From: bob@halfdome.sf.ca.us (bob pasker)
Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles
Subject: Re: riding in groups
Date: 4 Sep 92 10:44:16 PDT
Organization: Disorganized Organization

In article <79088@ut-emx.uucp>, captain@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu (Bran Muffin) writes:
> So, my question to all you experienced, knowlegeble group riders is:
> what are the rules for riding in groups?  

here are paul thompson's two cents:
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Here's something I posted a few years back.  It has two sections.  The
first lists signals you can use to communicate to other riders, and the
second has tips for riding in groups.

Here's some signals that I use when I go riding in groups.  Most of
them are pretty self-explanatory, so they work even with riders who
haven't encountered them before.  If anyone has more, I'd like to hear
them. 

Point to tank - I need gas, stop at the next station 

Point at ground - Careful, there's something on the road (Note that
you aren't pointing at the hazard necessarily, as this might not be
convenient) Also, point at ground, rub fingers together - road is
slippery. 

Flash brake lights very rapidly - Major watch out!  Be prepared to
stop QUICK. 

Point at sign - read the sign.  If it's a highway sign with multiple
exits listed, hold up the number of fingers corresponding to which
exit you want (e.g. two fingers for the second exit listed) 

Point at another rider, then pat leg - you want that rider to come
alongside you (usually so you can talk) 

Point at another rider, then point to side of road - pull over now. 

Arm out, palm back - stay behind me 

Arm out, forward waving - go past me 

Waving arm in quick downward motion, with palm down and parallel to
ground - slow down!  Often used for bikes traveling in the opposite
direction to warn of hazard or police. 

Tap top of helmet, or hand on helmet - cop nearby  (This signal is
designed to be both noticable and undecipherable by the cop) 

Point forward, shrug shoulders - I don't know where we're going, I
probably shouldn't be leading! 

Little wave to oncoming motorcyclist - "Aren't motorcycles great?" 

Finally, when someone gives you a signal, you should nod your head  so
they know you understand, since they can't see your face very well
behind a helmet. 

Next, here are some hints for formations for various types of riding: 

On the highway - staggered within one lane to provide good visibility
for all riders.  Lead rider should ride smoothly, and not shoot into
gaps that aren't big enough for the whole group (if possible).  Leader
also should point out exits in advance by pointing to signs, and get
in the correct lane soon enough so the entire pack can follow safely. 
When changing lanes, the leader should maintain the same relative
position in the new lane, so the stagger doesn't have to propagate all
the way back.  Riders should try to note how many are behind them. 
Everyone should know what the exit is before hand just in case. Riders
should not pass each other, as it messes up the stagger and makes it
hard to keep track of where everyone is in the pack. 

Canyon Bombing - Single file, fastest to slowest.  Leaders should stop
at intersections if there's a chance someone could make a wrong turn,
and also periodically (perhaps every 10 minutes) to make sure
everybody's still there. Be sure to signal turns well in advance. 
Don't fixate on the rider ahead, watch the road.  If this is a
problem, drop back.  When passing cars, don't assume that when the
rider ahead of you goes, you can too, or that they won't abort their
pass and nail the brakes!  When passing multiple cars, watch for the
cars deciding to pass also!  Glance in your mirrors before pulling
out. 

City Streets - Two per lane at stops, staggered while riding.  Don't
split traffic if not everyone has their own lane.  Signal and get in
the correct lane in plenty of time.  Avoid unnecessary lane changes. 
With larger groups it won't be possible  to stay together, so split
into smaller groups.  If someone gets stranded at a light (leaders
must watch for this!), the leaders can pull to the side of the road in
single file and wait for them, assuming there aren't too many leaders.

In all cases, the leaders must keep track of what is happening behind
them, as it is much more difficult to pass information forward than
back.  It can also be a good idea to designate a "sweeper", generally
an experienced rider who agrees to ride last in line and make sure
everyone is OK. 

It's much more enjoyable (and safe) when everyone in the group follows
the same plan.  Happy riding! 

--
Paul Thompson    Apple Computer    DoD #47    Would you remember a 1-line .sig?
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-- 
-- bob pasker
-- bob@halfdome.sf.ca.us 
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