Group Ride Etiquette

[gambrinus]

Here is a question for the masses... If you are "JRA" (Just Riding Along) and you come upon a group of motorcylists out for a ride. They are on the same road as you, going the same direction and speed.... Do you: Join in at the end of their group OR adjust your speed so as to not feel like an uninvited guest. I know that in bicycling, you DO NOT just hop on the wheel of a pace line or group ride... VERY bad form. Short ride today since it was monkey-butt HOT.

Cheers

[widebmw]

If you are faster than them you pass them if not they pass you.

[kbasa]

It seems to depend on where you are. When I was back east, it was considered bad form to start pass folks in the group.

Here in Cali, either move over and let the faster guy by or get ready to get strafed.

[Cliffy777]

Last year I came upon a group (flock? herd? gaggle?) of Goldwings going along one of my favorite roads. I tagged behind for awhile, then started passing them. Some smiled and nodded or waved, others seemed irritated. It made me wonder if I should have just pulled off for a couple minutes and let them get way ahead of me.

[basketcase]

- Re, riding alone? I prefer to ride my own ride. Back when I was on a Wing, I was never comfortable with the group ride culture or structure. Now don't hear me knocking Wingers -- rather, I am simply saying that large groups in close formation give me the heebie jeebies. (I prefer not to ride in large groups of any kind).

- Next, "pass them, or tag along?" On the interstate, I will usually go ahead and take the fast lane and pass. On a two lane road, I usually end up hanging back a bit and waiting until it is undeniably safe.

That said, if it is a huge group of two-wheeled somebodies going no place in a hurry, after waiting a polite interval I'd either:

1. Take the yellow line and begin a "hop a few at a time" passing routine, (intentionaly flashing my my best crap eating grin) or

2. Take an alternate route.

[chasman]

When on the Mighty Black K12RS there's but one choice...FLY BY!!!


Riding Like the Wind...

CHASMAN

p.s. But alway wave politely. 8>)

[Rich]

With that said, why would you do any different than if you were in your cage. If they are going to slow for your fancy, pass them and wave. Maybe at the next stop they will meet up with you and you will make some new friends.

[edge51]

For me it depends on the size and the makeup of the group. I dont feel safe making a partial pass of a group and pulling in amongst strangers. What I do is wait till I can safely pass the entire group. The number of bikes and the speed they are traveling deterimines how hard that is. Also the type of road. If I can't safely pass in a reasonable length of time I find a reason to pull over and take a break. I would do the same in a car.

Most times I get behind the group because I overtake them. Rarely it is because they just pulled out of stop in front of me. I have been a Director of a large MC here in Minnesota (the DryRiders MC - a family oriented club dedicated to the enjoyment of Motorcycling without the use of drugs or alcohol) and I know that we frown on cars or bikes that pass and pull into the group. We also pull over if someone is back there just itching to pass us - going single file near the shoulder and slowing. I just wish all groups were as courteous.

There are certain groups I never pass. You usually only run into them around the time of the Sturgis Rally. They always have pretty noticeble patches on their backs - Red and White in my state - and they tend to view passing them as a sign of disrespect. Once many years ago I blew by such a group on my way home from Sturgis. I also was wearing a patch and when I got home I got a call from my club president who had been called by their club president. He told me he promised them I would be punished for my disrespect - for my punishment he took me out to dinner. While the "punishment" did not deter me the call did cause me to think. I decided that passing these guys is just not worth it. After all, finding them flying colors is a pretty rare thing nowadays.

[YB in IN]

Originally posted by KBasa
It seems to depend on where you are. When I was back east, it was considered bad form to start pass folks in the group.

Here in Cali, either move over and let the faster guy by or get ready to get strafed.

I found that out about the East when I passed the packs of Harleys on the way up to Pemi. Nasty looks all around. Out here in the beautiful Midwest you can pass the groups pretty much without catching too much crap. On one of the well known motorcycle roads out here cars will even wave you by them. God bless them.

[rocketman]

Originally posted by edge51


There are certain groups I never pass. You usually only run into them around the time of the Sturgis Rally. They always have pretty noticeble patches on their backs - Red and White in my state - and they tend to view passing them as a sign of disrespect.

Had a similar incident on the Blue Ridge Parkway a few years ago. Must have been 40 or so bikes and no way to pass them all at once, rode along for a while debating.. then started to pass them 10 or so at a time as the curves/road allowed. Got some *very* nasty looks and some tried to (and did) pass me within the lane both on the right and left side. After I got in front of the pack I boogied for 20 miles or so putting plenty of room between us. Kinda blew the nice leisurely afternoon. I would have taken another route if it hadn't been for the fact that I was determined to do the entire parkway, and after pulling over several times waiting for them to put some distance between us and then still catching up with them in a few miles... and I wasn't doing but maybe 5 or so over the speed limit since the whole point ofthe ride on the parkway was to take my time and enjoy all the views and attractions along way.
In the end tho I was more pissed than worried, the whole idea that any group can set some abritary standard or *law* that all riders must obey or reap the consequences ( i.e. "when we're out riding it's OUR road") is just bulls**t in IMHO, kinda like the whole bussiness of 2 rockers are OK but 3 mean *outlaw* and you need to have thier permission, huh? :dunno

Just glad that those type of clubs are far and away the minority...

Good thing for me I don't bother with "colors" or "clubs" or I'd be really pissed.

Rant off, back to riding....

RM

[iRene]

Everything I know about getting past a Harley parade I learned as a novice rider
being lane-split by Harleys at Laconia. I figger turnabout is fair play.
Seriously, I try to follow along in an orderly stagger as long as their speed is reasonable,
then pass politely a few at a time in passing zones,
signalling and allowing space. Even if I feel impatient.
And I wave vigorously WITH ALL FINGERS. :wave