Group Ride: Hand Code

[Brownie]

Dear Beemerphiles...............

I have used a simple "Hand-Code" system when riding with friends, that I want to share with the MOA:

It is the " R-E-F-O" system:

R: Rest(room) stop: One finger

E: Eat Two fingers

F: Fuel Three fingers

O: Other Other

This is an adaptation of the old "HEFOE" system we learned decades ago in Navy Aviation training, in the T-28's, when flying formation; the routine required tapping the top of your helmet, then the malfunction code (Hydraulics,Engine,Fuel,Oil,Electrical).

"REFO" is simple and works for most small group riding.............


Comments/suggestions????? :thumb

[SheRidesABeemer]

I ride with an HD guy, and they have a fairly structured set of signals. He was using his set of signals and I'm used to riding alone. We did a lot of miscommunicating at first but now we are down to two signals.

Tap on the top of your helmet means a break of any kind, it's a derived from head - nautical bathroom. Tap real fast for a sense of urgency. Thumb and pinky up - "let's stop for a drink". They work for us, but I would never assume to use them with others without explaination

On the occasions that I do ride with a group, if I am leading, I'll check with each member and find out who needs gas next, and plan around that.

Live and learn, not everyone in a group knows about your signals and aside from the one finger salute, hand signals are not universal!

[basketcase]

Weeelllll ... I like your system, but the group I ride with may not be smart enough to learn all that. We do something much more basic -- as in, we have one ride plan, and one hand signal.

The ride plan is "We all gas up before we leave, ride our own ride, and catch up at the scheduled general purpose lunch/fuel/pit stop." (Rule 1b is that "If you are not at the campground by dark, we send out a search party.") :huh

But emergencies do happen and the hand signal is sometimes called into play. Pointing towards the gas tank can be alternately interpreted as "I need to gas up," or, "I am about to wet my trousers..." :dance

Either scenario merits a stop at the next gas station or facilities, as the case may be.

That is the plan when I ride with the mixed marque bag of cronies I've been running with for years. And I must admit that as we are growing older together, pit …uh, impromptu fuel stops are becoming more frequent.

However, if I am riding with a bunch of Gold Wingers, the rules are entirely different.

1. We meet at a gas station so everyone can fuel up, then the ride plan is shaped around the GPS coordinates for the targeted buffet. :eat

2. Pit stop number one is planned for + or - one hour after the ride starts, or arrival at the restaurant, whichever occurs first.

3. Subsequent pit stops are mapped for + or - one hour after the herd leaves the restaurant.

4. Fuel stops then begin to occur based on the overweight/fuel consumption logarithms of the various bikes. Trikes and bikes pulling trailers (i.e., purses with wheels) have the shortest range (unless equipped with the extra tank), older GL's (1500 series) have the next longest range, and the new fuel injected 1800s can go the farthest. Trailer or no trailer, very few Gold Wingers claim a bladder that can outlast the fuel range of an 1800...

5. Finally, primary bike to bike communications are via CB, with hand signals reserved for wives who occasionally slap their husband’s helmets to get his attention. (See #'s 2 & 3 above).

:hide

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And all that tongue-in-cheek stuff aside, I do like the simplicity of your outline. It seems that sometime in the past I have read something similar in a motorcycling publication -- it could have been the ON, or maybe the AMA magazine? Anyway, I know from talking with various others over the years that groups who ride together often tend to work up a set of signals for the purposes of safety and comfort.

:thumb

[Daver90s]

Dear Beemerphiles...............

I have used a simple "Hand-Code" system when riding with friends, that I want to share with the MOA:

It is the " R-E-F-O" system:

R: Rest(room) stop: One finger

E: Eat Two fingers

F: Fuel Three fingers

O: Other Other

This is an adaptation of the old "HEFOE" system we learned decades ago in Navy Aviation training, in the T-28's, when flying formation; the routine required tapping the top of your helmet, then the malfunction code (Hydraulics,Engine,Fuel,Oil,Electrical).

"REFO" is simple and works for most small group riding.............


Comments/suggestions????? :thumb

When someone cuts you off, give them THE finger.

[john1691]

When with just a couple of buddies we use Chatterbox rider to rider radios (with headsets for the SO to intercom when they come along). When it's more than 3-4 bikes we leave the radios at home and plan the stops in advance, with the rule that if the bike directly behind you starts to fade away in your mirror, pull over and wait, or go see what's up, depending on how long he sits there........One of my riding buddies organizes rides for a local dealership, so I tag along on those a few imes a year. It's a V-twin brand, so they usually stop for gas pretty often. Makes it easy to stay together when you stop every half hour. I much prefer the rides with 2-3 bikes and radios. Not that we talk much, but it makes it handy.

john1691
2000 K1200RS

[basketcase]

Said Daver90sWhen someone cuts you off, give them THE finger.You know, I did that one time on impulse -- and no sooner than I held up my head and rolled on the throttle, the next traffic signal over the hill changed. I barely got away before the four guys in that car caught up to me. They were opening the doors to pile out and pile on as I roared off...

Dang -- it felt good to flip that bird, but it felt even better to escape with my life!

:thumb

[Brownie]

Hey Gail.................

I guess I never realized the importance of the "I need a drink" signal.....must be a Motor Company thing, eh????

[Daver90s]

Said Daver90sYou know, I did that one time on impulse -- and no sooner than I held up my head and rolled on the throttle, the next traffic signal over the hill changed. I barely got away before the four guys in that car caught up to me. They were opening the doors to pile out and pile on as I roared off...

Dang -- it felt good to flip that bird, but it felt even better to escape with my life!

:thumb
Four on one - gee that's fair. yeah, you definitely have to make sure you have an escape route if you invoke ye olde road rage. Glad you made it!!

[EastTNBeemer]

Use left arm for all gestures unless otherwise specified

1. Bathroom Stop - Grab Crotch

2. Police in area - Pat top of helmet

3. Slow down/stop - Arm out, forearm pointing down palm backwards moving hand forward and backwards slightly and/or flash brake light constantly until slowed sufficiently or until stopped

4. Food Stop - Spooning/eating motion to the mouth

5. Gas Stop - Point finger repeatedly at gas tank cap

6. Greet other riders - Arm out and slightly downward, waving motion with open hand Optional: extend two fingers in "peace" gesture

7. Turn around/U-Turn - Arm out, point finger upwards making spiral motion

8. Unexpected object in road - Stand on pegs, flash brake light and slow, then change path around object and extend corresponding leg to point to object

9. Problem with your own bike - Arm out, raise hand up, then point to engine/side of bike (or location of problem such as luggage) and repeat

10. Problem seen on other bike - Arm out, raise hand up, then point to engine/side of other bike (or location of problem such as luggage) and repeat

11. Medical problem with yourself - Arm out, raise hand up, then point to chest (or location of problem such as arm) and repeat

12. Crash - Flail arms, legs, and head uncontrollably while you tumble, until you come to a complete stop If possible, hurl parts of motorcycle at other riders to get their attention. After coming to a stop, urge any livestock in immediate area to "moo" repeatedly

13. Soiled Underpants - Arm out, hand curled into a fist pointed at helmet/eye. Make crying motion with curled fist.

14. Greeting Harley rider broken down on side of road - Arm out, cupped hand in front of mouth, bob head in giggling motion

15. Greeting pack of Harley riders on highway - While passing, stand on pegs, squat slightly, drop trousers


17. Greeting squid at stoplight - Pull up beside his bike, arm out, remove his ignition key, drive off with it

18. Greeting Police Officer - Hands behind your back, head on hood of cruiser, remain silent

[Screamineagle]

Brownie
That is very good,butttt, what is wrong with the old system. Point to crotch,
I have to stop and pee, point to mouth, I want to eat, point to fuel filler, I need gas. That is even more simple and no one has to remember which fingers mean what. Not that I am too dumb to remember the fingers, you understand, but. :laugh

[crazydrummerdude]

Said Daver90sYou know, I did that one time on impulse -- and no sooner than I held up my head and rolled on the throttle, the next traffic signal over the hill changed. I barely got away before the four guys in that car caught up to me. They were opening the doors to pile out and pile on as I roared off...

Dang -- it felt good to flip that bird, but it felt even better to escape with my life!

:thumb

I did that in my truck once.. my target was my girlfriends exboyfriend and his friends, or something dumb like that. Flicked 'em off, peeled out, and screech. The light just turned red. Then, they all started walking over, and as the light turned green I took off and hid. Haha. Sometimes I think I should have a movie made of the stupid things I've done.

[basketcase]

Haha. Sometimes I think I should have a movie made of the stupid things I've done.I catch your drift. Starting at around age 14 and for a long time thereafter, the only way I could have been a bigger idiot would be to have been bigger...

[SheRidesABeemer]

12. Crash - Flail arms, legs, and head uncontrollably while you tumble, until you come to a complete stop If possible, hurl parts of motorcycle at other riders to get their attention. After coming to a stop, urge any livestock in immediate area to "moo" repeatedly

:laugh Hopefully I won't have the opportunity to try this!

