Riding in a Pack

[Lulu Connors]

If any of you ride in groups from time to time, I am sure you have experienced the chaos that can be caused from riding with people that are inexperienced with group rides. I live in Daytona Beach, FL and almost every weekend, due to owning Thunder Roads Magazine, ride on poker runs with groups of riders that I don't know. Luckily, they usually put me in the beginning of the pack and my ride is a very competent rider who rides quite defensively. And in Florida most ride so often in groups they are very familiar with the rules of riding staggered, staying up with the pack while giving enough braking room and abide by the rule slower, less experienced riders stay toward the back of the pack. I prefer police escorted rides, since generally they stop traffic at intersections and with their flashing lights we are extremely noticeable.

I recently was asked to cover a ride in Fairhope, AL for a wonderful charity and was dismayed at the lack of organization, lack of knowledge of the importance of a organized police escort and the total lack of knowledge of rules of riding in large groups. There was no actual formation followed. All levels of riders were thrown together, some even having trouble keeping their bikes upright when stopped. It was like they went and purchased a bike just to participate in the ride. We were in the middle of the pack, following a group of inexperienced women riders who chose to ride single formation so slowly that we were separated from the group leading the way and ended up lost on the 60 mile ride and if not for someone in the group behind us who knew the course of the ride would have stayed lost! During this ride which includes over 1200 bikes there were two accidents. One at an intersection when cars edgy to
beat the next group of riders pulled out and the biker broadsided the car and caused a bit of a pile up. The next was caused by a gear head on a crotch rocket pulling a wheelie and losing control. All accidents caused by total lack of following the rules of engagement for group riding.

Hope everyone in every state will start to focus on group discussion prior to embarking on these rides. They are wonderful for charities, a great social experience, but they can lead to disaster.

Lulu
Thunder Roads Magazine Florida

[Andrew Kass]

Well said. Some people seem to feel that they are safer in group rides, due to the large group being "noticed", but you point out some very valid dangers as well!!

[Lulu Connors]

Dangers? Yes, but really lack of knowledge and skills is the danger and therefore totally avoidable. I believe everyone who rides should take a skills course and become familiar with the reasons for things like staggered riding in groups and the importance of leaving space for braking distance. If you are directly behind and to the side of another biker, it leaves you no escape route if something develops, such as a bike down in front of you or just debris in the road.

Andrew Kass said:

Well said. Some people seem to feel that they are safer in group rides, due to the large group being "noticed", but you point out some very valid dangers as well!!

[Joel Moses]

Agreed. Here in Chicago we have a toys for tots ride that attracts 20k riders every December. It seems every year, somebody gets killed. I always wonder, how? It is a never ending trail of motorcycles, what car driver in their right mind, tries to cross. Your post gives me a little idea. The antsy ones who want to beat the next group.

[Lulu Connors]

Hello Joel,
Yes kind of like the crazy people who try to dart between railroad crossing before the train arrives. Only the train has more protection against their foolishness than bikers!

Joel Moses said:

Agreed. Here in Chicago we have a toys for tots ride that attracts 20k riders every December. It seems every year, somebody gets killed. I always wonder, how? It is a never ending trail of motorcycles, what car driver in their right mind, tries to cross. Your post gives me a little idea. The antsy ones who want to beat the next group.