Official Riding Techniques

Whether you've been riding motorcycles for decades or days, a Group Ride demands special skills and disciplines. These skills are both obvious when pointed out and easily acquired.

To travel safely for any distance, each rider must temporarily relinquish some of those cherished personal liberties and assume some measure of responsibility for both self and group.

To behave otherwise is to invite great risk and excessive danger. Riding with "The Group" is a choice and is never mandatory.

With the continuing rapid growth of our Chapter, much has lately been made of the vast differences between riding in a large group as opposed to putting along solo or with a friend or two. We have members of long standing, newer members with years of saddle time, members returned after years away from motorcycles, members younger and older relatively new to the lifestyle. Knowledge of the terms and techniques of organized riding spreads across the same spectrum.

Based in common sense, and loosely analogous to military formations or cattle drives of the Old West, procedures have evolved over time to enable large amounts of individual motorcycles to travel much like a single unit. A really big run can be an exhilarating experience for both riders and observers.

What follows is a simple "primer" to aid everyone in maintaining the Maximum Fun Level.

OFFICERS OF THE ROAD

The Road Captain (RC) is the ride leader. The RC plans the route and controls the run to assure the safe and pleasurable passage of everyone. The RC stays in the front position and controls the pace and tone of the ride. The RC will plan rest and gas stops, but YOU should arrive with a full tank and an empty bladder. YOU are responsible for your own warmth, dryness and personal comfort and are expected to have your machine in a state of good repair and readiness.

The Sweep Rider remains at the rear of the group. The Sweeper assures that no one gets stranded on the road and tries to maintain the "wholeness" of the group. The group is in effect sandwiched between the RC and Sweeper. The Sweep will signal blockers to rejoin the ride and provides a consistent "last person". Should you decide to leave the group, it is best to signal with an OK sign and goodbye wave.

Blockers assist in getting the band through intersections safely, quickly, and efficiently. While technically illegal, blocking also eases the effect of the passage on traffic in general. It also helps to avert any rider or riders from making a risky choice rather than chance being separated from the rest.

Blockers, when directed to a position by the RC, should activate their flashers just prior to pulling out of formation. The flashers should be shut off after rejoining just ahead of the sweeper. While blocking it is wise to remain in gear and ready to move should another vehicle ignore the request to wait A "stop" hand signal is suggested while blocking and is most easily accomplished by the passenger if present.

A "thank you" signal by blockers and sweeper as well is a nice touch and usually appreciated. Since a blocker assumes the responsibility of holding up traffic, plus a remote possibility of a traffic violation, it is of course voluntary.

Should you have no desire to block, position yourself toward the rear of the pack. In the event that you later anticipate being called upon, signal rearward riders ahead of you at an appropriate time. NEVER do what you are not comfortable doing.

Lane Positioning is crucial in a large group. The normal and proper formation is two-wide but in a staggered position.

NEVER ride side by side.

The staggered spacing provides an envelope of "space" for each rider to maneuver within. You are spaced properly if you can see the face of the forward rider in his/her mirror. If you can see them, they can see you. You will be neither too close nor too far apart. Of course, this will stretch out to allow for poor road conditions.

Avoid the dreaded "rubber band". Moving forward and backward within your position constantly is annoying to everyone around you.

Many riders have a preferred part of a lane to ride in. Whether you opt for the outer half or the curbside half, plan for that zone when first forming up. Riders are encouraged to avoid changing sides frequently once the group has settled into place on the ride.

#safe #riding #RoadCaptain