Route and timing
- Choose a destination and route that suit the least experienced rider in the group, not the most experienced.
- Calculate time with the average speed of a group, which is lower than a solo rider’s, and add time for stops.
- Plan fuel stops around the bike with the shortest range.
- Prepare an alternative route in case a road is closed or the weather changes, and check the forecast before you leave.
The pre-ride briefing
Five minutes at the meeting point saves a lot of confusion on the road. Go over:
- The route, the stops and the expected return time.
- Who leads and who sweeps. The lead sets the pace; the sweep, an experienced rider, stays last and helps anyone who stops.
- The hand signals the group uses, and what to do if someone breaks down or gets separated.
- Phone numbers, and who in the group has first-aid training.
Formation and spacing
- On straight roads ride in a staggered formation: each rider on the opposite side of the lane from the one ahead, about one second from the rider diagonally ahead and two seconds from the rider directly ahead.
- In bends, on narrow roads or in poor visibility, switch to single file with more space.
- New riders ride right behind the lead, so they never have to chase a gap.
- Split a large group into sub-groups of a few riders so traffic can overtake.
Stops
Stop regularly even when it seems unnecessary: water, rest and a check that everyone is fine. A shared fuel stop is better than everyone filling up when they need to. If a rider gets separated, the rule agreed in the briefing decides where the group waits.
The formation and spacing guidance is based on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s group riding recommendations. Local traffic laws come before any recommendation.
Sources: MSF group riding guide. Links do not imply that these organisations endorse MotoCircleX.