Group ride question?
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,475
Likes: 70
From: Sierra Foothills, California
Group ride question?
I went on a group ride a few years ago. It was a memorial ride of about 50 bikes along windy backroads with some twists and turns through the hills. Instead of blocking intersections, they had posted riders at each intersection to direct which way to turn, then I think they fell in behind us (the group ride) as we passed.
I was trying to figure out the best way to do that. My guess is a few (the number of intersections) riders go ahead of the group. Am I missing anything? Or is there a better way to do that? Anybody ever put on a ride like that?
I think I found what I was looking for here. It is called "leap frogging"
http://xladv.com/blog/4/entry-2-time...ied-leap-frog/
Adventure riders use it... still would like any input from those who have done it with large groups?
I was trying to figure out the best way to do that. My guess is a few (the number of intersections) riders go ahead of the group. Am I missing anything? Or is there a better way to do that? Anybody ever put on a ride like that?
I think I found what I was looking for here. It is called "leap frogging"
http://xladv.com/blog/4/entry-2-time...ied-leap-frog/
Adventure riders use it... still would like any input from those who have done it with large groups?
Last edited by Angelfire36; Mar 17, 2016 at 05:34 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,717
Likes: 273
From: Minnesota
Yup, that's the way it's done.
Memorial runs or Fund raisers do take some planning. Routes are planned and rode for time prior to the event.
Some riders/friends are asked to help and leave in advance of the group to a predetermined point and/or even non-riding friends can be stationed at an intersection.
Time spent at stops and when to saddle up has to be controlled by someone.
Big events usually need a group of people to plan in advance.
In day's of old, lead or secondary riders would just drop off at an intersection,, block,, then follow up at the rear of pack. People knew when it was their turn to block,, there was no worry about front or back position in a pack like there is today with some riders.
To be honest, some of the events today are so poorly organized and there are so many that have to be in charge or have no clue how to behave in a pack we just drop out and go our own way.
Memorial runs or Fund raisers do take some planning. Routes are planned and rode for time prior to the event.
Some riders/friends are asked to help and leave in advance of the group to a predetermined point and/or even non-riding friends can be stationed at an intersection.
Time spent at stops and when to saddle up has to be controlled by someone.
Big events usually need a group of people to plan in advance.
In day's of old, lead or secondary riders would just drop off at an intersection,, block,, then follow up at the rear of pack. People knew when it was their turn to block,, there was no worry about front or back position in a pack like there is today with some riders.
To be honest, some of the events today are so poorly organized and there are so many that have to be in charge or have no clue how to behave in a pack we just drop out and go our own way.
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,475
Likes: 70
From: Sierra Foothills, California
Yup, that's the way it's done.
Memorial runs or Fund raisers do take some planning. Routes are planned and rode for time prior to the event.
Some riders/friends are asked to help and leave in advance of the group to a predetermined point and/or even non-riding friends can be stationed at an intersection.
Time spent at stops and when to saddle up has to be controlled by someone.
Big events usually need a group of people to plan in advance.
In day's of old, lead or secondary riders would just drop off at an intersection,, block,, then follow up at the rear of pack. People knew when it was their turn to block,, there was no worry about front or back position in a pack like there is today with some riders.
To be honest, some of the events today are so poorly organized and there are so many that have to be in charge or have no clue how to behave in a pack we just drop out and go our own way.
Memorial runs or Fund raisers do take some planning. Routes are planned and rode for time prior to the event.
Some riders/friends are asked to help and leave in advance of the group to a predetermined point and/or even non-riding friends can be stationed at an intersection.
Time spent at stops and when to saddle up has to be controlled by someone.
Big events usually need a group of people to plan in advance.
In day's of old, lead or secondary riders would just drop off at an intersection,, block,, then follow up at the rear of pack. People knew when it was their turn to block,, there was no worry about front or back position in a pack like there is today with some riders.
To be honest, some of the events today are so poorly organized and there are so many that have to be in charge or have no clue how to behave in a pack we just drop out and go our own way.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 849
Likes: 130
From: Inside of a house
I'd be carful just blocking the roads with bikes, it's not legal I know a guy who's charity group ride ended with 6 people getting tickets.
If it's for a charity ride call the local PD and have them block the roads for you
If it's for a charity ride call the local PD and have them block the roads for you
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,717
Likes: 273
From: Minnesota
There's a lot of leeway from PD.
It would be a good idea Angelfire to sit down with a local Sheriff administrator and kick around a few ideas, get the local info and feel for motorcycle runs.
Keep it vague,, get the feel,, know what mean? Some will look the other way and some will climb down your throat. I imagine Cali has some stuff on the books.
Here in Minn an up state Sheriff will be different then one in Mpls.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,475
Likes: 70
From: Sierra Foothills, California
Hmmm, well I'm not in charge of this ride (thankfully) so sitting down with the Sheriff won't fall to me. I don't think we really want to involve PD. We are just going over different ideas right now. I have been in poker runs and local rides around here where they have blocked intersections, but these are just mountain back roads (mostly) so we are gone before anybody really notices. I am not crazy about the idea of blocking though, not sure it is even necessary... just don't want folks from out of town to get lost on this ride. Come to think of it, I think it is illegal here also.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 35,795
Likes: 38,543
From: Post Falls, ID
Yep,in ca it is illegal for anyone except leos to block intersections and direct traffic. Usually not enforced unless there is a crash.
Frequently an issue during funeral escorting.
Frequently an issue during funeral escorting.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 15,990
Likes: 7,111
From: Sandy Eggo's North County
Yup, invite the CHP to leap frog your event. Parade permit too.
That, or break the group up into 3 or 4 smaller groups of a dozen bikes each.
Sure wish riders could attend our "Formation 101" from our local dealership. It's really quite good.
Formation 201 is long distance riding. (300+ miles per day.)
That, or break the group up into 3 or 4 smaller groups of a dozen bikes each.
Sure wish riders could attend our "Formation 101" from our local dealership. It's really quite good.
Formation 201 is long distance riding. (300+ miles per day.)
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 2,554
From: UK
We do a thing called "second man drop off".....
One guy is designated as ride leader and stays at the front leading the way. Then when you hit an intersection, the second rider pulls over at the turn and stops so the others in the group can all see which way to go.
Then, when the final rider goes past, the drop off guy rejoins the ride at the back.
It's also helpful if you have a guy designated as the back marker who will stay at the back and sweep up any riders that drop off or stop for any reason.
One guy is designated as ride leader and stays at the front leading the way. Then when you hit an intersection, the second rider pulls over at the turn and stops so the others in the group can all see which way to go.
Then, when the final rider goes past, the drop off guy rejoins the ride at the back.
It's also helpful if you have a guy designated as the back marker who will stay at the back and sweep up any riders that drop off or stop for any reason.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 196
From: Boise, ID
Sometimes now local PD (if you want to involve them) need some extra $ to cover costs of officers. I get it but it sucks. That's if you want local police involved in your business.
Also, if you cross a couple counties it makes it more difficult to set up officers. Almost have to look at the state level then.
Also, if you cross a couple counties it makes it more difficult to set up officers. Almost have to look at the state level then.