Riding in a pack.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 3
RE: Riding in a pack.
Personally, right down the middle of the lane. My view is that a motorcycle is entitled to an entire lane and I do not wish to do anything that encourages anyone to believe otherwise. I do not split lanes, I don't share lanes. If it looks like someone is going to attempt to pass me I move to the centerline to make sure they get over in the other lane to pass. If it looks like some kid on the crotch rocket is going to try to pass me in my lane I"ll weave down the road to discourage that thought. I stop at stoplights dead center. I take curves from the edge line to the center line and back to the edge line. I read the rules of the road and I don't remember anything in it about motorcycles having deminished rights. Do not expect me to surrender any part of my lane to you.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Upper Midwest
RE: Riding in a pack.
For everyone that prefers to ride in the back, remember there are just as many that prefer the same thing as you so take your turn to lead and be in the middle. I also see more often that the back of the pack tends to get stretched out. If you have ever been on a road march you know what I'm talking about. Many times you need to go faster to catch up and slow down to not run into whoever is in front of you.alot of peoplethink it's safer and takes less concentration. I respectfully think you are mistaken. I have seen on several occasions where the last guy in the pack has blown right by the guy in front of him because he/she thinks there in the back with no hazards. Always ride like your in the front, pay attention to everyone around you and remember when you are in a pack and don't trust whoever is behind you... there is someone in front of you thinking the same thing.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,642
Likes: 6
From: Forest Lake, Mn
RE: Riding in a pack.
Depends on what "pack" riding you are reffering to.
If I am with an MC, they pack ride 'tight' and 'fast'. NOT always my 'cup o' tea' on a hardtail, one brake wonder.
Abate, PGR,, Funeral processions, etc, ride 'staggered'
Either way, I am the "tail gunner" for 2 reasons.
A) That's where I want 2 B.
B) I have 'one drum' rear brake, and I drop back the required distance to follow to be able to 'control' my scoot, and my and thepack's safety. Don't really need a panhead chopper wheeling it's way thru half a pack because of a 'panic' stop.
Also puts me in the postion to 'road block' for the pack when pulling out at corners, gas stations, etc.
OldAirBoater, AMEN on that 'yo-yo' phenom. Especially with an MC, they have a tendency to 'hole shot' it away from intersections, and the tail usually gets whipped pretty good, trying to catch and keep up. [:-][:-]
My "major" complaint, when riding in a 'loose' pack, like Abate, or small rides, is that the ppl in the middle of the pack, sort of 'drift' and big gaps start opening up in the pack. Have been on rides on 2 lane roads, when 'cages' started trying to pass the 'stragglers', and then end up in the middle of the pack. Makes for really 'strange' bed fellows, if you catch my drift. [:'(][:'(]
If I am with an MC, they pack ride 'tight' and 'fast'. NOT always my 'cup o' tea' on a hardtail, one brake wonder.
Abate, PGR,, Funeral processions, etc, ride 'staggered'
Either way, I am the "tail gunner" for 2 reasons.
A) That's where I want 2 B.
B) I have 'one drum' rear brake, and I drop back the required distance to follow to be able to 'control' my scoot, and my and thepack's safety. Don't really need a panhead chopper wheeling it's way thru half a pack because of a 'panic' stop.
Also puts me in the postion to 'road block' for the pack when pulling out at corners, gas stations, etc.
OldAirBoater, AMEN on that 'yo-yo' phenom. Especially with an MC, they have a tendency to 'hole shot' it away from intersections, and the tail usually gets whipped pretty good, trying to catch and keep up. [:-][:-]
My "major" complaint, when riding in a 'loose' pack, like Abate, or small rides, is that the ppl in the middle of the pack, sort of 'drift' and big gaps start opening up in the pack. Have been on rides on 2 lane roads, when 'cages' started trying to pass the 'stragglers', and then end up in the middle of the pack. Makes for really 'strange' bed fellows, if you catch my drift. [:'(][:'(]
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,393
Likes: 2,060
From: N. Atlanta Burbs
RE: Riding in a pack.
Pack riding has it's good and bad points. Alone is great but there will be times to ride in a pack with buds.
Past few pack rides I was the R Captain. Found there's a lot more to it than simply knowing where you are going. Speed, mirrors, mirrors and pay attention to the road and conditions or you can pile up the group in a heap metal mess.
The Sweep rider needs to be someone you can count on. Hand signals from the sweep when you are waiting on a light letting the RC know everyone is there. A center rider for signaling the RC when the group gets split so dividing the group with a salting of experienced riders or centers is just as important at the sweep. Centers and Sweeps should also know the route and resting points chosen before hand.
