Riding in groups - Some of you have no idea!

[jrandom]

O Dear...someones had grapefruit for breaky..

Garnished with nails.

[MSTRS:Me]

So if you haven't been on a group ride with a club or whatever, how do you find out what the riding etiquette is? Is it basically the same for every ride or does it differ from ride to ride?

Shouldn't matter who is riding (what group)...the etiquette, as you put it, should be one of safety for each individual AND the group as a whole.

Um, what I meant to say was that every time i've been in a group ride the front rider has had a different idea of where he should be - some say the front is a free-floater, some say he lives in the middle, some say left and some say right.......

Is there a hard and fast "rule" for this?

To me, the logical place for the lead rider is the right hand wheel track, with the group staggered behind him/her. Done that way, if some other motorist (read dickhead cager) passes the group, when they pull back in there is not a rider in what they think was free space.

I guess while we all know to be responsible for our own safety you kinda assume that other riders will be considerate when you're in a group. Judging by some of what I've read on this site that kind of assumption is likely to lead to big visits from the fu@kup fairy.

Yep. Never assume anything. Look out for your safety first, then those around you. Bear in mind that you are responsible for what you do, but someone near you may not be taking their responsibility seriously. Be prepared to detach from the group if you think it's dangerous to remain a part of it.

[Ixion]

outlawtorn's problem (and I've seen it too) is that some knobjockeys have no idea what 'staggered formation' is. Processional group rides (as opposed to squidly road races) are quite safe when done properly in that way.

For a procession: tight stagger, the front of your front wheel level with the rear of your wheelman's rear wheel (but in the other track of course) . Loose stagger, one bike length between your front and his rear. Highway, open up to about 3 bike lengths.

BUT: the important point that is not realised is that this only works if all riders observe group riding discipline.

You do NOT overtake except to follow your wheelman. He (and those ahead of him) will only overtake something if signalled to do so by pack leader or ride captain. If your wheelman moves out, you move out. You must trust the pack leader. You keep your track (so, like a car), based on your wheelman. You do not open up or close up without a signal from the pack leader. You do not go slower, or faster than your wheelman. So, the whole pack stays together. Above all, if you know what is good for you do not fuck up. If you do, any crash will probably be the least of your worries.

Those who do not observe the propierties end up having a painful interview with the Master at Arms.

(your wheelman is the rider ahead of you. Your position in the pack will be asigned by the pack leader. You stay there . No ifs buts or maybes. The wheelman will be in front of you, to your left or right. He will take far right wheeltrack or far left wheel track, you take the opposite. And stay there. Come what may. You brake when he does. Accelerate when he does)

It is not easy this riding. I have not done it for many years. But if done properly it is quite safe.

[Usarka]

To me, the logical place for the lead rider is the right hand wheel track, with the group staggered behind him/her. Done that way, if some other motorist (read dickhead cager) passes the group, when they pull back in there is not a rider in what they think was free space.

Me too but I'm surprised at the number of people who disagree....

[vifferman]

The last time I rode in staggered formation, I had the misfortune to be near three Harleys with drag pipes. Even with earplugs in, it was very unpleasant. Staggeringly unpleasant even. Or perhaps 'uneven'.

James the Deuce is right. You're better off not riding in groups. Solves everything, perhaps even World Hunger, Globular Yawning, and Other Title Case Phrases.

[CookMySock]

Every time I think you might just be starting to learn something you come out with a post that proves you're still the same fucking moron you've always sounded like.

You know, I read your rant a few times and thought about it for a few minutes, and I am thinking exactly the same thing about you.

[Ragingrob]

When riding in a group, ride by yourself....

[slimjim]

When riding in a group, ride by yourself....

..fuck.. like to see the wife would say about that....lol

[Morcs]

Everyone should ride faster.

Riding slow and staggered is kind pointless.
I like at least 20 metres space behind and infront.

[pritch]

Best advice I have seen is to ride no closer to the guy you are following than he is behind the guy to his front. That distance presumably being what he feels comfortable with.

Then again I don't go on the really big group rides like the Christmas toy run, too many idiots.

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

eh? Its good fun riding in close formation. It gives me something interesting to do while we putter along at 90k.

Yeah some things are dangerous, but also they are fun so we do them from time to time for kicks. Thats what motorcycling IS innit? Or do we always ONLY do safe stuff? Why ride a bike if we can't misbehave? Whats the point to that?

Steve

What the fuck are you smokin today...

[MSTRS:Me]

What the fuck are you smokin today...

Just today? I think he was dropped on his head as a baby....

[slimjim]

What the fuck are you smokin today...

so what the fuck lead's you to belive he smokes...

[98tls]

Riding in groups sounds as exciting as a church groups bbq not to mention there seems even more etiquette.

[outlawtorn]

eh? Its good fun riding in close formation. It gives me something interesting to do while we putter along at 90k.

Yeah some things are dangerous, but also they are fun so we do them from time to time for kicks. Thats what motorcycling IS innit? Or do we always ONLY do safe stuff? Why ride a bike if we can't misbehave? Whats the point to that?

Steve

Dude, you cannot be serious? And if you are you best keep this dumb comments to yourself, it'll just make you even more unpopular than you already are.