Over where I live (Switzerland), going for a group ride has some clearly defined rules to ensure that no one gets left behind.
- In cities, ride in a staggered formation. At intersections, close the formation so that you are sitting 2-up next to each other.
- On country roads, there is no need to maintain the formation, everyone rides their own line (especially important in the twisties)
- If there is slow traffic, each person passes when it is safe (and legal) to do so.
- Each person is responsible for the person immediately behind them. If a group gets separated, keep going straight (following the road you're on) until you see the 'tail' of the group again. This means, if the group takes a turn, each person waits at the intersection until they see their "follower" signal that they are going to turn.
- There is no passing within the formation - each person keeps their position relative to the group. If someone wants to change position, this is done at the rest stops. (Okay, we don't *always* follow this one, especially when there is a slower bike in front of us).
- Before the ride begins, everyone knows the route, and everyone has the mobile phone number of the group leader in case of problems.
I recently went on a ride with a small group (6 people) over 200 miles across Switzerland. My GSX 1400 was the "biggest" bike, next was a FJR-1300, an Aprilla touring, a Buell Lightning, Honda CBR 600, and a freshly restored 1952 MZ 150ccm. Climbing up some of the Alpine passes, we had to wait a few minutes for the MZ to make it to the top. But we never lost him!
What other rules are there for group rides?
06-21-2006, 07:50 AM
Group Riding 
