group ride, rules of the road

[Eagle 1]

Last week went on a group ride (about 40 bikes). At the beginning I had some reservations, no one seemed to be in charge just a bike that was to be in front of the group. there were no instructions as to what was expected, just 40 bikes take off and follow the leader. Within the first mile (or so) the bike in front of me started changing positions (out of stagger) which continued over the entire course of the ride.
At cross roads with stop signs (not signal lights) the entire group went through without hesitation and at several of these created some serious problems. The entire ride was an accident waiting to happen, but luckily nothing did.
I will be sponsoring and leading at least two rides this coming year (100 miles plus) and would like them to be as safe and enjoyable as possible, thus in that vain I am looking for suggestions for, not only, some basic rules but how to handle the other aspects of this type of ride, such as:
1. lunch stops
2. nature call breaks
3. miss behaving riders
4. plus any thing not covered above.
I estimate (from responses) we can possible expect from 50 to 100 riders to participate.
By the way I will be posting the event, (prior to the ride) on this site, for those that may want to join in that are in our area,
I appreciate any help you can give,
Manny

[Chrisj CMA]

Not to be rude about it, but 50-100 riders a big group, if you are asking the type questions you seem to be asking, maybe you shouldn't be the one organizing this thing. 

[Black Pearl's Captain]

I'll have to agree with ChrisJ the first thing you should do is round up some experienced ride leaders and ask them to help. 100 together for 100 miles is not easy not smart and probably won't happen especially with your remarks about the previous experience of the group.

Out of 100 riders 10 will need a cigarette in 20 miles, 20 will need to stop for coffee within 40.......

Split it up into 3 groups at the least and have 3 meet place on route maybe.

best choice, just pass out maps or tell everyone to meet at the grill at noon.

[bassman]

"best choice, just pass out maps or tell everyone to meet at the grill at noon."

+1

[Gryphon Rider]

I agree with Chrisj CMA and Black Pearl's Captain.  You are the wrong person to lead rides that large.  Lives are at stake. Find someone with a reputation of leading safe rides to take the helm in organizing and leading the ride.  There is much I could say about how to do it, as I've led rides of up to about 25 or 30 bikes, and I've participated in bigger rides, some well-executed, some not so much, but what you are trying is like a parent of one or two kids deciding they can fill in for a teacher of a sex-ed class with 100 grade 8 kids.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I agree with Chrisj CMA and Black Pearl's Captain.  You are the wrong person to lead rides that large.  Lives are at stake. Find someone with a reputation of leading safe rides to take the helm in organizing and leading the ride.  There is much I could say about how to do it, as I've lead rides of up to about 25 or 30 bikes, and I've participated in bigger rides, some well-executed, some not so much, but what you are trying is like a parent of one or two kids deciding they can fill in for a teacher of a sex-ed class with 100 grade 8 kids.

[3fan4life]

I don't know you or anything about you, so I won't say that you aren't capable of the task you described.

But I will say this, Leading a group of 100+ bikes is a monumental task and not one that someone with little to no experience in leading rides should undertake.

If this is the case with you, I would highly recommend enlisting the help of someone who has more experience.

At least consider organizing several smaller group rides first in order to gain some experience. 

[Jess Tolbirt]

break up into small groups of 5 bikes and enjoy the ride,,a group that big with no agenda like making money for St. Judes, is just asking for trouble and will piss off a lot of cage drivers..

[mrider]

yep a 100 bikes more or less is a hand full forsure! you'll nees road captains ,tail gunners to keep a group like togeather moving through lights and stop signs woth out it taking 30 minutes per....as for miss behaving riders well thats broad statement and could be different depending on whos around them. I only ride in a large group once a year, the local M/C puts thier charity run togeather and they are very good at moving 300 plus bike through Houston and once and while i have been able to help them out by running block......but if your not ready for it walk away!     

[3W-lonerider]

one thing I might add. if you are organizing the ride you better have good insurance. especially if it's a registration ride. the reason I'm saying this is because if anybody goes down on that ride you can be sued.
now as far as the ride itself I always try to stop within 50 miles for a potty break.
also keep in mind it's not everybodies job to keep up with you its your job to to keep in mind of the mindset of some riders that aren't as good as you.
as far as miss behaving riders. there isn't going to to much you can do about that besides warn them of their behavior and tell them there are other riders around them that may not apriciate their antics.
a lunch stop would be at your discression but if you have that many people going you better have a restaurant lined up with extra staff to handle the group.
as far as safety goes hold a rider meeting before going and tell them what to expect.
road conditions
when the first stop will be.
and if theres any special road conditions they should be awhere of.

 iv'e been a road captain for 10 years with our local cma chapter. it can be very irritating and frustrating trying to keep everybody togather and your going to hear complaints from.
your not going fast enough to your going to fast among other things. don't let it get to ya.

last but not least. refer back to number 1. cover your butt and get insurance for this ride. you can have them sign a waver but a waver is worthless in a court of law.

