Lane Changing and Passing

  1. Use your mirrors consistently, but never rely on them. Glance over your shoulder to confirm what you think your mirror shows you.
  2. After making your lane change, always resume the same position you occupy in the group. The same rule applies when you are passing.
  3. Car lanes on one-way, multi-lane highways, are numbered from left to right. The Group Leader and the Rear Bike direct the team of their lane changes by referring to the lane number when lane changes are desired.
  4. When passing a vehicle on a two lane, two-way road, each team member should pass in order and in turn. The Group Leader should accelerate far enough ahead of the passed vehicle to allow room for the rest of the team to pass and the Rear Bike should inform the Group Leader when he's around and back in formation. It really feels good to be a part of a group that can react as one unit when space permits, or snake around a slow moving car like a living thing. But remember, each rider is to pass at their own risk as traffic permits!
  5. Lane changes by the group on highways with two or more lanes going in the same direction should be made by the Rear Bike first, after the Group Leader requests a lane change and then advises the Leader that the lane is "secure". The Leader then announces over the CB to all bikes in his group, "Let's all move to the #____ lane, NOW!". The Group Leader hesitates, before saying NOW, giving you a chance to look over your shoulder, to see for yourself, that it is clear to move to the new lane. Then all the other bikes are to signal and follow the bike in front of them. This is especially important when every bike does not have a CB.
  6. On some occasions, depending mostly on traffic, the Group Leader or the Rear Bike might decide it to be safer or easier to change lanes from the front. If that is the case, the Group Leader will announce the decision to do this on the CB
  7. Wait to return to the original lane, until the Group Leader decides when it is best to do so, but never before you think it is safe!
  8. There will be times when, due to heavy traffic and/or the group waited too long to change lanes for an off-ramp, that each rider will have to move from one lane to another as an individual, not as a group member. The Group Leader should tell the group over the CB, if possible, that the lane change has to be done "on your own". Be very careful, this can be dangerous.
  9. Entering a crowded highway could also be a reason to enter "on your own" and the Back Door should advise the Group Leader when the group is back together again.

Twisties

  1. On mountain type roadways and curvy roads, ride single file and each rider use the "line" that is most comfortable. Allow the bike in front of you a little more room (12 seconds), but remain as a group. Resume the staggered formation, when the road straightens out. Do not try to out ride your riding skills. If the bike in front of you is dragging his foot pegs in the curves, do so, but only if you feel confident. The bike probably just needs more air in its suspension anyway. In any group of riders there will always be a varying degree of riding skills. If you are new at group riding, ask someone who has been riding behind you how you have been doing. Hopefully, you'll get an honest answer. Like anything else it takes practice to watch the motorcycle in front of you, the one in front of him, the one behind you and the one behind that one. You will soon get so that you are watching every bike, from the Group Leader to Tail End Charlie.
  2. When not familiar with the road, Slow Down. Speed is still the #1 cause for motorcycle collisions as is drivers error.
  3. The three (3) second rule (or more) applies, even if the Group Leader forgets to mention it. (The three second rule means 1 2 seconds between each and every motorcycle.)
  4. You should know about counter steering, If you have taken an MSF course. That is, to initiate a right turn, push on the right grip. To turn left, push on the left grip. The key, is to use counter steering, or "push steering" all the time whenever you ride.

Intersections

  1. When approaching a vehicle facing toward you that is attempting to turn left, assume that driver does not see you and will turn directly into your path.
  2. When first in line at a signal controlled intersection without a left turn arrow, don't wait at the white line. Move forward on the green signal to the approximate center of the intersection and halt with your left turn signal activated and wait until the left turn movement can safely be completed. This will allow many of the (if not the whole) group to complete a turn at the same time and is not illegal.
  3. When stopping at a traffic light or stop sign, catch up to the unit to your front and wait side-by-side. Bike on left is always first to commence moving.
  4. When entering a through street, or highway, or turning at an intersection, the Group Leader should accelerate slowly until informed, by the Rear Door, that the group is together.

Stops and Final Destination

  1. Keep the same position during transit and after stopping for gas, etc. Re-take that previous position so you are aware of the bikes around you.
  2. If the Team Leader or the Rear Bike approaches you at a stop or final destination, remember, they have the group's best interest at heart, or better yet our safety. Listen to what they have to say, you may be in their place one day, and you'll want others to listen to you. Of course, they will be the very example of tact and diplomacy, when they critique your riding skills. But listen, it just might save your life and the lives of others.

Parking

  1. When entering parking areas, go to single file and slowly follow the leader to the designated parking area. Be alert! Don't just park anywhere! If possible, back into your spot, side by side. If the leader does not feel that there is enough room for all bikes, he will then tell you to find your own spot. Do so carefully, especially on dirt. Watch out for cars backing up. Remember, most of our bikes are quiet. Try to keep the group together in an orderly fashion. It really looks good when a neat formation of motorcycles comes down the highway, exits in an orderly fashion, and parks all in a row. Spectators stop and watch an orderly group enter a parking lot, close up, and park; you can see the admiration on their faces. It makes you proud to be a part of that group of motorcyclists.
  2. If (Heaven forbid) you lose control of your motorcycle while halted and it begins to fall over, don't attempt to hold it up when it goes past center. It's better to hurt your bike than yourself. The co-rider should keep their feet in while the bike is falling and not try to step off, which would take away any chance for the rider to save it.