Riding Procedures – Part 1
(Content taken
from the Gold Wing Road Riders Association Group Riding Guidelines)
In this months
article we’ll begin talking about some of the many topics relating to
Riding Procedures.
Generally groups
ride in a staggered formation. The first bike is in the left track
and the bikes behind alternate tracks (left track, right track, and so
on). Keeping in mind riding
conditions you should be 1 second behind the person staggered in front of you
and 2 seconds behind the person directly in front of you (same track).
When trying to
determine if the distance you have between you and the bike in
front of you is correct, ask yourself this question, “If the bike
in front of me or in the stagger next to me has an emergency (flat tire,
engine looses power, etc) and suddenly decelerates or otherwise slows or stops
quickly, do I have enough time to recognize the situation and react?” If you don’t feel comfortable, adjust
your spacing.
You should
never ride beyond your skills or comfort zone. You should do whatever you need to
feel comfortable within the guidelines set forth by the group. You should feel free to adjust your
riding distance as long as it doesn’t negatively impact the group as a
whole. You should also feel free
to ride in front of or behind the group at a safe distance if that’s what
you’d like to do.
When
stopping at a traffic light the bikes will pull along
side each other 2 a breast.
Consider trailers and trikes when stopping, either of these may take up
more space in the lane making it unsafe to pull along side. As the bikes pull out the bike
currently at the intersection should announce if there is oncoming traffic
from the right or left. When the
drag bike clears the intersection he/she should announce that all bikes are
clear and indicate the group can increase to an appropriate speed.
The Lead Bike will
establish and set the speed for the group. Maximum speed limits should be adhered
to. The Lead should adjust the
speed based on conditions such as traffic, weather and road conditions. During adverse conditions if anyone
feels uncomfortable at the current speed they should let the Lead bike know so
the group can reduce speed. If
the groups speed is too slow and traffic is building up behind the group, the
Drag Bike should advise the Lead Bike.
The Lead Bike will decide what action should be taken, such as speed
up, change lanes or leave the road completely.
Next
month, Passing, Curves, Traffic and More… Stay
tuned!
Take care
and safe riding!
Viktor “Odie”
Danelius