[manicmechanic]

A couple weeks ago I led a color run, which was an oppirtunity to go for a ride and enjoy the fall colors. I extended an invitation to the local GW club through a guy at work. One of the questions that came from the Wingers was, "wjat channel do will you be monitoring on the CB?" He thought it strange that we don't use CB's, and that we don't ride in formation. How do I know when the last bike has made it through that turn? I keep an eye on the mirrors, that's how. What about road hazards? Who's in charge of operating your bike? I guess it's just a different mindset.

[Brownie]

M/M....actually my thoughts were for kinda small group rides, not the mind boggling "runs" that are advertized, or the Chapter rides the Wingers go on....nice comments and input though :D

[manicmechanic]

We had 10 bikes/13 people on the run. Saw one flock of turkeys on the side of the road, and only had a close encounter with 3 deer, no contact.

I guess the point I'm trying to make is that each rider is supposed to be responsible for his/her own ride. We were a group riding together, as opposed to being on a group ride. We were not in "formation", but I took it upon myself to make sure nobody got lost. If I'm busy chatting with others on the radio, then I'm not paying enough attention to riding. Kinda like cell phones, IMHO.

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

My buddy and I both have Chatterbox GMRS models and use them all the time...very handy. when others join us that don't have the radios then we split up and one takes the lead and one follows the group at our own paces, that way if there are any problems behind the last guy has the scoop. The funny thing is that when folks that don't have radios see that you have them, they seem to assume that you are talking about them...LOL. I just tell them we do and we do it in different languages just to make sure they can't understand us like going into some gas stations...LOL. They get over it after a laugh.

It is my understanding that some channels from Chatterbox can communicate with some channels from the Autocom system...if that is true it is real handy.

[basketcase]

Posted by maniacmechanic:A couple weeks ago I led a color run, which was an opportunity to go for a ride and enjoy the fall colors. I extended an invitation to the local GW club through a guy at work. One of the questions that came from the Wingers was, "what channel do will you be monitoring on the CB?" He thought it strange that we don't use CB's, and that we don't ride in formation. How do I know when the last bike has made it through that turn? I keep an eye on the mirrors, that's how. What about road hazards? Who's in charge of operating your bike? I guess it's just a different mindset.It is indeed a different approach to rider safety, and before I forget, GWRRA does put a huge emphasis on Rider Education. In terms of safety, a committed Gold Winger is a pound for pound match with any beemer rider. :thumb

Now the matter of "who is operating the bike" is likewise a matter of viewpoint. When you get right down to it, every rider is (unavoidably) in control of his own bike. What makes the situation unique is that the group is participating according to a particular set of rules to negotiate certain traffic situations.

For example, lane changes. When the group leader sees an upcoming lane change he or she can cue the tail-gunner, who will move over and secure the lane for the group - which then changes lanes on cue "as one body." So what is safer -- a half dozen riders stringing along jockeying for position, or a group that commands the lane space and acts in unison?

With that said, and while I see the benefits (and down sides) of the way most die-hard Wingers approach the task, I will also say that it all depends on the particular group and the leadership. There is a chapter near where I live that I rode someplace with one time -- I bailed for the return trip and came home alone rather than risk being bottled up in that crowd again. There is another nearby chapter that places a high premium on safety, and I can ride with them and enjoy it.

Prior to buying a Wing I was on beemers for 10 years, and the culture more or less took root in my soul. So most of the time I ride alone, and am thus a beemer kinda guy on a road sofa style bike -- meandering along the road lost in my own thoughts, content with sound of the engine and the wind or perhaps at times, the stereo. As I've said on other occasions, if BMW had come out with the amenities I like on a luxury bike, I would probably still be on one.

[flash412]

E: Eat Two fingers
F: Fuel Three fingers
... Comments/suggestions?Back in the olden daze when I learned how to write, they taught us that an "E" has three fingers and an "F" has two fingers. (Maybe it depends on where you spent your deformative years. :dunno ) Just sayin', if counter-intuitive is what you're trying to communicate, it takes two fingers to make an E and three fingers to make an F. How many fingers does it take to indicate the number "one" (1), four? Just wonderin'...

[sgtboring]

Never Give the Finger unless you are willing to follow up with the Knuckle Drill. Then be prepared to be "drilled" in jail or in your wallet. people are pu---- about that stuff now.

Most times I take great pleasure in either making them disapear in my mirror or watching them blow a speed trap!

