Group Riding

I've been fortunate enough to have been involved in riding in a very large group (over 50 bikes).
Seems simple enough, get on, join the queue, and ride!
Not quite, There are some techniques which should help make it an organised affair rather than just a bunch of bikers on a free for all.

1. Positioning, When riding along in one lane (either two way road or dual carriageway) it is advisable to adopt a staggered formation.
If the rider in front is keeping to the right hand side of the lane you should keep left and vice versa. This allows you to see further up the road ahead and gives you extra stopping distance. This is not critical when cornering! Always choose best road position for the corner.

2. Etiquette, It's genearally understood you don't blast past fellow riders in the group. If you're unhappy about your position, change it at the next stop. Someone suddenly overtaking could be off putting for less experienced riders. Plus the security of the group allows novice riders to gain confidence and experience.

3.Organisation, There should be 3 key members in the group who know the route.
Leading (Point) The person at the front who knows the way and what stops are planned. It is this persons responsibilty to set the pace. Bare in mind historically all members of a group have been prosecuted for the actions of a few. Also don't leave novice riders miles behind. If you ride at a quick pace you should stop frequently to regroup.
Second in the pack should also know the route and stop at junctions to indicatae to the rest where to turn. This is the only rider who should pass within the group to get back to second place for the next junction marker.
Sweeper, This person stays at the back to make sure everyone in the group is ok. If there is a problem and someone needs to stop you will not be alone and when it comes to catching up with the rest at least one of you knows where to go.


If anyone else has views on this please add them.

nice we bit there for peeps fresh to pack riding.when riding in packs its best to keep the rider behind in your mirror to keep the pace of the group even. if done by all parties on overtakes leave room for the guy behind to slip in the same gap .after over take move into the left to give him room to come in.if riding fast in a group try not to get fixed on the rider in front keep your eyes up and see your own path an braking point he is not always right

True Mr G!