rndthought
02-08-2007, 09:54 AM
This is the "word" from our group... enjoy!
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Even though we ride all the time here in sunny florida, as spring rolls around, we usually get more new riders. So, in that vien....
Basic rules for riding in a group
By no means will this be an exhaustive list, so feel free to add anything that I might have missed. These seem like common sense, but everyone has been a rookie and someone has to tell you.
Of course there are exceptions to everything, I guess life would be pretty
boring without them. Several of us in CFCR have been riding together for quite a few years now, so an unusual comfort level has been established, kinda like mind reading. We've ridden together on the street and on the track. We know each others abilities and skill levels- we're very comfortable with each other. You might see all of us do everything I'm gonna talk about not doing- so all I can say about that is- until getting to that level of familiarity, ride your own ride.
1. Consider that the ride leader (RL) should have the ultimate right of way. That dynamic needs to be in place, as the RL has many issues of concern. He/she is attempting to lead the group as one, therefore this carries an important responsibility. The leader should think as the group. He/she should generally be alone in their lane up front. That allows full use of the lane width, giving the ability to scan for potholes, debris, irregularities etc. and to have room to avoid them and to give the appropriate signal to those following. This holds true for any other hazards or road conditions the group may encounter. This holds true as well for entering intersections, stopping at stop signs or traffic signals etc. The leader is ultimately going to decide the direction, other riders need to be clear of the leader as well as each other.
There are times when the plan doesn't come together! We all need to be on the lookout for this. Be prepared for the unexpected. Split second decisions are tough to make, and we are entrusting the RL to make them. We need to be able to follow that lead -whatever it is -UNLESS doing so would put us or others at risk.
We like to be flexible and share lead duties. We generally will establish who leads to what point before we leave from wherever we last stopped. There are times when the lead is given over, generally acknowledged by a signal or pulling over to the right of the lane and allowing the riders who want to blitz a known fast stretch to do so, then regain the lead at the next stop.
2a. Distancing/Spacing- in my opinion, one should not ride too closely to other riders. That is, stay far enough behind so that if the rider ahead needs to go from one side of the lane to another to avoid something, there will be no contact. Ride in a staggered formation. Keep the rider behind you visible in your mirrors. As speed increases, leave more room between riders. Go through curves single file then resume the staggered formation. Also keep in mind, the person in front of you has the right of way as well. Same as in a car. Any contact is on you.
2b. When you change lanes, go to the far side of the lane so someone else can also change lanes. Example: If you are on the left side of the right lane, when you move to the left lane, go all the way over to the left side of the lane.
3a. When coming to a turn on a regular road, (for a twistie road see rule 5) drop into a single file line. You should communicate either before the ride or during the ride with the bike beside you about who is going to go first and who will drop in behind.
3b. Riding a line- I've noticed lately that a few riders don't ride a consistent line through curves. Riding a line is the safest and fastest way through a curve or corner. Pick a radius before entering a curve then ride that radius as consistently as you can through the entire arc. You'll find you are a lot smoother and faster. The exception is when having to avoid road hazards, pot holes, animals, wet spots(!) cars or fallen riders. Cornering is half the fun of riding. Always go at your own pace- don't overcook it. If you see you're holding up other riders, give them the signal to pass and then get in your sweet spot.
3c. Give People Their Space!!!!!!!!! Don't crowd, don't cut in, don't "stuff", don't dive in on people while their trying to take a curve!! If you need to, pass 'em safely on the straights, then do your thing. Otherwise, take it to the track! Riders who are being stuffed- be smart- signal whomever is stuffing you to go by at your earliest opportunity. Then get back in your comfort zone!
4. Learn the hand signals. The basic ones that we use are: A. Hand tapping top of helmet: There's a cop. B. Pointing frantically to the ground with hand or foot: There's something in the road on that side. C. Left arm extended and bent 90 degrees with closed fist: We are about to make a final turn in and stop D. Left Arm extended and bent 90 degrees with open hand: Right turn. E. Left arm straight out: Left turn F. Left arm extended out and slightly waving up and down with open hand: slow down or possible stop. G. Someone flashing all five fingers of one hand at you: you forgot to turn off your blinker. H. One leg extended to side of bike: That person is about to change lanes in that direction. (I personally prefer and use blinkers, but you need to know this one.) I. Pointing to the gas tank: I need gas. J. Pointing to your stomach: I need food.
