On group rides
it’s necessary for all involved to understand that individual’s actions can
affect the safety of other group members. Group rides are not for the selfish.
Group members must be prepared to give some thought and consideration to the
safety of others, and enjoyment of all.
On ride-outs, we
want everyone to ride safely and within their abilities at all times. To avoid
the need for anyone to have to "ride like a nutter" in order to keep
up with the bikes in front, we use the "second man drop-off" technique
to signpost the route taken by the ride-out. Then everyone can ride as if they
were out on their own and just enjoy their bike, the road and countryside.
There is a no-overtaking
protocol within the group on ride-outs, again for safety reasons. This means
that, after setting out from each stop, riders should keep to a fixed running
order and a safe distance, no matter how slow the rider in front
of them may be. A group ride-out is not a race and the overall pace must be set
to cater for the slowest group member. Please also note that overtaking
riders on the inside is extremely dangerous and should never be attempted under
any circumstances.
Road Captains have a selection of hand signals at their disposal. For an animated overview of hand signals, click here
Groups of five
or more will have clearly identified lead and tail riders who take
responsibility for briefing the group prior to moving off. Normally, both of
these riders will be familiar with the planned route for the ride-out.
The lead rider
will follow a predetermined route while the next rider in the group, the
"second man", no offence ladies, will be responsible for keeping the
rest of the group on course. Roundabouts are to be treated as any other
junctions. At junctions, the second rider will stop in a safe place before the
junction to show following riders the route taken by the lead rider. For a right
hand turn "second man will pull over and demonstrate with hand signals the
next turn. Note, however, that there is no need to do a second man drop off at
junctions where the main road direction is straight on, and the ride is
following that direction.
The second rider
remains stationary until the arrival of the tail rider. The second rider then
rejoins the ride and takes up a new position immediately ahead of the tail
rider. In some cases, it will be necessary for the tail rider to ride past the
stationary second rider, before the latter can rejoin the group. If this
happens, the tail rider will either slow down or stop in a safe place to let the
second rider catch up.
As the journey
progresses all the riders in the group, apart from the lead and tail riders,
will have their turn as the second rider.
As previously
stated, group riding is not for the selfish, it's not a race so don't chase the
rider ahead. But do keep the rider behind in view at all times - slow down
and/or stop and wait if contact with the following riders is lost.
Develop a safe
attitude and ride with pride. Maintain a good margin of safety at all times,
whether it be the gap between riders, the distance from opposing traffic,
keeping within the capabilities of machine rider and observing all speed limits
(remember, some of us still have pre-TwinCam 88 breaks). Overtaking
opportunities should be taken as they are presented but, if in doubt, hold back.
On straight open
sections of road, riders should aim to ride in a staggered formation. The lead
rider will ride in a central position and the second rider should ride on the
left side of the lane. This allows the lead rider to have a good view to the
rear and makes it easier for the second rider to pull over and stop at
junctions. The third rider then takes up a position on the right side of the
lane and so on. The tail rider will also ride in a central position, so that the
lead and tail riders can see each other along the central gully between the
other riders in the column. (Note that crossing over from inside to outside
staggered riding position (or visa versa) can be hazardous if the gaps between
riders are to too short. Remember the two-second rule and maintain a safe
distance).
It is not always
possible or safe to travel in a staggered formation, e.g. on narrow roads, when
adopting the correct line for a bend, or when part of the lane surfacing is in
poor condition. In these cases riders should move into single file and increase
the distance from the rider immediately in front.
When the group
stops, riders should close up side by side so that the group occupies the
minimum length of road necessary. This is especially beneficial in built-up
areas in getting as many Harleys through a junction or traffic light sequence in
as short an interval of time as possible.
Before the
ride-out remind the group that they should not pull up within 25 feet of a
junction for two reasons.
1. They could
get the good news from the man in blue (get a ticket).
2. If a third
party were to cause serious damage to the rider the insurance company could
claim that they were illegally parked and not payout.
3. Always
remember to brief the ride-out on the second man drop-off technique – there
may be new riders in the group!