[Bighead]

Just grab two of your closest riding buddies and go have fun and tell anyone else that wants to meet for lunch where and what time.

[Mr Whiskey]

....... would like them to be as safe and enjoyable as possible, thus in that vain I am looking for suggestions for, not only, some basic rules but how to handle the other aspects of this type of ride, such as:
1. lunch stops
2. nature call breaks
3. miss behaving riders
4. plus any thing not covered above.

1) Group rides are not safe. This is just a given. Too many different egos & skill sets.
2) Lunch, potty, smoke, coffee, my but hurts & all other breaks are easily handled by passing out printed maps with the intended ride stops clearly marked & a rough time table.
3) Having a couple of other people who know the intended route spread through out the group is also an excellent idea. This doesn't mean you have to break the ride up into separate groups.
4) Misbehaving riders are unavoidable, (He77, that's why I ride, I don't much like to fit into the norm) so you are pretty much limited to the same rules as dealin' with a drunk. You can "drink" with them, get the F away from 'em, or drop 'em on their head. (If you are looking for an enjoyable ride I don't recommend the last one.) Bikers misbehave, it's the same as group rides aren't safe, jus' the nature of the beast.
5) Lastly, & most important, don't take things to serious! The idea is to have fun & that's hard to do if things are too regimented. Plan a great route with good roads & scenery. Find some stops with clean restrooms, lots of fuel pumps, & reasonable prices. Warn someplace with decent food well in advance that y'all intend to take over the joint, or find a spot in the middle of town with lots of fast food choices & let 'em scatter, (this would prob be better if you get that many riders).
CB front, middle, & ridin' drag is always helpful if the option is available.
Have a plan for unexpected emergencies! This doesn't have to be more than local #'s for ems & at least one good med kit in the group. Better safe than sorry cause lets face it, stuff happens.
Doesn't bither me a bot that you've never led a ride. (Most make it way too complicated.) I'll roll with ya!

[..]

Too fast
Too slow
Too many stops
To few stops
Stops are too long
Stops are too short
Don't want BBQ
Dont want buffet
Dont want fast food
Too long to food
Stopping too soon for food
Idiots that don't have gas at the start of the ride
Idiots that don't gas up when everyone else does
Riders that are so dumb they can't understand waiting at a turn for riders behind
Riders that suffer from separation anxiety and ride right on the rear fender of the rider ahead
Riders that have no idea about group riding rules and don't care about group riding rules

It goes on and on and on and on.

50 to 100 riders is just too much
http://www.msgroup.org/Tip.aspx?Num=062

Good luck.

[..]

Motorcycle Safety Foundation Guide To Group Riding	powered by Aeva

[Eagle 1]

Thanks Whiskey, your information was very helpful and I do appreciate it very much.
Have a lot of very experienced help, but wanted to make sure the help is the best for the ride, everyone must start somewhere, I don't have reservation or doubt about the ones that are helping, but the more information the better, was hopping to get as much of this as possible. I am just the front man and the actual experts are behind me but was hoping that those on this site that have led rides would be of help in determining how to evaluate the advice, apparently not, so I guess I should call the ride off and never ask for advice from those that have done so in the past. maybe I should have been born with the knowledge of what it takes to do a ride. any way thanks for the help.

[Chrisj CMA]

Thanks Whiskey, your information was very helpful and I do appreciate it very much.
Have a lot of very experienced help, but wanted to make sure the help is the best for the ride, everyone must start somewhere, I don't have reservation or doubt about the ones that are helping, but the more information the better, was hopping to get as much of this as possible. I am just the front man and the actual experts are behind me but was hoping that those on this site that have led rides would be of help in determining how to evaluate the advice, apparently not, so I guess I should call the ride off and never ask for advice from those that have done so in the past. maybe I should have been born with the knowledge of what it takes to do a ride. any way thanks for the help.

Look here, at the beginning you said you were the sponsor and leader.  You said nothing about an experienced team.  Some of us just aren't in the business of helping someone (like you) get in over their head.

If you have expert ride captains "behind you" as you now state, then trust their knowledge.  If I was planning a ride for someone that needed my help, the last thing I would want is a forum of people telling me how to do my job.

Oh, and if you want to be in the large ride group leading business.......get some thicker skin, you will need it.

Good Luck

[ugelstad]

Having been in many rides from 5 to 800, I would say that a good briefing before the ride to include:
1. style of riding expected.  Abreast, staggered, spacing you expect.  Encourage people not to leave large gaps in the formation. 
2. route.
3. Stops.
4. Destination.

Have multiple ride captains, preferably with communications and space them throughout the group, so if there is a separation, a well briefed captain can take over.