5. It is not uncool to use your blinkers to change lanes. The first night I rode with a large group, everyone was sticking out their legs and changing lanes. I'm thinking we're cruising between 80 and 140mph so I'm just going to have to look like a dork and use my blinkers just so there is no mistake about what I'm about to do because the last thing I wanted was to get ran over. As soon as I started using my blinkers, half the people in the group did also.
6. When you're on a twistie rode with a group, ride in a single file line and DO NOT ride above you're skill level! I have ridden with many different groups and they always wait at the end of the rode for everyone and usually do a head count to make sure no one went down. Take it easy, we will wait for you, rather than wait for you then bury you.
7. Don't go flying by someone at high speed in the same lane as they are in unless you know them and they have told you that it is ok. Please go by in a different lane.
8. If you want to stunt, go out front and every one try to pick one or two lanes to stunt in. Most experienced stunters do this, this is for the inexperienced. It is much better to get in front before you do a wheelie, etc. Riding up through a pack on your rear wheel is not the safest thing in the world.
9. When you first ride with a large group or an unfamiliar group, I suggest you stay in back and on whatever side that has an escape route. You need to be thinking what will I do if someone in front of me goes down. It does happen!
10. When the group puts the hammer down and it comes time for you to decelerate, if you don't brake and just let off the throttle, make sure that you tap your brake a couple of times so that the bikes behind you will know your slowing down.
11. Wear protective gear. At the least you should have a jacket, helmet, gloves, and ankle boots. We have a whole little document on this. Please give it a look.
12. Make sure your bike is registered and you have a valid license, etc..
13. Be gassed up when we meet.
14. Emergency cards with all of your information and Emergency Contact info. Trust me on this one. It would have helped when Eddie passed, rather then me, Rob, Brett and Freddie telling the cops we didn't know who to call, etc.
15a. Occasionally when turning a bike might pull out to turn but in intersection... he is stopping to create a barrier so cars know to stop and allow the group to turn into the road.. be aware for this.....He will then rejoin as the last bike.
15b. Sometimes when we're riding in traffic, looky loos in cages cause problems by cutting into the group, or repeatedly slowing down and speeding up, weaving, waving, generally not paying attention, doing dopey stuff that can put us in jeopardy. We recently got hassled by 2 morons trying to perpetrate road rage on each other in heavy traffic coming back from the Snack Jacks Run. On occasion, in order to get the group out of traffic congestion and into a safer environment, the ride leader may take an opportunity to get into a less crowded lane, then slowly back off blocking the car behind him or her to CREATE AN
OPENING for the group to escape through. Keep your eyes open for this and when you see it, MOVE THROUGH the opening the RL has created so the rest of the group can follow. Then when in the clear, the RL will resume their position. This can allow us to get through heavily congested areas with the least amount of hassle. It is important that the rest of those in the group ACT ON THIS in a timely fashion as the driver of the car being blocked is generally NOT HAPPY once they figure out whats going on and will get right on the RL's tail. So BE PROMPT, please pay attention out there and help us all get to where we're going safely
and expediently.
16. If you peel off during a group ride let someone know. we'll be looking for you..it's a real drag.
17. When following do not focus on person in front of you keep them in peripheral vision and focus ahead. (IE. Don't Target Fixate!)
18. Loose Cannons- every once in a while we get to see the results of losing concentration, inexperience, boredom, ego, many things. Most of the time there's no harm done. The potential does exist however for problems, so just be aware! A loss of concentration can mean not seeing a hazard when everyone else does, not seeing a red light (or a yellow for that matter). Not seeing someone having to make an emergency stop, etc. Inexperience has caused some to ride over their head and scare the crap out of themselves and others, and even to crash. Boredom from a steady pace has inspired some to pull out and pass the entire group at warp speed- generally ok, unless we're making the next left..... ego- well, what can I say? We all have it, sometimes it gets the best of us.....
19. Safe passing- always consider your safety and that of others- those on bikes, bicycles and in cars and trucks. Make your passes as cleanly and safely as you can. If everyone else has gone by and you can't make it- don't worry about it. There will generally be a spot coming up where you can make up time. I've found in most cases all those banzai passes are generally worthless anyway, as at the next set of twisties there's a pack of cars going 10 under so you're stuck again........
I'm not a fan of passing on double yellow, though I have done it on occasion-costly for safety reasons (you laugh?). I can just hear the cop now- Sir, you're how old? You haven't learned the meaning of double yellow lines yet? Tsk tsk (while writing out driving award).
It certainly would be nice though, if we could educate other drivers not to run off the road when they see us coming at them in the curves or slow down or to at least just move out of the way to let the group go by. You can tell when we pass a knowledgeable biker who just happens to be in his/her car or truck that day. Notice how they give way and wave you on by? I always give a wave of thanks to those folks. They go a long way in making up for some of the other ones out there......
20. There are no trophies or cash prizes on our rides. To me the best reward is that we have a great time, enjoy each others company and respect, and return home the same way we left- ready to do it again as soon as we can.
If there is an accident..
A) Don't' move the rider unless he cannot breath/impeded helmet in water puddle. mud etc.. (helmet came off something in his mouth)..then keep the neck straight as possible..
B) Know CPR.
C) do not pull out anything impaled braches etc... leave them in as pulling them out you may allow more bleeding
D) know how to use a tourniquet.
E) Call an ambulance be on safe side.
F) Search for emergency card inside jacket inside or under seat.
G) Turn off bike. shut off lanes of traffic place bike in lanes etc if
necessary....
H) Find out where they are taking rider.
I) When cops show up.. Have a plan on what your going to tell them, as a group. Everyone has to agree on what your going to say. That's all I'm gonna say about this.
J) Don't' take off helmet!! Make sure it goes with them to hospital for docs. Keep talking to them if concussed etc.. don't' let them get up etc..
K) Use your head.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Even though we ride all the time here in sunny florida, as spring rolls around, we usually get more new riders. So, in that vien....
Basic rules for riding in a group
By no means will this be an exhaustive list, so feel free to add anything that I might have missed. These seem like common sense, but everyone has been a rookie and someone has to tell you.
Of course there are exceptions to everything, I guess life would be pretty
boring without them. Several of us in CFCR have been riding together for quite a few years now, so an unusual comfort level has been established, kinda like mind reading. We've ridden together on the street and on the track. We know each others abilities and skill levels- we're very comfortable with each other. You might see all of us do everything I'm gonna talk about not doing- so all I can say about that is- until getting to that level of familiarity, ride your own ride.
1. Consider that the ride leader (RL) should have the ultimate right of way. That dynamic needs to be in place, as the RL has many issues of concern. He/she is attempting to lead the group as one, therefore this carries an important responsibility. The leader should think as the group. He/she should generally be alone in their lane up front. That allows full use of the lane width, giving the ability to scan for potholes, debris, irregularities etc. and to have room to avoid them and to give the appropriate signal to those following. This holds true for any other hazards or road conditions the group may encounter. This holds true as well for entering intersections, stopping at stop signs or traffic signals etc. The leader is ultimately going to decide the direction, other riders need to be clear of the leader as well as each other.
There are times when the plan doesn't come together! We all need to be on the lookout for this. Be prepared for the unexpected. Split second decisions are tough to make, and we are entrusting the RL to make them. We need to be able to follow that lead -whatever it is -UNLESS doing so would put us or others at risk.
We like to be flexible and share lead duties. We generally will establish who leads to what point before we leave from wherever we last stopped. There are times when the lead is given over, generally acknowledged by a signal or pulling over to the right of the lane and allowing the riders who want to blitz a known fast stretch to do so, then regain the lead at the next stop.
