[Wolfgang]

I have recently participated in rides with a German group. They have a way to keep the group together and safe that is new to me. Keep in mind that in Europe you have far more intersections and round-abouts to deal with.

The leader and the last rider are identified by a brightly colored vest. At the first turn the rider behind the leader pulls to the side and directs the other riders. He than pulls back into the group in front of the last guy.

The advantages are that the group stays together and that you don't ride behind the same person the whole time. I was skeptical at first, but it works real well.

 

[DanDiver]

Sounds like an interesting way to ride in groups...

I've never been comfortable though with other bikes and prefer to ride alone. I did do a lot of riding at the beginning with close friends and seemed to enjoy it. Being around other moving motorcycles makes me nerves and on edge. It must be me.

 

[jers99lt]

+1 Dan. Just the thought of doing something (pulling over and directing other riders) that's uncommon on a ride, would throw me off. Do you pull off before or after the turn? Where's a good, safe spot to pull over? Looking backwards for other riders isn't the best position to be in. Seems like you become a target for someone on a cell phone.
One or two other riders is all I can deal with on a ride. I also don't like the idea of filling up the road with "my" group.
Glad it works for those that do enjoy the group ride.

Have fun,
Jer

 

[kevincaron]

Hell, I would be happy to have anyone to ride with.

Just finished a 6500 mile coast to coast ride by myself. Saw lots of other bikes but never more than 4 in a group. Most of them heading for the ralley I guess.

 

[TWheels]

Sounds like an interesting way to ride in groups...

I've never been comfortable though with other bikes and prefer to ride alone.

I enjoy the company of other bikers but actually prefer to ride alone. On group rides, we stop just before or just after a change of road so that stragglers can catch up and nobody gets lost. I do think that there is potential danger in a number of motorcyclists stopping together near an intersection. We've been lucky so far.

 

[dukey33]

sounds like an interesting system.
I wouldn't try it with just any group, only an experienced group I'd ridden with before and with riders that all understand how it works.

With conventional group riding, the first time that 2nd rider stops at an intersection, all the other bikes behind will stop too.

ride safe.

 

[hallzee]

Interesting methodology. We use FRS radios in our group, and keep those in the "herd" that don't have a radio in the middle.

 

[billsmith]

Yes interesting!
I was in something similar in my GTL demo ride we were in groups of six and had a slight briefing as to what was expected. A couple times the group leader pulled over so make sure everyone had made the right turns. Pretty professional.
Before my LT and younger (I was) I rode to the jazz fest in Cincy one of seven riders, and other times one of 2,3 and 4. Most important thing is knowing who you are riding with and getting everyone on the same page. Only problem is when someone wants to be the leader that was not part of the plan.
Since the LT I go solo most often but twice was in a group no I take that back more like a convoy (bevy) of bikes how about 20K+ . . . 'TOYS for TOTS' December run in Chicago. Forgot to mention I was not the leader then and we had a PO escort. No stop lights for the groups.
ride safe

 

[patrick2000]

Nice concept. I still prefer t ride alone though.

 

[jers99lt]

Yes interesting!
I was in something similar in my GTL demo ride we were in groups of six and had a slight briefing as to what was expected. A couple times the group leader pulled over so make sure everyone had made the right turns. Pretty professional.
Before my LT and younger (I was) I rode to the jazz fest in Cincy one of seven riders, and other times one of 2,3 and 4. Most important thing is knowing who you are riding with and getting everyone on the same page. Only problem is when someone wants to be the leader that was not part of the plan.
Since the LT I go solo most often but twice was in a group no I take that back more like a convoy (bevy) of bikes how about 20K+ . . . 'TOYS for TOTS' December run in Chicago. Forgot to mention I was not the leader then and we had a PO escort. No stop lights for the groups.
ride safe

Looks noisy. :stir:

Have fun,
Jer

 

[tombstone]

Hi,
This is known as the layoff method and is used extensively in the UK. The leader when coming up to a junction will point at the ground to indicate where the following person will stop, That person will then stay in that position and use an arm to indicate to following riders the direction to go.
When the tail end charlie comes into view he will pull out just in front and rejoin the run.
If you are on long straight roads with few turnings (where could I be thinking of) then it is not really required but if you are riding through anywhere in England with traffic lights, junctions and roundabouts regularly sprinkled along the route then it is very easy for the group to get split up and then the whole group (even if only 5 or 6 bikes) have to hang around or send out search parties.
I also prefer to ride either alone or with one other but sometimes I do ride in a group and this is actually a fairly relaxed way of doing it.

Tony

 

[billsmith]

Looks noisy. :stir:

Have fun,
Jer

Will admit VERY N O I S E Y :kaboom:
But if you are familiar with the drill we leave the assembly point in 2's and if you get lucky or have riding buddy you get behind another BMW or GW . Then the most noise is under a bridge. Besides it is for the kids. And I did not always have an LT :rotf:
ride safe :bmw: