I received this question on my Facebook from a good friend who just started to ride. Its a good one. A lot of peeps really don't know what to do. Here is the question and then following is my answer that I gave him:
Question: "if I'm on the highway, and there's a formation of bikes is it impolite to join them in formation if your going to same way? Or should you keep a polite distance."
My Answer: "It depends. If it is a Club... abide by their road rules, which are you normally don't pass. Most clubs will pull aside or give you a thumbs up to pass them. In saying that... you ride with your own safety in mind. I have passed "groups" of riders without even thinking twice about it. In saying that, if you want to "join" a formation, put yourself at the back. Don't even try to slip in the middle any place. If you want to ride with them, just follow them at a safe distance and pull over when they do and kick up a conversation with them. More than likely they won't mind. I don't find too many head trips on the road....."
Personally, I don't want to join in someone else's formation. I don't like riding in a group scenario... a large one anyway. Just too many things can happen, so I do pass up when the situation calls for it. But sometimes I can't, soooo. Ultimately there are a few different answers to this question that is worthy of anyone knowing. Pass them on. I would like to know if I am even right in my own thinking.
Formation Trailzzz
KT Did
8 comments:
This is a huge "it depends" message. If you're in Sturgis or some other rally and come upon a group of riders heading in your direction, it's pretty common to just join in - at the back, as you suggest. But if I'm just riding down the road and come up on any number of riders - could be 1 or 20 - I'll stay back and not try to join their formation, both for respect for their group, but also safety.
I absolutely HATE IT when I'm riding and someone comes up and tucks themselves in right behind me, so I try to offer the same consideration to those I catch up to on the road.
Hmmmm...I think you are pretty on about this...plus, your own thinking is just fine.
My humble opinion is that you never hook yourself into a formation. Reasons; 1) You have no idea as to the skill level of the riders...first and foremost. 2) You could be screwing up new riders who are learning formation riding from the experienced. 3) Breaking into a formation sets off an alarm for the Pack leader and the rear guard. It distracts them because they are trying to figure out who you are and what your intentions might be. 4) Most group riders do not want you in their formation if they don't know you. Sad but true. I know I don't like it. I'll fall out and go to the rear with the guard if a unknown rider breaks in...just so I can watch them. 5) If you don't know the formation, or the hand signals, (because they are all different) you can be putting the whole group at risk, as well as yourself.
Whew! sorry...long winded today. I'll usually cruise by the group, or trail behind the rear guard by a good distance.
I would not want to join an established group of riders. I'd either keep my distance off the back or pass them. Got my own schedule.
I agree with FLHX, I keep to myself unless invited AND I feel like that group knows how to ride safely. Good post and comments.
So, the sum of it seems to be, do not join in... period. If one feels safer riding with a few additional peeps on the road, the best thing to do would be to ride straight out with a couple you already know. I would think this though: If I was in need or help... most riding in a formation of any kind would help out if you pulled up and waived for it. I would hope so anyway.
Don’t ride with groups. Some of the stuff I’ve seen riders do trying to stay in a ‘group’, scares the hell out of me. I avoid em’.
Excellent advice everyone, thanks. I joined the pack I encountered mostly because we were going in the same direction and were traveling at about the same speed, I ended up just attaching myself at the end of their formation, and after half an hour or so they exited the highway and I continued on my way. Because of the very valid points mentioned here, I'll more than likely avoid doing it in the future, just passing them seems like a much better idea.
I wouldn't presume to join unless invited. I follow at the same distance as anything else, giving respect to them as a group. If you get good vibes, maybe a thumbs up, move a bit closer. They're probably nice folks, after all.
Brady
Behind Bars - Motorcycles and Life
http://www.behindbarsmotorcycle.com/
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