Not 1, not 2, but 26 bikers down,

[sleemanj]

http://www.katu.com/news/59789107.html

With video of the aftermath.

[munterk6]

yep..travelling in two columns. Says it all really, I instinctively follow in staggered formation in groups, or preferably in front if I have a radar detector on board. But that doesn't look cool like the column thing huh? idiots.

[cowpatz]

Yep they would all be Harley Fergusons ...but hey...they looked cool.

[Timber020]

Dress the same, act the same, ride the same, crash the same.

[MarkH]

http://www.katu.com/news/59789107.html

With video of the aftermath.

Hmmm . . .

Oregon State Police said the motorcyclists were riding in standard formation – two columns – when traffic ahead slowed suddenly. The two lead motorcyclists were able to avoid a collision by maneuvering clear of the stopped traffic, but the rest of the motorcyclists could not stop in time, causing a chain-reaction of crashes with the rest of the group.

Sounds to me like the front 2 were watching far enough ahead to avoid a crash, but the rest were just watching the rear of the bike directly in front of them.

A witness to the crash, Terry Scott, said he and his girlfriend were driving northbound from Salem behind the motorcycles when he witnessed an SUV, that was driving in front of the group of motorcycles, suddenly slow down or slam on its brakes.

It sounds like even the driver of the vehicle behind the bikes was paying attention to what was happening ahead of the bikes.

[Danae]

Following too close to each other...

[Ecclesnz]

Wonder if one of the guys in the front SUV got a shock when one of the harley riders waved and had to hit the brakes in panic?

[breakaway]

Im surprised this doesn't happen more often. Have seen 'outlaw gang' riders in NZ riding 1m behind each other at 120KPH+ .

[JimO]

they may be outlaws but you cannae escape the laws of physics jim.....clingons on the starboard bow,starboard bow,starboard bow