So sorry. That's terrible. I have to ask, what helmet was he wearing?

 

From the Op:

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers, for our riders. I haven't received a recent update on their conditions, but will pass along when I get one.

Our 'Ride Captains' meeting, was of Ride Captains that primarily cover the San Diego area. Many of our accompaniment missions traverse extremely congested freeways, with many on/off ramps and lane transitions. As such as the size of a procession increases, the higher the probability of other vehicles cutting in and out. Although we encourage riders to allow vehicles to pass through, even if they do so without physically hitting someone, the breakage of the formation can cause a strong "slinkying" affect in the formation.

In this case, as someone mentioned, the official CHP report indicates that a rogue non-PGR motorcyclist caused this disastrous chain on events. I didn't see the crash, as I was in the rear, and got cut off by a truck.

So, we decided that to help avoid large slinkying processions that get cut through in congested areas, the Ride Captain will make a decision based upon several factors to minimize the risk. Among those factors: the route, traffic conditions, size of family package ( that our main procession follows), size of the PGR contingent, perceived experience of the riders, etc. The Ride Captain will reduce the size of the PGR formation. At one extreme, we would have just a missing man formation follow the coach, and all others ride independently to the destination. Then if we have a smaller group of experienced riders, and a smaller family contingent, we could ride with the entire PGR group.

By the way, we have had some processions with several 100 riders, and have not had issues. But, we all agreed we have had close calls.

Other feedback:
- Gary was wearing a helmet, and I believe but not certain, that he wears a half helmet,

 

As a fellow PGR and ALR member my thoughts and prayers for a full recovery

 

Hey Tri-Geezer, do you have an update on Gary's condition. I think I remember him from my time of riding with the PGR when I was living full time in SD in 2015. I'll keep him in my prayers and please give him my best.

Sarah

 

I don't do the praying thing, but I'll keep him in my thoughts hoping for his speedy recovery.

When riding in formation all it takes is one person to not react in time to cause all sorts of pain and chaos. Speed and distraction are the 2 most common causes of accidents in what could be the safest way for us to enjoy our ride, please everyone remember this and ride safe.

 

I love what the PGR does and I truly want to do what they do (I've joined) but I know that I need to develop some skills before I ride in a large group.

 

Really sorry to hear that. I hope they will all be okay and fully recover to ride again. You MUST be watching several bikes ahead or this can easily happen!

 

Thoughts and prayers.
We all can learn from this.