by Tom Green
One of the safest ways to ride your bike is in a group because of the exposure to other vehicles. There are some steps that you can take to assure yourself a safe ride. Always ride within your limits. Our chapter rides have the location and the mileage to the destination given out at the pre-ride meeting.
We always ride in a staggered formation. Try to keep a two second distance between you and the bike directly in front of you, When the bike in front of you passes an object count "thousand one, thousand two." You should be passing the same object when you get to thousand two. Try not to rubberband and keep a constant interval to the bikes ahead. Your main concern is the bike in front of you but you need to constantly check your mirrors to see what is going on behind you.
All lane changes will be made by the road captain or person leading the group. He may or may not have radio contact with the tail bike. Whenever possible the tail bike, upon command of the leader, will secure the new lane. While he holds the lane the leader will set the speed for the group and execute the lane change with the group following his lead. Do not break formation. Follow the bike in front of you in an orderly fashion.
Always remember that you are responsible for your own safety.
Ride Safe