Center of the lane riding can be more dangerous than left or right of center. 1,2 and 3 they call it. On a hot day that oil will rise to the top of asphalt then where are ya?In a tangled mess that you created.
In a pack I personally prefer anywhere the RC wants me and try to count back and be an odd number rider. I prefer the 1 position (left) as I use the right mirror more than the left and I don't like the number 3 position obstacles such as pot holes and debris.
Anyway.. my .02 but seems like i just gave a bucks worth.
Past few pack rides I was the R Captain. Found there's a lot more to it than simply knowing where you are going. Speed, mirrors, mirrors and pay attention to the road and conditions or you can pile up the group in a heap metal mess.
The Sweep rider needs to be someone you can count on. Hand signals from the sweep when you are waiting on a light letting the RC know everyone is there. A center rider for signaling the RC when the group gets split so dividing the group with a salting of experienced riders or centers is just as important at the sweep. Centers and Sweeps should also know the route and resting points chosen before hand.
Center of the lane riding can be more dangerous than left or right of center. 1,2 and 3 they call it. On a hot day that oil will rise to the top of asphalt then where are ya?In a tangled mess that you created.
In a pack I personally prefer anywhere the RC wants me and try to count back and be an odd number rider. I prefer the 1 position (left) as I use the right mirror more than the left and I don't like the number 3 position obstacles such as pot holes and debris.
Anyway.. my .02 but seems like i just gave a bucks worth.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,900
Likes: 4
From: way down upon the Suwannee River
RE: Riding in a pack.
wherever I ride in the pack (which I don't do much) I like to stay on the shoulder side. that way if i have to bail it won't be into traffic or another bike.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,227
Likes: 5
RE: Riding in a pack.
ORIGINAL: LilBudyWizer
Personally, right down the middle of the lane. My view is that a motorcycle is entitled to an entire lane and I do not wish to do anything that encourages anyone to believe otherwise. I do not split lanes, I don't share lanes. If it looks like someone is going to attempt to pass me I move to the centerline to make sure they get over in the other lane to pass. If it looks like some kid on the crotch rocket is going to try to pass me in my lane I"ll weave down the road to discourage that thought. I stop at stoplights dead center. I take curves from the edge line to the center line and back to the edge line. I read the rules of the road and I don't remember anything in it about motorcycles having deminished rights. Do not expect me to surrender any part of my lane to you.
Personally, right down the middle of the lane. My view is that a motorcycle is entitled to an entire lane and I do not wish to do anything that encourages anyone to believe otherwise. I do not split lanes, I don't share lanes. If it looks like someone is going to attempt to pass me I move to the centerline to make sure they get over in the other lane to pass. If it looks like some kid on the crotch rocket is going to try to pass me in my lane I"ll weave down the road to discourage that thought. I stop at stoplights dead center. I take curves from the edge line to the center line and back to the edge line. I read the rules of the road and I don't remember anything in it about motorcycles having deminished rights. Do not expect me to surrender any part of my lane to you.
In other words, you can't/won't/don't ride a straight line?[:@]
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: NY
RE: Riding in a pack.
Only time is for charity and always in the rear. If I ride with anyone, it usually riders that I know and who know how to be safe in a loose group. I have seen too many things with groups of strangersâŚ.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 503
Likes: 197
From:
RE: Riding in a pack.
ORIGINAL: LilBudyWizer
Personally, right down the middle of the lane. My view is that a motorcycle is entitled to an entire lane and I do not wish to do anything that encourages anyone to believe otherwise. I do not split lanes, I don't share lanes. If it looks like someone is going to attempt to pass me I move to the centerline to make sure they get over in the other lane to pass. If it looks like some kid on the crotch rocket is going to try to pass me in my lane I"ll weave down the road to discourage that thought. I stop at stoplights dead center. I take curves from the edge line to the center line and back to the edge line. I read the rules of the road and I don't remember anything in it about motorcycles having deminished rights. Do not expect me to surrender any part of my lane to you.
Personally, right down the middle of the lane. My view is that a motorcycle is entitled to an entire lane and I do not wish to do anything that encourages anyone to believe otherwise. I do not split lanes, I don't share lanes. If it looks like someone is going to attempt to pass me I move to the centerline to make sure they get over in the other lane to pass. If it looks like some kid on the crotch rocket is going to try to pass me in my lane I"ll weave down the road to discourage that thought. I stop at stoplights dead center. I take curves from the edge line to the center line and back to the edge line. I read the rules of the road and I don't remember anything in it about motorcycles having deminished rights. Do not expect me to surrender any part of my lane to you.