Planning the ride
It’s always a good idea to prepare a map of the route with all the stops indicated. If some bikes become separated from the group, they can “catch up” at the next stop.
• If you’re not out for a scenic ride, plan the most direct route to an event or activity. Interstate highways offer the following advantages:
- All traffic is moving in one direction.
- No cross-traffic or traffic lights to split up your group, if possible.
• When there are three lanes, it is wise to travel in the middle lane. This allows faster traffic to pass and will also allow vehicles to enter/exit the highway more easily.
• If you’re out for a scenic ride, be sure traffic conditions will allow it. For example, is there a county fair or car show in the area that day to complicate the ride?
• Plan stops to avoid gravel lots and left-hand turns. No one likes gravel, and in a group, it’s even less fun. Right-hand turns in and out of stops will help the group stay together.
• Plan gas stops at least every 90 miles, so folks with smaller tanks can fill up and stay with the group.
• If you have a large group stopping at a restaurant, call the restaurant far enough in advance to allow them to prepare for a large group.
• If you expect a particularly large group and it’s possible to get a police escort or traffic control at the start/end of a ride or along the route, great! Otherwise, it is a good idea to at least inform the police department of your plans and perhaps drop off a map. Never block traffic yourself; it may be against the law!
leading the ride
Choose and maintain a comfortable pace within the speed limit.
• Keep in mind that people at the end of the group may have to drive a little faster to keep up if there are gaps in the group.
• It also may cause a problem to drive too slowly. Drivers in vehicles behind the group may become impatient and try to get around the group.
• Know the route well enough so that you can give the group plenty of notice that you are approaching a turn.
• Always signal your intention to turn or change lanes. If you find yourself at an intersection too quickly for the entire group to make the turn safely, continue until you locate a place where the entire group can execute the turn safely.
participating in the ride
Drinking and driving never mix. This is especially true when participating in a group ride.
• Always ride in staggered formation; it gives you an extra margin for safety.
• Make sure your vehicle is in good operating condition. For example, a bad tire could cause an accident on a group ride
• Being too hot or too cold can also affect how alert you are as a driver. Be sure to pack appropriate protective clothing, such as a long-sleeve cotton shirt (for protection from the sun), helmet, eye protection, leather jacket, gloves, etc.
• A group of motorcycles is not considered a single vehicle. Be courteous and allow cars to enter and exit the highway and change lanes. Generally speaking, a car will not want to ride in the middle of a group of motorcycles and will get out of the group as quickly as possible.
• Familiarize yourself with the route and scheduled stops.
• Arrive to participate in a group ride with a full tank of gas.