Standard staggered formation:
The Ride Leader will usually ride in the left track of the lane,
the second bike will ride in the right track of the lane 1 to 1½ seconds behind the leader.
Each rider in the group will repeat the process.
This means:
You should be 2 to 3 seconds behind the bike directly in front of you,
which would put you 1 to 1½ seconds behind the staggered bike.
Speed by position in the group:
Slow: If you like to ride slow or are new to group riding, get up FRONT.
New riders may think they want to ride in the back, however the best place to be is near the FRONT.
Fast: Do to the "Yo-Yo" effect, those who like to ride fast should ride in the BACK.
Sharp Corners / Twisties:
Spread out and leave more space.
Each rider should be allowed to use the entire lane, Single file formation may be needed.
Usually the Lead Bike will not signal for single-file at each turn but will expect the riders to choose their own path of travel.
Hotdogging / Showboating:
NO wheelies, stoppies, burnouts, no hands, etc...
While it may be fun to goof around with your bike when you’re alone, it can create problems with the safety
of the group.
Entering Traffic:
When the Lead Bike sees that all riders are ready to depart, he or she will check for traffic
and enter the roadway. The Lead Bike will make every attempt to enter the roadway only if all
or most of the group can stay together.
If the group is split, the Lead Bike will normally take the slow lane and keep the speed relatively low
until the group can form up in the positions the riders will keep for the duration of the ride.
Responsibilty within the Group:
- Regardless of the Lead Bike’s signals, a rider is responsible for his or her own safety at all times.
- Regardless of what other riders in the group are doing, each rider must personally check to see that
the new lane is clear of traffic before entering it.
- Pass hand signals to riders behind you.
- Each rider commands his entire area within a lane and may move to left or right in it as required.
- If you find yourself uncomfortable with the riding style of the group at any time, DROP OUT.
Your safe arrival is far more important than conforming to rules you don’t like or don’t understand.
- Contact the Road Captain, Ride Leader or Ride Sweep prior to the start of
any ride if you have any concerns.
- --- Ride Your Own Ride. ---
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Hand Signals:
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START ENGINES:
With your right or left arm extended, move your hand in a circlular motion.
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LEFT TURN:
Raise your left arm horizontal with your elbow fully extended.
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RIGHT TURN:
Raise your left arm horizontal with your elbow bent up 90 degrees vertically.
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SLOW DOWN:
Extend your left arm down at a 45 degree angle and move your hand up and down.
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STOP:
Extend your left arm down at a 45 degree angle with the palm of your hand facing rearward.
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HAZARD LEFT:
Extend your left arm down at a 45 degree angle and point towards the hazard.
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HAZARD RIGHT:
Extend your right arm down at a 45 degree angle and point towards the hazard.
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SINGLE FILE:
Position your left hand over your helmet with your fingers extended upward.
This indicates the leader wants the group in a single file formation.
Usually this is done for safety reasons.
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STAGGERED FORMATION:
Extend your left arm upward at a 45 degree angle with your index and pinkie finger extended.
This indicate that it is safe to return to staggered formation.
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