I once a guy beat up the wrong guy after he got a ticket from "blowing a speed trap" (Following me at high speeds-then being alowed to pass just in time to get his picture taken by the nice police officer in the car :doh ). After his ticket he saw my wheels in I-Hop parking lot. I saw him running in and and holy crap!.. :uhoh He grabbed the wrong guy and started punching him! (ok I feel a little bad for the inocent HD rider that got smacked...) The police showed up and arested mr. road rage. I calmly paid my bill and walked out passed mr road rage who was cuffed and sitting in the back of the cruiser. I winked at him and got on my bike :brow . As I drove off he was beating his head against the window :banghead . "Revenge is a dish best served cold." :eat

FYI Blowing kisses seems to upset people more the the finger! :ha

[The_Veg]

I like this REFO thing, much better than pointing at crotches or fuel tanks and such because it's easier to understand from all vantage points relative to whoever signals. One time I was riding with a rather quick friend of mine and it was all I could do to catch up and get to where he could see me pointing at my fuel tank while still keeping one had on the task of operating the bike.

[kbasa]

Use left arm for all gestures unless otherwise specified

1. Bathroom Stop - Grab Crotch

2. Police in area - Pat top of helmet

3. Slow down/stop - Arm out, forearm pointing down palm backwards moving hand forward and backwards slightly and/or flash brake light constantly until slowed sufficiently or until stopped

4. Food Stop - Spooning/eating motion to the mouth

5. Gas Stop - Point finger repeatedly at gas tank cap

6. Greet other riders - Arm out and slightly downward, waving motion with open hand Optional: extend two fingers in "peace" gesture

7. Turn around/U-Turn - Arm out, point finger upwards making spiral motion

8. Unexpected object in road - Stand on pegs, flash brake light and slow, then change path around object and extend corresponding leg to point to object

9. Problem with your own bike - Arm out, raise hand up, then point to engine/side of bike (or location of problem such as luggage) and repeat

10. Problem seen on other bike - Arm out, raise hand up, then point to engine/side of other bike (or location of problem such as luggage) and repeat

11. Medical problem with yourself - Arm out, raise hand up, then point to chest (or location of problem such as arm) and repeat

12. Crash - Flail arms, legs, and head uncontrollably while you tumble, until you come to a complete stop If possible, hurl parts of motorcycle at other riders to get their attention. After coming to a stop, urge any livestock in immediate area to "moo" repeatedly

13. Soiled Underpants - Arm out, hand curled into a fist pointed at helmet/eye. Make crying motion with curled fist.

14. Greeting Harley rider broken down on side of road - Arm out, cupped hand in front of mouth, bob head in giggling motion

15. Greeting pack of Harley riders on highway - While passing, stand on pegs, squat slightly, drop trousers


17. Greeting squid at stoplight - Pull up beside his bike, arm out, remove his ignition key, drive off with it

18. Greeting Police Officer - Hands behind your back, head on hood of cruiser, remain silent

:ha :ha

Actually, MrsK and I use a bunch of those signals for eating, thirsty, gotta pee, etc.

[BradfordBenn]

Here are the ones I use, and seem to work pretty well

1) Scratch helmet while leading - I am lost!
2) Tap inside of legs - gotta pee
3) Tap gas tank - need gas
4) Point to... - that is where we are going

The other big thing is to talk with the other riders before you leave to know the desired speeds and ranges on tanks, etc.

[Stuff2C]

When I get caught up in a group ride, I ask where they're headed and get directions. Then plan my route and meet them there. Group rides are dangerous. Ride your own ride and get there safe. 2's company 3's a crowd, 4 or more is nuts.

[Xaque]

Here are the ones I use, and seem to work pretty well

1) Scratch helmet while leading - I am lost!
2) Tap inside of legs - gotta pee
3) Tap gas tank - need gas
4) Point to... - that is where we are going

The other big thing is to talk with the other riders before you leave to know the desired speeds and ranges on tanks, etc.

I'm with brad on this one... I'm big on using a system that someone who has not been "briefed" would be able to understand... such as pointing to gas tank. (Although, when I had my F650CS, pointing to my gas tank got some weird looks).

I also believe that when riding in a group (and I don't like to ride with more than 5 people total) try to figure out who has the smallest tank, and where we will be making our first stop. (Aside from that, everyone knows the final destination)

I also work out a system with my SO who is often riding pillion (tapping on shoulders vs. helmet vs. falling asleep and slumping over on me).

Although, with that all said, there is nothing that states you can't work out a more formal system with people you normally ride with! (I don't have anyone I ride with regularly enough to make a system... I'd hate to be waving 4 fingers around and have no one know what's going on :) )

-Xaque-