VCE's code for riding in a group

[bunnie]

In this thread we will try to point out our behaviour we would like to see when touring in a group.

Just add your idea and if usefull it will be added in here and deleted, if not I will delete it anyway.
It is really not that important which way is the best, but having a standard really is important.

1	All bikes have their lights on
2	Only the first and the two last bikers will wear reflecting vests
3	we will ride as much as possible in this formation
4	the 2nd bike in this formation drives on the right side where possible
5	in a group there will be NO overtakings! when due to unforseen conditions the formation is not correct, just check your left or right and assume the correct position.
6	When the group gets disunited, we use what I like to call the crumbs-method: the group splits due to f.e. traphic-lights or a bridge, and they do not see each other anymore the 1st group will move on until the next direction is taken. At this point the last bike will stop in sight of the 2nd group, only to drive off if they have seen him waving. Whenever there are more then one splits the same action is taken. When the 1st driver sees that his group is deminishing he can decide to pull up onto a safe and big enough place so that the group can become whole again.
7	in case of trouble, i.e. engine trouble a bike is out, then the former last will stop with him and the last biker will go drive on top only to guide the group to a parking place. With cell-phones we will keep informed.
8	please take a position in front of the group when you like to drive on a steady pace. Drivers in the back often must work harder to keep pace with the group
9	if you know first-aid stuff, please let the organisation know. The organisation better takes a first-aid kit along.
10	a route description is handed out to everyone if possible
11	for the first biker to know when he can 'take off' he raises his hand. then the 2nd raises his hand and so on. When the first rider sees the last rider raises his hand he knows everyone is ready to go.
12	each biker is responsible to obey the rules of traphic law. Riding in a group can be dangerous thinking you are priviliged whilst you are not.
13	the route is known to the 1st and 2nd driver. see also rule #10.
14	there will be a tankstop after 150km with a maximum of 200km.
15	there will be a 1st break after max. two hours and every next 1,5 hour.

[roland]

Good rules, Bunnie! Every biker who rides in groups often should know them, but sometimes the brain is weak. ;D

A good idea is also that the leader of the group knows the way by himself or uses a GPS. When he rides two up the backseat driver should have a look for the rest of the group. It works for me, because Ruth can look in my rear view mirror and see whats going behind me. If possible, the first and the last bike should use CB or PMR radio for some short informations what's going on in the group. This helps a lot because the leader has to look for the traffic, the right way and the group. Sometimes very difficult, especially in strange countries. I remember the tour through Geneve on the way to the int. meeting in France. Not only the heat made me sweat.

[bunnie]

That the leader knows the route was obvious to me, but you are right. Good point.
Keeping a look on the group is nothing more then looking in the mirror, period.
When anything happened in the group the last one also will drive in front of him. So that is covered.
When loosing the group a glance in the mirror should do.
rule #13 is added

[roland]

Yes for sure, Bunnie, it's always good when the leader knows where all want to go. ;D ;D ;D But with our international ways to go there often will be no one knows the exact way. Leading a group by map can get very difficult when not only major roads can be used. For this a GPS is a big advantage.

BTW a look in the mirror wasn't possible as often I want to have to, but Ruth was me a big help. The situation was: Never have been in Geneve before, looking for the GPS where to go to in a lot of circuits and crossings, looking for the traffic from all directions, looking for the road signs and traffic lights and looking for the group. You know that was at least for one person impossible.

[bunnie]

at that point the case was that Falko was blocking a busy crossing and got to argue with a cardriver. Therefor he was delayed and lost the group. Blocking is a method against traphic law so we must choose not to use it. The crumbs-method is a better one.
At a quiet point between crossings or at a traphic light, just look behind and do a quick estimate. When the loss is to big look for a parking spot.

[winghunter]

Great job, Bunnie.

[TwoWheels]

Excellent tactics Bunnie.

[bunnie]

with thanks to Twowheels who spotted this link

www.sunsethog.com/groupRiding.html

this is how I want it except for the middle man.