Group Riding

• Before setting out on each ride, a riders' meeting will be held to discuss the route, rest and fuel stops, hand signals, and what to do in the event of an accident or emergency or if someone is separated from the group.
• Lead and tail riders who are experienced and knowledgeable in group riding procedures will be assigned for each ride. Lead and tail riders should be equipped with CB radio's.
• The lead bike will point out obstacles in the road by using hand signals and/or radio communication.  (not by kicking the roadkill into pathway of the bike behind them..LOL..ask Bob Scott about this one).
• The group will be kept to a controllable size of seven to ten bikes. The group will be broken into smaller sub-groups, each with a lead and tail rider if necessary.
• Be prepared. At least one rider in each group should pack a cell phone, first-aid kit, and full tool kit.
• To allow for enough time and space for maneuvering and reacting to hazards, it is important to ride in formation.
• The leader rides in the left third of the lane.
• The next rider stays at least one second behind in the right third of the lane.
• The rest of the group follows the same pattern.
• The group should always be kept in tight formation when negotiating through  traffic to keep other drivers from "splitting" the group.

• A single-file formation is preferred on a curvy road, under conditions of poor visibility or poor road surfaces, entering/leaving highways, or other situations where an increased space cushion or maneuvering room is needed.

• Do not ride in side-by-side formations because they reduce the space cushion.
• Check the riders following in your rear view mirror from time to time.
• Be vigilant by watching the bike in front of you.  Consistently check for hand signals and signal lights on the bike in front of you.
• When passing the lead bike will radio the tail bike expressing the need to move left or right.  The tail bike will immediately check for hazards behind and radio the lead bike to advise if safe to move into a lane.  The lead bike will use turn signal and hand signal to indicate to riders that they should move into a lane.  The tail bike will radio the lead bike when there is a safe distance to move ALL bikes back into the original lane.

• If you’re separated from the group, don’t panic. Your group should have a pre-planned procedure in place to regroup. Don’t break the law or ride beyond your skills to catch up.