Ride the course ahead of time and identify problem areas like traffic signals and intersections that will cause potential separation.  Have a plan for those locations.  If you can get enough cooperation, get police to block intersections.  A route that avoids those locations is preferable. 

A large group without proper planning and preparation is a recipe for disaster.  Don't short change your planning and communications. 

[Eagle 1]

Many of the guys that are helping have led rides before, as I have, but not more than 20 to 25, therefore wanted to get as much information as I could, The response to the ride has been very good . Some one had to be the up front guy and I was chosen, possibly because I was willing to seek advise and not pretend I knew it all, thus I was looking for the best advice possible and my first thought was of the people on this site. I do have a thick skin but a lot of people are depending on having a great ride and I would like to help in providing such. I like many of you have participated in large rides, some good, some not so good. Some of the good ones were carried out by guys that did not have the past experience but wanted to do a good job and seeked out information from those that was willing to help. The last semi large ride I took was captained by a (so called) veteran, as I said in my first post "not so good", I woulod like the one I lead to fall in the other catigory, so if anyone has some information that would help me put on a really good ride My ears are open.
I already have ride maps, possible pit stops, help in supplying coffee, snacks and others, road blockers etc. Of course that many riders in one bunch is very difficult and have l been advised that it wopuld be better to break them up in sections of (maybe) 20 to 25 riders and at this time there are enough experienced leaders to accomidate 50 to 60 riders which I do not expect more than that number. I am aware there is very much more to this type of ride than just that and would like to gather what knowledge I can to insure all have a safe and enjoyable time.
Again Thanks

[Eagle 1]

Thank you ugelstad, this is what I am looking for, as it will help me sort through the list of things to do. The ride is about 100 miles and most likely will take about 4 to 5 hours, but as you have indicated I will ride it ahead of time and attempt to duplicate the starting and stopping of such a group, in order to evaluate where and when to stop. One of the biggest sticking points I see is feeding time. If all hit a restaurant at the same time we could overwhelm it and end up taking a great deal of time at that one stop. What do you suggest for feeding a group of possibly (maybe) 60 riders?
Thanks for the help. By the way I do have time to get it right as the ride will be held around May or June.

[..]

Thank you ugelstad, this is what I am looking for, as it will help me sort through the list of things to do. The ride is about 100 miles and most likely will take about 4 to 5 hours, but as you have indicated I will ride it ahead of time and attempt to duplicate the starting and stopping of such a group, in order to evaluate where and when to stop. One of the biggest sticking points I see is feeding time. If all hit a restaurant at the same time we could overwhelm it and end up taking a great deal of time at that one stop. What do you suggest for feeding a group of possibly (maybe) 60 riders?
Thanks for the help. By the way I do have time to get it right as the ride will be held around May or June.

Bufett but warn them.

If you have one with other fast food outlets clsoe by even better.

Of course then the problem is getting the herd of wild cats back together to ride at a SPECIFIC time.

Stop lights are going to be a sure fire way to split the group. Then the problem is having the split join up.

It really will be easier to split the large group into smaller.

[gordonv]

From your original post, I would look over the Goldwing riders site, and see what they have. Also meet up with a local chapter, and maybe ride with them.

From your later post, about already having some skilled help, then rely on them.

I actually prefer to ride by myself with only my wife on the back of the bike. I don't need to worry about anyone else but myself. But then I also ride with a Goldwing chapter. I've now got my CB working, and a helmet that will fit the speakers, so I can listen to the instructions given by the lead and tail riders, to know what the rest are doing and seeing.

[Mr Whiskey]

........ so I guess I should call the ride off and never ask for advice from those that have done so in the past. maybe I should have been born with the knowledge of what it takes to do a ride. any way thanks for the help.

Sounds like your skin's thick enough to me, haha. (This board really needs a sarcasm font!)
Holla with the time & place when ya get it all laid out. You might be goin' someplace I wanna see

[LandElephant]

First, why the anger over the advice you getting?  Many are individuals who have lead and organized large rides and are being honest with you. What did you want, tell you everything you are doing is cool.

Here I give you my PERSONAL opinion.  Group rides that big are stupid and unsafe.  The pack breaks numerous road rules and you lose people from attending other rides again.  Unless you have a route with no stop lights, stop signs, or multiple turns then you group is an accident waiting to happen.

But, that's not what you want to hear. So please post the ride and where it is.  I'll make sure that I am far away from it.  The best advice you were given was meet up someplace,  hand out maps and destination points, set a meet time, then release the hounds and meet them at the designated point and enjoy the ride.

And yes I have organized numerous large rises.  Thought it was cool the first time.  Dreaded it the last time.  But you have already made up your mind so take this for what it is.

Charlie Morse
Land Elephant

[Pete]

Just two things:

Organizing a  group of 50 to 100 bikes is like herding cats - disaster in the making.

