Group rider spacing

[Venturous Randy]

To go along with Eck's question about blockers, I have a question about group rider spacing.

I am not a fan of everyone bunched up real close, but I have been on several group rides that got very strung out, even without any cages mixed in. It has appeared to me that the first three or four bike tends to set the trend, even if there are 30 or more bikes in the group. If the lead bikes run closer, the rest seem to ride closer.

I know that when I am riding where there is good scenery, I am not comfortable looking around while in a group. But it also irritates me for the group to get strung out when there is 200 to 300 feet between bikes. I think this also irritates cagers when they would prefer not to pull out into the group, but being so strung out makes them inpatient.

When riding 40 to 50 mph on a nice two lane, is there a preference for spacing?

RandyA

[utadventure]

Because of the varying of speeds, AMA recommends a time interval rather than a space. Riders are recommended to be 1 second behind the rider that is in front of and to the side in the staggered formation and 2 seconds back from the rider that is directly in front of them on the same side of the stagger.

 

We regularly ride in group situations and this works very well. As the speed increases, so does the cushion of space for you to react in. We have some older riders that are part of the group and they feel that there reaction time has diminished some, so they extend their space to 3 seconds.

 

While spacing is important in any group ride, so is consistency! Whether you personally prefer 2 or 3 seconds (or something else), maintaining that timing/spacing helps everyone but especially those in the back of group to reduce the yo-yo/slinky effect and the issues and frustration that can cause.

 

If you are in a group and are not comfortable with the formation, speed etc. or, like you mention, like to enjoy the scenery, volunteer to be the tailgunner. Or let the leader know that you are dropping out of the formation and ride your own safe/comfortable ride and then meet up at the next stopping point. This is safer for you and all those around you.

 

There, now you have my 2,3, and 4 cents worth!

[Trader]

Because of the varying of speeds, AMA recommends a time interval rather than a space. Riders are recommended to be 1 second behind the rider that is in front of and to the side in the staggered formation and 2 seconds back from the rider that is directly in front of them on the same side of the stagger.

!

 

[Flyinfool]

It also depends on the type of ride.

If it is just cruising down the interstate or other fairly straight road to get to a destination then 1 and 2 second rule is appropriate.

If it is a sightseeing ride just for the fun of it, Out thru the twisties, then a greater following distance is appropriate I have been as much as 5-6 seconds back sometimes even more if appropriate. I also make it a point to keep tabs on the bike in front of me as well as the bike behind me. The most recent ride I was on the lead bikes were very experienced and there was a rider on a new bike behind me. That bike had issues keeping up thru the tighter parts of the road so I held back to keep her in sight, while trying to not loose the leaders.

[bongobobny]

We practice the two second rule...

[dacheedah]

I'll take 3 seconds, I may have to avoid parts falling off a first gen

[Venturous Randy]

One second at 45 mph is 66 feet and that would be the distance behind a bike in the lane beside you and about 130 feet from the one in front of you. Theoretically that is about 2,000 feet for 30 bikes. I remember a ride to Dillard house several years ago at Vogal and we must have been strung out for way over a half mile. I think we were around 30 bikes on that ride.

RandyA

[etcswjoe]

Because of the varying of speeds, AMA recommends a time interval rather than a space. Riders are recommended to be 1 second behind the rider that is in front of and to the side in the staggered formation and 2 seconds back from the rider that is directly in front of them on the same side of the stagger.

 

We regularly ride in group situations and this works very well. As the speed increases, so does the cushion of space for you to react in. We have some older riders that are part of the group and they feel that there reaction time has diminished some, so they extend their space to 3 seconds.

 

While spacing is important in any group ride, so is consistency! Whether you personally prefer 2 or 3 seconds (or something else), maintaining that timing/spacing helps everyone but especially those in the back of group to reduce the yo-yo/slinky effect and the issues and frustration that can cause.

 

If you are in a group and are not comfortable with the formation, speed etc. or, like you mention, like to enjoy the scenery, volunteer to be the tailgunner. Or let the leader know that you are dropping out of the formation and ride your own safe/comfortable ride and then meet up at the next stopping point. This is safer for you and all those around you.

 

There, now you have my 2,3, and 4 cents worth!

 

 

:sign yeah that::sign yeah that:

[darthandy]

+1 on the 2 sec. / 1 sec. rule. And as Jeff says, on a sightseeing tour, especially if there are curves and hills, a greater interval is even better. We usually put new group riders in the 2nd or 3rd position for the first couple of rides so that the ride captain can better gauge their ability at keeping a proper interval and to see their overall riding ability in the group.

 

Andy

[Ozlander]

1st Gen's will be bunched up in front with the 2nd Gen's spread out behind trying to keep up.

[MiCarl]

We occasionally ride tighter than the 1&2 second rule when on the freeway. At those speeds the distance gets great enough it can be too tempting for a cager to take half a lane. You really need to be able to rely on your fellows if doing that.

[ragtop69gs]

1st Gen's will be bunched up in front with the 2nd Gen's spread out behind trying to keep up.

