Motorcycling is primarily a solo activity, but for many, riding as a group - whether with friends on a Sunday morning ride or with an organized motorcycle rally - is the epitome of the motorcycling experience.  Here are some tips to help ensure a fun and safe group ride.

ARRIVE PREPARED

Arrive on time with a FULL gas tank.

HOLD A RIDERS' MEETING

Discuss things like the route, rest and fuel stops, and hand signals.  Assign a lead and sweep (tail) rider.  Both should be experienced riders who are well-versed in group riding procedures.  The leader should assess every one's riding skills and the group's riding style.

KEEP THE GROUP TO A MANAGEABLE SIZE

Ideally five to seven riders.  If necessary, break the group into smaller sub-groups, each with a lead and sweep rider.  For larger events with a multitude of riders, the sub-groups should not have more than 15 riders, and each have a lead and sweep rider.

RIDE PREPARED

At least one rider in each group should pack a cell phone, first-aid kit and a full toolkit, so the group is prepared for any problem that they may encounter. 

RIDE IN FORMATION

The staggered riding formation allows a proper space cushion between motorcycles so that each rider has enough time and space to maneuver and to react to hazards.  The leader rides in the left third of the lane, while 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.  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.

AVOID SIDE-BY-SIDE FORMATIONS

This formation reduces the space cushion.  If you suddenly needed to swerve to avoid a hazard, you would not have room to do so.  You don't want handlebars to get entangled.

PERIODICALLY CHECK THE RIDERS

Look in your rear view mirrors periodically. If you see a rider falling behind, slow down so they may catch up.  If all the riders in the group use this technique, the group should be able to maintain a fairly steady speed without pressure to ride too fast to catch up.

PLAN TO REGROUP IF SEPARATED

If you're separated from the group, don't panic.  Your group should have a preplanned procedure in place to regroup.  Don't break the law or ride beyond your skills to catch up.  Just continue riding to the preplanned regrouping stop and discuss with the lead rider or road captain the situation that led up to you being separated from the group, and make plans on how to avoid the same situation from happening again.

MECHANICAL OR MEDICAL PROBLEMS

Use a cell phone to call for assistance as the situation warrants.