riding safety tips and tricks

Helpful information on safety, group riding and the breakdown of our riding levels.

Ride levels

100 Miles or Under
No Highway Riding
Shorter Day (2-4 Hours)

100-200 Miles
Highway Possible
More Challenging Roads
Mid-Length Day (3-6 Hours)

Over 200 Miles
Definite Highway Riding
More Challenging Roads
Long Day (6+ Hours)

Groups will not exceed 10 riders. On the 11th rider the group will split into two groups of 6 and 5. These groups may grow and be evenly divided as needed.
Groups of 5 or less will use the AMA “Follow the leader” format when changing lanes or passing.
Groups greater than 5 will use the old AMA secure the lane format when changing lanes or passing.
If you are unfamiliar with any of these conditions, please ask your ride leader to explain it to the entire group before starting the ride.

Print directions before you leave home. This is your backup.
Look at the maps. Understand the route.
On your GPS, check the route loaded for accuracy. They don’t always work.
Know your limits. Stop riding if you reach them. Communicate.
Staggered Formation
2 seconds behind the bike in front of you. Don’t create large gaps.
1 second behind the bike to your side in front of you
2 seconds at 60 MPH is 176 feet. 59 Yards. ALMOST SIX FIRST DOWNS!!!
Single File and 3 seconds behind the bike in front
Single file will be used on two lane roads. (most of the ride)
Single file on turns and curves
Single file in bad weather, rough roads or construction.
Single file If there is water pooling on the road, avoid it.
Tighten up when in town. This avoids getting caught by yellow or red lights.
Double-file, side-by-side at stops. Save space to get out before light changes back.
Sometimes, the leader will move across lanes through a turn to be in the correct lane for the next turn – follow and pay attention to everything! Know your route!
Share the road! If another vehicle needs to enter the group to change lanes, enter the road or exit the road let them in!!! Odds are they will exit the group soon. If not, we will get back together safely down the road.
Do not swing over into the other half lane when next to other vehicles. This forces riders in back of you to slow down and adjust to the single file zone you created. It is a safety problem.
DO NOT weave your bike when in the group.

Avoid causing Yoyo – caused by riders speeding up and/or slowing down
Occurs briefly during turns. Leader should slow to allow catch up within ¼ mile.
This causes riders to drive excessive speeds to fill gaps created by slowdowns.

Always pass back quickly. It IS important. (We are using lights more and more lately)
Left – right – lights may be used instead of hand signals for better visibility
Debris signals
Single – double file changing
Tighten up (usually an in-town signal)
Wave over – typically used when group is split – this would be rare on this ride
In a lane change, move with the bike BEHIND you. Not before. Only when there is a lane ending or an extreme situation will the leader begin moving over the group before the back. Be quick.
Small groups, five or less, will use newly recommended AMA “Follow the Leader” format

NEVER run a yellow light to make the intersection
We wait before the next major turn, usually sooner if possible and our ride is mostly highway
Know your route – you may be a new leader if the group gets split
Know your route – you may be a new tailgunner/sweep if the group gets split

Put your group leader’s number in your phone now if you haven’t already.
If there is cell phone coverage, call!
Continue to the next major turn from the current road. Wait there. We will come back for you.

The best way to experience our adventures is to take part in them! All riders of all levels of experience are welcome to join us.