 

It's not that we're trying to keep up, it's because old people on old bikes scare me so I tend to give them space. :rotfl:

[XV1100SE]

It's not that we're trying to keep up, it's because old people on old bikes scare me so I tend to give them space. :rotfl:

 

[Eck]

I believe the first 3 lead bikes do set the pace. When the Lead bike takes off and there are 30 bikes in his group, he should not take off fast at all, but in a rather steady but "normal" pace until up to the 50 / 55 mph range. The 2 and 3rd bikes should also take off normal and steady and set the pace of distance between bikes This is the 2 to 3 second rule. All remaining bikes should follow suit and stay in the "staggered" position.

The last 7 bikes to the tail gunner should not have to take off like there is no tomorrow just to keep up in the group.

If the light changes, and the last 7 to 10 bikes did not make it through the light, then the last bike through the light becomes the tail gunner for that group that did make it through the light. The next group can catch up later or the lead group can pull over (which I do not reccommed doing for safety reasons).

 

IF there IS reason for the entire group to stay together.. then it is strongly reccommend to aquire the support of a police escort. If the group is just a group out joy riding, then there is really no reason for the group to stay together.

 

The best thing to do is have a "heads up" conversation with everyone in the parking lot prior to leaving on the group ride and explain where the group is riding to and what to do if the group does get broken up. Everyone can meet up later at the final destination safetly without blocking intersections or racing through red lights just to stay together..

 

For those of you who do not know what the 2 or 3 second spacing rule is...

This is where you are follwing a bike in front of you, and when they pass a marker (like a mail box) you start counting; one thousand one, one thousand two ...and you are now passing the mail box this is the 2 second rule.... if you feel more comfortable with a distance of 3 seconds of spacing, then count to one thousand three..and you should be passing the mail box or whatever marker you chose.

 

 

I just have to ask ...do you know what rule #1 is.. at anytime your in a group ride?

DONT HIT THE BIKE IN FRONT OF YOU....................

[Bobby G]

We usually guage the distance interval between bikes in "approximate bike lengths", not in seconds. The "visual" is easier than counting "1 mississippi, 2 mississippi", etc. On 55 mph + two-lane or interstate roads, we usually keep 4 - 5 bike lengths of interval. On slower rides, that closes up to a comfortable 2 - 3 bike lengths. Always staggered, with the lead bike on the left portion of the lane. We also make a concerted effort to keep the gaping tight enough so as not to invite any "cage crashers" into our line, while also staying out of blind spots. We always do whatever it takes to make sure everyone around us is aware of our presence. Most of this is common sense riding, but if we have anyone in our group that is new to us or new to group riding, we talk about it ahead of time. As a former PGR Ride Captain, I understand the value in discussing safety before the kickstands go up.

[bj66]

For me it kind of depends, I usually ride with a few guys more so than a bunch. These same guys and I ride together alot, so we are very familiar with each others abilities and riding styles. I tend to follow pretty close, sometimes probly a little closer than I should. I tend to put my bike directly in the guys mirror in front of me. Just out of his blind spot. He can tell exactly where I am at all times. Plus it is easier for me to see what is going on with him and his bike in front of me (staggered of course). I do this for a few reasons. Most local rides are not so much full of scenery where I am gawking around etc. We ride to get from A to B in places like this. Plus there are usually 3 or 4 of us at most, and it is not uncommon to have cagers driving 75 plus on 55 mph highways. If a cager wants to pass us, he can pass us in one bunch. When I am in unfamiliar territory and the groups size increases, so does my spacing though.

[djh3]

Other than a Poker ride about 2yrs ago I havent be a group larger than 5 I think. I try to keep a comfortable distance for me. I try to keep the 2sec rule but dont want to loose any options if you know what I mean. You have to be ready to adapt to your surroundings, and that is what it sounds like the majority do. Interstates may be closed up, which is OK as less odd ball stuff has a chance to happen. More turns and sceenery, distance increases t give us more of a buffer.

[Yammer Dan]

It's not that we're trying to keep up, it's because old people on old bikes scare me so I tend to give them space. :rotfl:

 

We all know when you get old and start to slow down you start looking for a 2nd Gen....

[SilvrT]

There should not be a whole group of 30 bikes. It should be split up into smaller groups of 6 or so, separated by roughly 5 min. Everyone should know the route and the next stop. The entire group of 30 rejoin at the next stop.

[dacheedah]

Yammer, we just hope you are riding with us so you can wrench on it if needed.

[Yammer Dan]

Yammer, we just hope you are riding with us so you can wrench on it if needed.

 

 

:sign It wasnt me::sign It wasnt me::bang head:

[Panjandrum]

There should not be a whole group of 30 bikes. It should be split up into smaller groups of 6 or so, separated by roughly 5 min. Everyone should know the route and the next stop. The entire group of 30 rejoin at the next stop.

 

Totally agree. It is tough enough as a group leader to keep 5 or 6 bikes together. No hope with 30. Plus, other road users should be able to comfortably overtake a group of riders without splitting the group. With 4 - 6 bikes tightly spaced (1 & 2 seconds), this is possible. With larger groups, other road users are bound to split the group, as will traffic lights and intersections.

 

I also agree that group spacing is generally set by the number 2 bike. My preference is to have a fairly experienced group rider in #2 position. Put the novices in #3 and #4, and have an experieced tail gunner.

 

In town and on a highway with lots of traffic, either maintain a tight group, or ride as individuals. In the country with little traffic, open up the group and enjoy the scenery.