2a. Distancing/Spacing- in my opinion, one should not ride too closely to other riders. That is, stay far enough behind so that if the rider ahead needs to go from one side of the lane to another to avoid something, there will be no contact. Ride in a staggered formation. Keep the rider behind you visible in your mirrors. As speed increases, leave more room between riders. Go through curves single file then resume the staggered formation. Also keep in mind, the person in front of you has the right of way as well. Same as in a car. Any contact is on you.
2b. When you change lanes, go to the far side of the lane so someone else can also change lanes. Example: If you are on the left side of the right lane, when you move to the left lane, go all the way over to the left side of the lane.
3a. When coming to a turn on a regular road, (for a twistie road see rule 5) drop into a single file line. You should communicate either before the ride or during the ride with the bike beside you about who is going to go first and who will drop in behind.
3b. Riding a line- I've noticed lately that a few riders don't ride a consistent line through curves. Riding a line is the safest and fastest way through a curve or corner. Pick a radius before entering a curve then ride that radius as consistently as you can through the entire arc. You'll find you are a lot smoother and faster. The exception is when having to avoid road hazards, pot holes, animals, wet spots(!) cars or fallen riders. Cornering is half the fun of riding. Always go at your own pace- don't overcook it. If you see you're holding up other riders, give them the signal to pass and then get in your sweet spot.
3c. Give People Their Space!!!!!!!!! Don't crowd, don't cut in, don't "stuff", don't dive in on people while their trying to take a curve!! If you need to, pass 'em safely on the straights, then do your thing. Otherwise, take it to the track! Riders who are being stuffed- be smart- signal whomever is stuffing you to go by at your earliest opportunity. Then get back in your comfort zone!
4. Learn the hand signals. The basic ones that we use are: A. Hand tapping top of helmet: There's a cop. B. Pointing frantically to the ground with hand or foot: There's something in the road on that side. C. Left arm extended and bent 90 degrees with closed fist: We are about to make a final turn in and stop D. Left Arm extended and bent 90 degrees with open hand: Right turn. E. Left arm straight out: Left turn F. Left arm extended out and slightly waving up and down with open hand: slow down or possible stop. G. Someone flashing all five fingers of one hand at you: you forgot to turn off your blinker. H. One leg extended to side of bike: That person is about to change lanes in that direction. (I personally prefer and use blinkers, but you need to know this one.) I. Pointing to the gas tank: I need gas. J. Pointing to your stomach: I need food.
5. It is not uncool to use your blinkers to change lanes. The first night I rode with a large group, everyone was sticking out their legs and changing lanes. I'm thinking we're cruising between 80 and 140mph so I'm just going to have to look like a dork and use my blinkers just so there is no mistake about what I'm about to do because the last thing I wanted was to get ran over. As soon as I started using my blinkers, half the people in the group did also.
6. When you're on a twistie rode with a group, ride in a single file line and DO NOT ride above you're skill level! I have ridden with many different groups and they always wait at the end of the rode for everyone and usually do a head count to make sure no one went down. Take it easy, we will wait for you, rather than wait for you then bury you.
7. Don't go flying by someone at high speed in the same lane as they are in unless you know them and they have told you that it is ok. Please go by in a different lane.
8. If you want to stunt, go out front and every one try to pick one or two lanes to stunt in. Most experienced stunters do this, this is for the inexperienced. It is much better to get in front before you do a wheelie, etc. Riding up through a pack on your rear wheel is not the safest thing in the world.
9. When you first ride with a large group or an unfamiliar group, I suggest you stay in back and on whatever side that has an escape route. You need to be thinking what will I do if someone in front of me goes down. It does happen!
10. When the group puts the hammer down and it comes time for you to decelerate, if you don't brake and just let off the throttle, make sure that you tap your brake a couple of times so that the bikes behind you will know your slowing down.
11. Wear protective gear. At the least you should have a jacket, helmet, gloves, and ankle boots. We have a whole little document on this. Please give it a look.
12. Make sure your bike is registered and you have a valid license, etc..
13. Be gassed up when we meet.
14. Emergency cards with all of your information and Emergency Contact info. Trust me on this one. It would have helped when Eddie passed, rather then me, Rob, Brett and Freddie telling the cops we didn't know who to call, etc.
