aid kits, and a trailer for a
bike that can’t continue. There may be a skilled Emergency
Medical Technician and/or First Aid person with the Chase or
Ride Crew. (Since the Chase Crew consists of good-hearted
volunteers, we usually chip in to buy their lunch!)
2.
Hand Signals
Hand signals are a quick and effective means of
relaying simple information through the group when no radios
are being used. They are especially handy (pun intended) for
relaying information regarding road conditions and upcoming
changes to the group. Here are ten of our favorites:
1.
Ready:
Left arm up, thumb up
2.
Go or
Increase Speed: Left arm up, tomahawk motion with hand
3.
Slow
Down: Left arm out, waving up & down (pat the dog’s head)
4.
Stop:
Left arm up, hand up, fist clenched
5.
Back
Off: Left arm down, hand down, palm facing back
6.
Road Hazard: Left arm down, hand closed, index
finger pointing down towards road, OR left or right foot
pointing towards hazard
7. Need Gas
or Personal Stop: Left hand pointing at gas tank, left arm
waving emphatically
8.
Single File Formation: Left arm up, index
pointing to sky (we’re #1)
9.
Staggered
Formation: Left arm up, index and middle fingers pointing to
sky (victory)
10.
U-Turn:
Left arm up, index finger pressed to thumb, hand rotating counter clockwise (lasso)
3.
Track Riding
Imagine the lane you are riding in is
divided into five sections: the left track, the right track
and three neutral zones (left, center and right). The tracks
are the depressions in the pavement which are caused by
heavier 4 wheel and 18 wheel vehicles. The neutral zones are
the areas in between the tracks, the center line and the road
edge. The neutral zones generally contain most of the road
debris like gravel, oil, and automobile parts, while the
tracks are usually better to ride in, but may contain
bottomless pits called potholes. While riding in the group,
each rider is encouraged to ride in the left or right track,
staying a safe distance from the riders in front, and spending
as little time as possible in the neutral zones. Remember
that each rider commands the entire area within the lane, from
center line to road edge, and may find it necessary to move
from one track to another to avoid road hazards. This
movement may need to be done suddenly and without signaling,
so be prepared for this. We would discourage riders from
weaving impulsively between the tracks as this creates a
safety hazard and makes it difficult for others to maintain
speed or anticipate safe stopping distances.
4.
Following Distance
While in the group, be aware of the other riders
nearest you, both in front and behind. Ride safely and leave
enough space for braking and stopping. I recommend a
minimum of two seconds distance behind the rider in the
same track, and a minimum of one second distance behind
the rider in the opposite track. If a following rider is too
close, use a hand signal to indicate you would like more
space.
5.
Formations
Single File: Due to road conditions, your
Ride Leader may signal the group to begin a single file
formation. Upon observing the signal, riders are encouraged
to begin moving into the track directly behind the Ride
Leader. Remember to signal your change, check the new lane or
track, and maintain a minimum of two seconds distance behind
the rider in front of you.
Staggered: When more favorable road
conditions allow, your Ride Leader may signal the group to
begin a staggered formation. Upon observing the signal,
riders are encouraged to move into the track opposite the
rider in front. Usually, the Ride Leader will occupy the left
track, the second rider will occupy the right track, the third
rider will occupy the left track, and so forth. Each position
in this formation is called a slot. If there is an empty slot
near you, a rider may move into it. If you are uncomfortable
riding in the slot you are in, drop back a little and motion a
rider around you. You may then signal your intention to move
into the vacant slot in the opposite track. Please remember
to check the new track before moving and to maintain the
recommended distances for following.
6.
Intruders
If a vehicle is attempting to pass the group, the
driver may find it necessary to move back into the lane to
avoid oncoming traffic and before clearing the entire group.
It is the responsibility of each of us to be prepared for this
condition and to react quickly and safely for everyone. You
can help minimize the risk of a mishap by moving to the track
or neutral area furthest away from the intruder and reducing
or increasing speed to give the intruder as much space as
possible. The Ride Team may signal the Ride Leader to slow
the pace to encourage the intruder to pass the rest of the
group. This technique may be used several times until the
intruder has moved beyond the group.
7.
Yo-Yo Effect
For those who have ridden with a group before,
you have probably noticed a tendency of the group to stretch
out or bunch up depending on speed, road conditions, traffic
conditions, curves and straight-aways. The group may even
become divided under certain conditions. This effect is
referred to by many names (rubber-band, bungee, yo-yo, etc.),
and is a very natural phenomenon that can occur in any large
or small group. The effect is planned for by your Ride Team
so the group can regain its cohesiveness as quickly and safely
as possible. If the group becomes stretched or divided for
any reason, your Ride Leader may slow the front portion of the
group down until the remainder of the group can catch up. By
doing this, the Ride Leader is taking away the need for the
trailing riders to scramble to rejoin the group in an unsafe
manner. Once the trailing riders have caught up, the Ride
Crew and Tailgunner can pass the signal to resume the ride.
When approaching a reduced speed zone, set of curves or road
hazard, the Ride Leader may give a hand signal to begin
slowing the group. Once the Ride Leader is past the obstacle,
he or she may retain the same pace or increase it moderately
to allow the rest of the group to catch up at a safe pace.
8.
Fuel Stops
The Ride Team has likely made several scouting
runs for the ride they will be leading. Among the items on
the list to be checked are gas stations somewhere in the 80
mile range. While this may seem like a low number, remember
that some bikes have smaller gas tanks and others may have
performance modifications which reduce their overall running
range. Where possible, fuel stops have been selected with
more than one gas station close together. Fueling for the
entire group can be accomplished in a shorter time by
splitting the riders between the gas stations. The Ride Team
will communicate with each other to resume the ride when
everyone is done fueling. Riders need only watch for the
group to know when to rejoin. Please remember to bring cash
for your gas. We have had experiences where too many credit
cards have seized the computer system of the gas station,
which effectively shuts down the pumps.
9.
Alcohol
For all participants, remember that alcohol and
riding, especially group riding, DO NOT MIX. When coming from
lower elevations to
Denver,
the amount of alcohol it takes to get you intoxicated is
greatly reduced. When riding from
Denver
over passes in excess of 9000 feet, the amount is reduced even
further. Please keep the safety of each of us in mind and
save any drinking until we get back to the hotel.
10.
Ride Your Own Ride
Each rider should ride their own ride. We
suggest that riders should not ride in situations they feel
are above their riding skills or they feel are unsafe. If you
are uncomfortable riding in close formations with other riders
at any speeds, we suggest, for your safety and the safety of
others, that you select a self-guided ride or a ride with a
very small group. If you become uncomfortable with the riding
pace or any other aspect of the group ride you are on, please
pull to the side of the road and stop. One if the Ride Crew
members will stop to assist you. Remember, we want everyone
who has made the effort to come to
Denver to
have a GREAT time and return home safely.
11.
Don't Ride in the Blind Spot (provided by Pogo)
If you look into the mirrors of the bike ahead of you, you
should be able to see the riders face. If you can not
see the riders face it is a good bet he can not see you.
Don't ride in the blind spot.
Ride team members will be available at
the event for questions and/or clarification regarding any of
these tips. If you would like to comment on any of the tips,
please send a personal message to
mtnman9k@yahoo.com. Ride Safe! |
