Sensible set of rules for group rides?

[stopintime]

I'm getting more involved in our national DOC club, organizing group rides [moto]

We're trying to compose a simple set of rules.

Anyone have suggestions or links for me? 

[goldFiSh]

PM Spidey.

I remember him posting a set on TOB. From memory it was very comprehensive..

[Mike_D]

David Hough in his book Proficient Motorcycling provides some pretty good info on group rides, both for the members of the group and the "Ride Captain."

[ScottRNelson]

Here's a good place to start: http://www.msgroup.org/Articles.aspx?Cat=11

I don't necessarily agree with everything, but there are many good details there.


The second post in the following thread contains my own set of rules for rides that I've lead.  It is far from complete: http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=241286

[stopintime]

I have PM'ed Spidey - he'll be sending over the things he's got.
David Hough's book will be looked into.
I've copied your post Scott, and read through most of the other linked articles.

Thanks for your help

[ScottRNelson]

I hope you'll post the set of rules that you come up with.  If they're good enough, I might start using them.

[stopintime]

I hope you'll post the set of rules that you come up with.  If they're good enough, I might start using them.

You realize they'll be in Norwegian? 

(maybe I'll make a short version in English and post up)

[Aflac]

I'm getting more involved in our national DOC club, organizing group rides [moto]

We're trying to compose a simple set of rules.

Anyone have suggestions or links for me? 

Make sure all riders have insurance before they ride with you.  That would be my first rule.

[orangelion03]

My personal Rule 1 of group riding:  Dont.

My own experience has led me to believe that groups should be limited to no more than three riders.  Anything else is a cluster copulation.  If you have more than that, break it down to sub-groups.   I found the rule also applied to cars when I was a member of the SoCal Miata CLub.

[ScottRNelson]

My own experience has led me to believe that groups should be limited to no more than three riders.

I prefer an upper limit of six with an absolute upper limit of eight.  You need the one at the end to understand that they're in the "sweep" position.

If you keep proper group spacing of at least two seconds between bikes in the twisties, allow no passing, and set a reasonable pace at the front, it can be done safely.  If there are stop signs or traffic signals involved, those at the back need to understand that the front group will wait at an appropriate spot ahead if those at the back get stuck at a light.

[Spidey]

I have PM'ed Spidey - he'll be sending over the things he's got.

I PM'd you what I could find (which was a link to TOB).  I'm absolutely certain that I've written up something before, but just couldn't find it.  Which means this is probably as good a time as any to generate a revised set of rules (when I have a free moment). 

[Privateer]

Show up early, with a full tank of gas.
If you have to leave early, tell someone.
If you get lost, stop.
Don't ever try to catch up.
Be realistic about your skill level and where you should ride in the group.  Fast people in front, slower people in the back.
Bring cash for lunch.
Have all your paperwork (license, registration, insurance, medical card)
Don't ride like a dick (no slingshotting, tailgating, etc etc)
Don't crash.

[CDawg]

Show up early, with a full tank of gas.
If you have to leave early, tell someone.
Don't ride like a dick (no slingshotting, tailgating, etc etc)

+1 and wear gear
I'm also a big fan of the Pace: http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=117.0

[stopintime]

This is what we came up with for our national DOC.
It's my short and poor translation, but you'll understand
Feel free to copy and paste 

-------------

We wish to promote safe group rides. Our members will behave respectfully and including towards fellow members and others, on and by the roads we ride. Conscious safety for yourself and fellow group riders.

On time
Ready to go, on time and with a full tank.

Formation
In traffic and when riding slow we spread out in our lane, every second rider to the left and right.
On open roads we form a single line and increase distance between riders.
We do not pass other riders unless we are waved on by that rider.

Adjust your speed
If you need to use your whole lane - you might be riding faster than you should and will spend your safety margins in advance. Some riders do this on a regular basis on their own and are willing to take that risk, but on group rides this risk is transferred onto other riders and that's unnecessary.

Passing cars
We pass cars in the order we ride. Be patient and let he rider in front of you pass in his/her own pace.
After passing you will position your bike to the right and well ahead of the passed car - thus leaving room for the next passing rider.

Intersections and road dividers
If we aren't all together, we will wait for the next rider to make sure there's no misunderstandings about which direction to follow. If alone and in doubt, wait for the sweep captain.

Divided by traffic
Riders in front will slow down or stop.

Wish for a calmer pace?
If you discover that the pace is higher than you feel safe at, wave other riders on and join the sweep captain at your pace. At the next stop, you're welcome to ask the sweep captain for riding advice.

----------------------- 

[pennyrobber]

Adjust your speed
If you need to use your whole lane - you might be riding faster than you should and will spend your safety margins in advance. Some riders do this on a regular basis on their own and are willing to take that risk, but on group rides this risk is transferred onto other riders and that's unnecessary.

I like the list. I am curious about the above bullet point though. What is meant by "using your whole lane"? Is this referring to just on the highway or to twisties as well?