15a. Occasionally when turning a bike might pull out to turn but in intersection... he is stopping to create a barrier so cars know to stop and allow the group to turn into the road.. be aware for this.....He will then rejoin as the last bike.
15b. Sometimes when we're riding in traffic, looky loos in cages cause problems by cutting into the group, or repeatedly slowing down and speeding up, weaving, waving, generally not paying attention, doing dopey stuff that can put us in jeopardy. We recently got hassled by 2 morons trying to perpetrate road rage on each other in heavy traffic coming back from the Snack Jacks Run. On occasion, in order to get the group out of traffic congestion and into a safer environment, the ride leader may take an opportunity to get into a less crowded lane, then slowly back off blocking the car behind him or her to CREATE AN
OPENING for the group to escape through. Keep your eyes open for this and when you see it, MOVE THROUGH the opening the RL has created so the rest of the group can follow. Then when in the clear, the RL will resume their position. This can allow us to get through heavily congested areas with the least amount of hassle. It is important that the rest of those in the group ACT ON THIS in a timely fashion as the driver of the car being blocked is generally NOT HAPPY once they figure out whats going on and will get right on the RL's tail. So BE PROMPT, please pay attention out there and help us all get to where we're going safely
and expediently.
16. If you peel off during a group ride let someone know. we'll be looking for you..it's a real drag.
17. When following do not focus on person in front of you keep them in peripheral vision and focus ahead. (IE. Don't Target Fixate!)
18. Loose Cannons- every once in a while we get to see the results of losing concentration, inexperience, boredom, ego, many things. Most of the time there's no harm done. The potential does exist however for problems, so just be aware! A loss of concentration can mean not seeing a hazard when everyone else does, not seeing a red light (or a yellow for that matter). Not seeing someone having to make an emergency stop, etc. Inexperience has caused some to ride over their head and scare the crap out of themselves and others, and even to crash. Boredom from a steady pace has inspired some to pull out and pass the entire group at warp speed- generally ok, unless we're making the next left..... ego- well, what can I say? We all have it, sometimes it gets the best of us.....
19. Safe passing- always consider your safety and that of others- those on bikes, bicycles and in cars and trucks. Make your passes as cleanly and safely as you can. If everyone else has gone by and you can't make it- don't worry about it. There will generally be a spot coming up where you can make up time. I've found in most cases all those banzai passes are generally worthless anyway, as at the next set of twisties there's a pack of cars going 10 under so you're stuck again........
I'm not a fan of passing on double yellow, though I have done it on occasion-costly for safety reasons (you laugh?). I can just hear the cop now- Sir, you're how old? You haven't learned the meaning of double yellow lines yet? Tsk tsk (while writing out driving award).
It certainly would be nice though, if we could educate other drivers not to run off the road when they see us coming at them in the curves or slow down or to at least just move out of the way to let the group go by. You can tell when we pass a knowledgeable biker who just happens to be in his/her car or truck that day. Notice how they give way and wave you on by? I always give a wave of thanks to those folks. They go a long way in making up for some of the other ones out there......
20. There are no trophies or cash prizes on our rides. To me the best reward is that we have a great time, enjoy each others company and respect, and return home the same way we left- ready to do it again as soon as we can.
If there is an accident..
A) Don't' move the rider unless he cannot breath/impeded helmet in water puddle. mud etc.. (helmet came off something in his mouth)..then keep the neck straight as possible..
B) Know CPR.
C) do not pull out anything impaled braches etc... leave them in as pulling them out you may allow more bleeding
D) know how to use a tourniquet.
E) Call an ambulance be on safe side.
F) Search for emergency card inside jacket inside or under seat.
G) Turn off bike. shut off lanes of traffic place bike in lanes etc if
necessary....
H) Find out where they are taking rider.
I) When cops show up.. Have a plan on what your going to tell them, as a group. Everyone has to agree on what your going to say. That's all I'm gonna say about this.
J) Don't' take off helmet!! Make sure it goes with them to hospital for docs. Keep talking to them if concussed etc.. don't' let them get up etc..
K) Use your head.