HANGIN' WITH THE PACK - THE DEFINITIVE WORD ON GROUP RIDING


You've probably all seen groups of motorcycles traveling together on the highways. Some look like totally disorganized hordes. Others are well spaced, organized and move as if they've been choreographed. In fact, they very often resemble a formation of airplanes.


When you ride in a group, your actions not only affect you, but the other riders as well. It is important to recognized and remember that group riding is a team effort. To reduce the risks and increase the fun and enjoyment, you much rely on the cooperation of all the riders in the group.

Generally, groups ride in a staggered formation with a minimum of a one second interval between the rider on the left and the rider on the right. There should be a minimum of two seconds between you and the rider directly in front of you. At night, or any other time visibility is reduced, spacing should be increased to a minimum of two seconds and four seconds, respectively.

GET BRIEFED

Before each ride, including return trips, there should be a pre-ride briefing. At this time, the leader and road captain should discuss the destination, route to be taken, planned stops for fuel and meals and how tolls will be paid. In some groups, the leader collects the tolls before hand. In others, each rider pays at the booth. Either way, the method of payment should be decided at the briefing. Another item for consideration is an emergency phone number at the destination should anyone become separated from the group. The route is preset; everyone should know the route and the final destination.

Some of the most annoying delays are having to wait for someone to get gas or stopping every half hour because the group wasn't prepared for the trip. Schedule the assembly time one half hour before departure time, for those who forget, are always late, or never ready to go. Remember to come with a full tank of gas, full stomach and an empty bladder.

Stops should b planned in advance, based on the shortest cruising range. A good rule of thumb is to plan rest and gas stops approximately every two hours, or between 100 and 120 miles. As a good rule of thumb, always consider planning the first rest stop after about an hour on the road. This allows those who need to re-cycle their morning coffee the opportunity and also allows for checking and readjustment of luggage.

ROLE PLAYING

As part of riding in a group, there should be certain riders who have specific duties or roles.

The Leader, as the name implies, rides at the front of the pack and sets the pace for the group based on the ability of the slowest or newest rider. The Captain, or safety, acts as the sweep or tail, at the rear of the group and monitors the group. He or she also helps to control the group by communicating with the leader and watches at entrance ramps, signaling the leader if vehicles are trying to cut into the formation. Road Lieutenant(s) ride in the middle of the group and act as a second leader in case the group becomes separated or divided. They also act as additional leaders if the group is too large and has to be divided.

The leaders, road captain, tails and lieutenants should have CB's or some other form of bike-to-bike communication.

TAKING OFF

Entering or pulling onto a highway from an assembly point or rest stop can be confusing and frightening to everyone on the road. The best method is for the leader to pull out first, with each member pulling out when it is safe, assembling into formation when possible.

TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND STOP SIGNS

When the group stops at traffic lights or stop signs, it should close ranks by forming a double file. After the traffic light has turned green, the leader moves out slowly to allow the group to reassemble on the other side. No rider should pass another bike while doing this. If the light changes before the entire group has made it through, the leader sh