A question about staggered riding in a group

[Ms Piggy]

Today was the first time in ages (probably a few years actually) that I've been riding with a large group (50+ riders).

I know that we're meant to ride in a staggered formation - at times today I found it little confusing when riders in front of me would change their position on the road though and I wasn't sure if I should change my position to accommodate or stay where I was.

Sometimes the change in position would be because another rider had passed or the rider in front pulled out and joined back in further ahead. I just kept thinking if I change position then the rider behind me will have to as well and so on.

In the end I chose to stay in the same place - is this right or wrong? Any advice or tips?

This isn't a criticism of anyone btw.

[Ixion]

Staggered formation in large groups NOONE should be "pulling out" or "changing places".

That is the whole point of the formation. (not to mention that it stuffs up the parade).

Each person follows his wheelman. But, staggered. Only time anyone should deviate from that is if the road /corner is too narrow to permit more than one in line - then form into line ahead and revert to formation after the corner/constriction; or if signalled to break formation, or move up, by the Ride Captain or Pack Leader.

So, they were wrong, you were right.

[MSTRS:Me]

But, Ixion, in reality, individuals dodging about does happen. The 'pack' must adjust to accommodate the changed dynamic.
MsP - you are perfectly entitled to stay where you are (and no-one behind needs to move either)...as long as you still have a 2+ sec gap to the rider in front, be they direct or staggered.

[DJSin]

I was in the same ride as you Ms Piggy - and I was wondering the same thing?

[Crasherfromwayback]

on riding in groups = don't do it.

[MSTRS:Me]

on riding in groups = don't do it.

Races with one rider competing will be a little boring...

[rosie631]

on riding in groups = don't do it.

Not ones with 50+ bikes anyway. Way too big IMHO

[Crasherfromwayback]

Races with one rider competing will be a little boring...

Nah...Trials is great!

Not ones with 50+ bikes anyway. Way too big IMHO

Hell yeah...seen all sorts of bad shit in such rides/groups.

Riding with a few trusted riding mates is a very different kettle of fish to riding in a large group of people you don't know/trust.

Each to their own...but I very rarely do the 'group' thing.

[Ixion]

But, Ixion, in reality, individuals dodging about does happen. The 'pack' must adjust to accommodate the changed dynamic.
MsP - you are perfectly entitled to stay where you are (and no-one behind needs to move either)...as long as you still have a 2+ sec gap to the rider in front, be they direct or staggered.

Then y' need a Master at Arms. Then, it won't. How come that isn't in the new Group Ride Rules

[chanceyy]

agree Miss P as you know I was just in behind the leaders & a couple kept changing position or when a rider shot in front of me then I was out of "stagger" however I held my position just increased the distance a wee bit (as much as you could with such a slow ride) max speed at the front was 45ks.

I figured there was no point changing stagger just to keep correct formation esp as a few mins later I would have had to change back .. figured if the guys behind me knew where I was sitting it made it easier for everyone else ..(but then wot do I know, been told off for my "formation" riding previously & try to stay away from that now)

[Trudes]

on riding in groups = don't do it.

I'm with ya there Pete. I have done a few large group rides and charity rides etc and after the last one I went on I swore to never again. The riding I saw disgusted me and generally just made me angry and afraid for my life. Never again, no matter how good the cause. Grumpy over and out.

[CookMySock]

Staggered formation in large groups NOONE should be "pulling out" or "changing places".

It's just motorcycle riding - it doesn't need to be that regimented.

If you are bored where you are, then move. If you want a turn up front, go for it.

If you are bored with swapping left to right, then do either or neither for a while - it doesnt affect anyone, unless you are riding real tight, then rules must be abided by.

Geez its just a fucking stroll in the countryside - enjoy it and ride where you are happy, and if the others have a moan about it then ride with someone else.

Its not rocket science - It's motorcycle ride. Relax.

Steve

[OutForADuck]

Whether you agree with or disagree with staggered riding. It relies on eveyone knowing what to do and with large groups of riders, just like large groups of anything.. its like hearding cats.... forget the formation and just be safe and keep your wits about you.

[Laxi]

Staggered formation in large groups NOONE should be "pulling out" or "changing places".

That is the whole point of the formation. (not to mention that it stuffs up the parade).

Each person follows his wheelman. But, staggered. Only time anyone should deviate from that is if the road /corner is too narrow to permit more than one in line - then form into line ahead and revert to formation after the corner/constriction; or if signalled to break formation, or move up, by the Ride Captain or Pack Leader.

So, they were wrong, you were right.

got to the agree!the point of a staggered formation would be that you're all headed to the same place at a cruising speed, why would you pass? oh oh look at me i'm so fast

[Jantar]

It's just motorcycle riding - it doesn't need to be that regimented.

If you are bored where you are, then move. If you want a turn up front, go for it.

If you are bored with swapping left to right, then do either or neither for a while - it doesnt affect anyone, unless you are riding real tight, then rules must be abided by.

Geez its just a fucking stroll in the countryside - enjoy it and ride where you are happy, and if the others have a moan about it then ride with someone else.

Its not rocket science - It's motorcycle ride. Relax.

Steve

Once again, this poster is giving out advice that is blatantly dangerous. I would advise anyone reading posts from this person to disregard anything said unless backed up by someone competent. As can be seen in DBs signature this has only happened once in the whole time he's been on this site.