Essentials of Group Riding

Author Dave Tomlinson

We hope you’ve enjoyed one or two recent club ride outs and thought it might be useful if we put together an easy list covering group riding…..

Marking Methods

There are 2 methods used to mark the route. Both methods share the common aim of ensuring everyone follows the same route, without having comprehensive route details.

Drop-Off method

Used where there are a large number of riders and ensures all riders can ride at their own pace. Each rider will, in turn, be placed as a marker by “Ride Leader”to indicate the direction for others to follow, re-joining the group again immediately in front of “Tail End Charlie”.

Some good “YouTube videos” on the drop off system:-

Buddy method

Is ideal for smaller groups who know each others’ riding style. The method depends totally on each rider understanding that they will be responsible for and lead their ‘Buddy’, who is the rider immediately BEHIND them.

Group Riding Tips

Think and ride for yourself, choose your own lines and corner set up.
Make full use of your mirrors to maintain and maximise all round awareness of Safety, Stability, View.
Be able to stop in the distance you can see to be clear.
Obey all posted speed limits – it is your responsibility to ride appropriately.
Maintain a positive attitude, be courteous and tolerant – a friendly wave is appreciated and sets the standard.

Tips for the ride and group

If at any time you are uncertain what direction the Marker is indicating, stop and ask.

If you are an experienced group rider reassure newcomers and help make them welcome.
At small open roundabouts or mini roundabouts, proceed straight on unless there is marker.
Always carry enough information – route, map, satnav – to find your way to the destination in case the marking system breaks down and have the mobile numbers for texting the“Ride Leader”and “Tail-End Charlie”.
The bike spacing is staggered offset 3–4 secs behind the bike immediately in front.
In urban riding and heavy traffic, close up to minimise disruption to other road users.
Move into line astern with a longer gap at higher speeds and before taking bends.
At Stop/Give way lines, stop in pairs 2 abreast to keep the group compact and avoid a long single queue; but allow a clear view and room to wobble!
Leapfrog in turn when filtering and the gap is large enough for 2 bikes; consider making a gap for the following bike.

Common causes for loss of confidence and performance:

It is important to feel comfortable and relaxed. The moment a rider becomes tense or worried, bike control is immediately affected and can lead to a downward spiral – notably failure to make progress; anxiety when no other riders are to be seen; over cautious and missing overtake opportunities.

Some common issues are:–

The feeling everybody is better than you are.
Nervous/anxious about making mistakes in front of other riders.
Worried that you can’t keep up and make everybody wait.
Feeling pressured to keep up and riding beyond your capabilities and outside comfort zone.
Loss of concentration due to boredom, frustration, fatigue, dehydration.
Compromising stopping distance by riding too fast and close for the conditions.
Beware ‘target fixation’ and over reliance on the bike ahead to take the correct course and speed – you go where you look!

Group Riding Etiquette:-

Don’t ride if you are not feeling well, tired or taking medication.
Don’t be late or keep people waiting while you get into your bike gear.
Don’t ride with a group beyond your capability.
Don’t hang on to the bike in front for fear of becoming lost.
Do start the run with a full tank of petrol and empty bladder.
Do keep a sense of humour.

Oxford Motorcycle Riders (OMR) Meetup® – Covid-19 compliance

As up to 6 of us will be together in public places at the start, during the break and at the destination it is likely/possible we will be there at the same time as other riders/drivers/pedestrians. It is important we do not exceed our 6-person group and maintain a 2m social distance at all times.

# # # Please do not sign up to this ride if you are: Self-isolating; Shielding or part of a household that is. # # #

To protect your own health and keep others safe, the following applies:

Ensure your motorcycle is road legal, carry out POWER (petrol, oil, water, electrics, rubber) checks beforehand;
Remain outdoors and in a public place for the duration of the ride, always maintaining the government’s recommended social distancing of at least 2m;
Know and follow the COVID-19 safety procedures at filling stations or shops;
Avoid touching or riding each other’s machines;
Bring appropriate COVID-19 safety kit (such as alcohol hand gel, masks, gloves, tissues, plastic bags, etc.) as well as food, refreshments and all other necessary resources for the journey;
Have a full tank of fuel and try to limit the number of fuel stops needed during the ride.
You should be prepared to wear a face covering if social distancing is likely to be compromised.
During the pre-ride briefing, you will be reminded of this safety info and the ‘buddy’ system explained so we lose no one on route.

Other important stuff

Any glitches on the day – call the Ride Leader!
Please read our Ground Rules and Disclaimer in the “What we’re about section”. https://www.meetup.com/BMW-Club-Oxford-Motorcycle-Riders
We will use the ‘buddy’ system to ensure we lose no one on the ride. You might like to take a look at: https://bmwcluboxford.com/group-riding-a-view-from-a-u-s-lawyerwhich is a U.S. lawyer’s take on group riding.

Pre-OMR Departure Briefing

It’s a good idea to draft a few notes for the pre-departure briefing. It not only helps to put you at ease by working to a script it ensures no important detail is left out. This should include:

A welcome to everybody
An introduction of yourself as Ride Leader / “Tail-End Charlie”wearing the“orange vest”
The final destination postcode or grid reference
The coffee stop postcode or grid reference
A general question to find out if anyone is unfamiliar with the “Drop Off” or “Buddy” system.
A brief explanation as necessary on the crucial points of the “Drop Off System” or “Buddy” and introduction of your Tail End rider and his / her role in the orange vest.
The “Drop Off System” method of marking the route allows everyone to ride at their own speed and within their comfort zone and that there is no need to chase down the rider ahead you will re-assure any newcomers and less experienced riders.
Once marking a junction / turn that rider must stay there despite the perceived time gap until the designated “Tail End Charlie”arrives
We will be riding within all speed limits as appropriate on the route and everyone should maintain position in the group and not overtake the rider ahead.
As up to 6 of us will be together in public places at the start, during the break and at the destination it is likely/possible we will be there at the same time as other riders/drivers/pedestrians. It is important we do not exceed our 6-person group and maintain a 2m social distance at all times.
Avoid touching or riding each other’s machines;
You should be prepared to wear a face covering if social distancing is likely to be compromised.
Last but not least – “Any Questions?”