The main message -- group riding can be a blast
if every rider rides smart.

• Arrive at the departure site fueled, fed and ready to ride 30 minutes before departure time.

• Be on time, there will be a Ride meeting 10 minutes before departure time.

• If a map is provided, study it. Or have your own map to read and mark up the route.

• Assume responsibility and work with all others in the group for the safety and protection of all.

• Travel in a staggered formation within a lane. The next rider will follow at a safe distance on the opposite side of the lane (you should be able to see the face of the rider in front of you in their rear view mirror). Other riders follow the same pattern.

• Maintain a safe steady speed and spacing. Do not speed up and slow down or shift your position from side to side, this disrupts the efforts of others to regulate their speed.

• If you are joining up with the pack along the route; join up to the rear, advancing at a safe closing speed. Once you reach the pack, the sweeper may provide a space, or hole, and motion for you to move up in front of him/her.

• Stay alert. The lives of other people are in the hands of each pack member.

• When entering traffic from a parking lot, gas station, or leaving a traffic signal, each rider should move out quickly and get in position in formation, if it’s safe.

• When passing a vehicle on a two-lane two way road, each rider should pass in order, in single file, and only when it is safe to do so, leaving enough space between you and the vehicle you just passed.

• When stopping at a signal or stop sign, you may pull up to two abreast. Maintain this formation if you will be going through a series of stops.

• When turning at an intersection maintain your position in the formation.

• When entering a parking area or gas station enter in single file.

• When riding on narrow, twisting roads you may move into single file, while maintaining an increased safe distance between bikes.

• Be sure to inform the Road Captain and Sweeper if you will be leaving the pack along the way. While on the ride if you wish to leave the pack, fall back behind the last bike and inform the Sweeper / Tail Gunner that you are okay and are leaving the pack. Otherwise, any bike that pulls over or exits the highway will be escorted and the Sweeper will stop with you to assist you.

"Road Riding Rules" is an adaptation of an article that ran in Thunder Press some time ago. The author was a rider of one of those "other" bikes. Some of his terms have been changed to be more recognizable.