Group Riding
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 176
Likes: 1
From:
Group Riding
Hello,
I am fairly new to riding and have friends that want me to go on a weekend ride. My question is simply this,....
On a 2 lane road when coming towards tractor trailers if I'm on the inside lane do I have to stay there or move towards the center, and how does that affect the other riders....The amount of wind from these trucks is incredible.
Is there a signal I should use that I'm moving in ??
Greg
maltezebluez96
Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 17,265
Likes: 21
From: Los Angeles, CA
RE: Group Riding
Usually I just play chicken wit da trucks'n all. Just kidding. That all depends on the group you are riding with. I prefer to be on the other side myself. Why not ask them what they think?
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Group Riding
I would try to be the last rider and that way I can get over to the right if I needed to without worry about the next rider. After seeing how everybody rides in the group you might feel comfortable enough to ride in the middle of the pack next time.Safe riding
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,934
Likes: 2
From: Reading, PA
RE: Group Riding
I move over from the left for big trucks. When I'm riding with a group, the group shifts over ... when your used to it ... speed adjustments happen "automatically" ... 2, 3 seconds later, move back to where you were (until the next time).
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,823
Likes: 4
From: London, Canada
RE: Group Riding
I like to ride last but that's just me. 
Why don't you ask what the generally acccepted rules are WITHIN THAT GROUP? Its nice to know what to expect from the others.
I have ridden with different groups and they do not all operate the same way.
Why don't you ask what the generally acccepted rules are WITHIN THAT GROUP? Its nice to know what to expect from the others.
I have ridden with different groups and they do not all operate the same way.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,230
Likes: 4
From: Amherst, VA
RE: Group Riding
ORIGINAL: maltezebluez96
Hello,
I am fairly new to riding and have friends that want me to go on a weekend ride. My question is simply this,....
On a 2 lane road when coming towards tractor trailers if I'm on the inside lane do I have to stay there or move towards the center, and how does that affect the other riders....The amount of wind from these trucks is incredible.
Is there a signal I should use that I'm moving in ??
Greg
maltezebluez96
Hello,
I am fairly new to riding and have friends that want me to go on a weekend ride. My question is simply this,....
On a 2 lane road when coming towards tractor trailers if I'm on the inside lane do I have to stay there or move towards the center, and how does that affect the other riders....The amount of wind from these trucks is incredible.
Is there a signal I should use that I'm moving in ??
Greg
maltezebluez96
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,890
Likes: 73
From: MA
RE: Group Riding
When you group ride, the accepted formation is staggered positioning. The lead rider is in the left hand track, (the inside track closest to the center painted lines) and the 2nd in line is about 2 seconds behind and to the lead riders right, in the outside track nearest the shoulder, 3rd in line is directly behind the lead rider in the the left track, 4 seconds behind him and 2 seconds behind the 2nd rider and so on down the line. Each rider then has full access to the entire road width from center lines to shoulder to allow for any situation that requires moving out of your "track" for one reason or another. This allows you to move into position between the riders in front of and behind you with out running into them or cutting them off. The whole idea of riding staggered is to be able to use the entire lane if you need to. Riding side by side (Parade Formation) is dangerous IMHO. It leaves you with no place to go if you have to make an emergency maneuver.
Riding formation:
X <--->
<---> X
X <--->
<---> X
Riding formation:
X <--->
<---> X
X <--->
<---> X
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Tourer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 477
Likes: 1
From: Ventura County, CA
RE: Group Riding
If you ride in a group that rides "staggered" .. it shouldn't be a big deal to move a few feet to your right until the big rig passes. If you ride side by side .. you can always slow a bit until you're not next to your riding partner and then move right. Like others have said above, it's best to discuss this with the group you ride with .. maybe during a pre-ride meeting to be on the same page. It's not a "dumb question" by any means .. Safety First!
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Verdad Gallardo
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,515
Likes: 6
From:
RE: Group Riding
Staggered is the set up but leave enough room front and behind for stopping distance and so you can move around in your own zone, to miss roadkill, potholes and to be able to shift to the right when meeting big trucks.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 513
Likes: 6
From: Reston, Virginia
RE: Group Riding
A lot of good sound responses here. I'd add that one of the things I like is to ride with people that are predictable. If you know you are going to do this tell the others and pick your position to allow this action with minimal impact to the other riders.
One of my pet peevs is someone riding lead that won't stay in his/her lane and routinely goes back and forth, then the others behind him/her switching to accomodate. Looks dumb and is dangerous. Pick a lane and stay there! But that's another thread!
One of my pet peevs is someone riding lead that won't stay in his/her lane and routinely goes back and forth, then the others behind him/her switching to accomodate. Looks dumb and is dangerous. Pick a lane and stay there! But that's another thread!