Group Riding

I recently read an article in the WOW magazine that really bothered me. It mentioned that the 5-mile over rule should apply for group riding. The “5-mile over rule” meaning that the lead bike rides 5 miles over the speed limit. The article went on to say that an additional 5 miles over the speed limit was not going to make that much difference to an inexperienced rider, thus keeping the “ripple” effect to a minimum. He further stated that he never got a speeding ticket for riding 5 miles over.

I don’t profess to being an expert at group riding, but my experience of acting in the capacity of drag bike for many years does tell me that his thinking is wrong. For one thing, he not only is breaking the law, he is endangering inexperienced riders, along with experienced riders. If the lead bike is riding five miles over the speed limit, the motorcycles behind the lead bike are moving faster just to keep up, thus putting more pressure on inexperienced riders and creating a dangerous situation.

Group riding is just that—riding with a group of motorcyclists. You will have motorcycles varying in sizes and type, along with riders with many years of experience to the novice. When leading a group of motorcycles, it is very important that you take all of this into consideration. Set the riding guidelines for your group. Go over these guidelines at a chapter meeting, make sure every member gets a copy.

Your lead and drag bikes should have experience. Your lead bike needs to be able to make quick decisions that are beneficial to several motorcycles, not just one. The drag bike should be able to anticipate and react. If no one has a CB, then make sure everyone knows the hand signals, and uses them.

A group should consist of no more than seven motorcycles. Take a few minutes before each ride and go over how the group will ride, i.e., stagger formation, 2-second rule, lane positions, ride within the abilities of the least experienced rider, and etc.

Before the group takes off, the lead and drag bike should discuss with any new rider to the group on how fast they are comfortable riding and which lane position they are comfortable riding in, and whether they have ever ridden with a group before. Once you have established this, you can then place everyone into position. Try not to position a new rider in the “middle or towards the front.” Until you know how a new rider (experienced or inexperienced) with your group rides, they should be placed in front of the drag bike. The drag bike will then be able to see how the person rides and keep the lead bike informed of the situation.

If the lead bike misses the turn, all bikes stay with the lead bike. You do not split up the group. If a bike pulls out for an unknown reason, the only bike to pull out with it, is the drag bike. The lead bike will then pull the group into a safe area to await the drag bike’s call as to what is wrong.

Never pull off on the side of the road with the group; find a wide space for every motorcycle to get into. Never make a U-turn unless you have no other options. It’s better to ride a little further to a parking lot or extra wide spot in the road to turn a group around than getting a rider into a position where he/she might go down. Never anticipate that every rider is comfortable with curves, U-turns or gravel.

If you have riders that want to ride the road “fast,” then let them form another group, give them the route and meet them there. That way everyone enjoys the ride. However, keep in mind that you can always return to that certain stretch of road by yourself at another time and ride it any way you want.

The main thing is to adhere to the posted speed limits and traffic signs, be considerate of your fellow riders, have fun, and RIDE SAFE! Remember, when one bike goes down, another follows.