Do not ride in groups of more than 6 - period - no exceptions - let the group divide into smaller groups.

Good luck on your ride.

OBTW - I will not be there - I refuse to ride in large packs or events - no exceptions.

[Black Pearl's Captain]

I already have ride maps, possible pit stops, help in supplying coffee, snacks and others, road blockers etc. Of course that many riders in one bunch is very difficult and have l been advised that it wopuld be better to break them up in sections of (maybe) 20 to 25 riders and at this time there are enough experienced leaders to accomidate 50 to 60 riders which I do not expect more than that number. I am aware there is very much more to this type of ride than just that and would like to gather what knowledge I can to insure all have a safe and enjoyable time.
Again Thanks

Road blockers and safe time......be sure and lets us know how that goes. Do you realize how long it takes 100 bikes to turn the corner at a single stop sign? if every bike took 3 seconds (to roll thru not even stop) that's 5 minutes.

Trying to stay positive (but it's real hard with your replies) you can't lead a safe ride with 100 bikes and illegal road blocks. Are you yourself going to stop at the red lights or run them? Do you expect the 20th bike to stop when the light turns red or run it?

Most of the posters in this thread have gave you sound advice, most of your replies have not sounded like "how to lead a safe and enjoyable ride". you asked again to "gather knowledge". Here's some great wisdom: pretty much all the advice in this thread other than your own is the good crap bro. Use it.

Again the best way to have 100 bikes have a safe fun ride on a 100 mile route is say "Everyone ride your own ride, ride safe and we'll meet at noon at lunch place".

Do you need any more of our knowledge or are you suddenly again more knowledgeable than the riders posting here (with at least a collective million miles of ride advice)?

[..]

You WILL need a vehicle with trailer to follow the group in case of accidents or break downs.

[Mn. Norseman]

I just agreed to host Mn. state ride this year. Granted its a small group but I have no experience in setting up a ride like this. I believe my role will more or less finding lodging, roads to ride, things to see along the way, eatin places. Putting together the "lay of the land" so to speak. Then (and during) getting together with other riders and our fearless leaders T.P. and Nancy and let them do what they do. I realize this is not 50 or 100 bikes but the goal is the same. Ride, Have fun, Stay safe and spend time with quality people. Sorry for the hijack.

[Gryphon Rider]

To be fair to us, Eagle 1, you started this thread with the following information:
1. You have recently been on one group ride that went badly.
2. You are looking for information on how to plan a couple of group rides for 50-100 riders, with the kinds of questions a first-time leader would ask.

What you didn't say:
1. You had experienced help.
2. That you need help evaluating their advice.
3. What advice you have been given by your experienced help, especially the advice that you have your doubts about.

So, what we hare hearing is something like this, "I just bought myself Sears' best mechanic's tool set and a Valkyrie shop manual, and I am planning to rebuild the engine and add a supercharger.  Do you have any pointers?"

So, of course our advice is, "Don't do it.  Either start with smaller maintenance jobs and work your way up to it after you've gotten to know your bike and acquired some mechanical skill and knowledge, or get an experienced Valkyrie supercharger guy to do it for you."

Here's how I would lead a group of more than about 7 riders that had several turns and/or stops and/or traffic lights:

- Split the group into sub-groups of 5 bikes each and assign a leader to each sub-group.  The leaders each have a copy of the ride plan/map and understand it, and the cell phone number of the organizer or driver of the support truck, if there is one.  The leaders will assign their own sweep.  Even better if the leader and sweep have compatible wireless communications.  The leader should place the least capable riders in positions 2 and 3 within the group so he can watch their riding and pace the group accordingly.

- The sub-groups understand they are to ride in staggered formation without changing positions within the sub-group, and that if the sub-group gets split up by traffic lights, etc., the leader will wait at the next safe pull-out for the rest of the sub-group to catch up.  Individuals are not to speed or run red lights or stop signs to keep the group together.  Riders can stop and go in pairs at stop signs.  Individuals should strictly maintain the one and two second following distance rules within the group (2 seconds behind the bike in the same tire track, 1 second behind the bike in the other tire track).

- The leaders of the sub-groups are to know that they should maintain a decent space of a minimum of five seconds behind the sub-group ahead.  This allows other traffic to safely interact with the bikers, and helps the leaders to better see that their group is together without getting them confused with members other sub-groups.  Sub-groups do not have to keep up with each other; separation between sub-groups is okay.

- If the ride is starting within a city, plan to have a regrouping location at the edge of or just outside the city so all the sub-groups can get together, check for problems, and make adjustments or give instruction as required.  Ensure the sub-group leaders know where the next stop is.  When scheduling the ride, assume this stop will take 5-15 minutes, depending on the group's size.  Be pleasantly surprised if it takes less time.

- Plan gas stops at locations with multiple gas stations, especially with larger groups.  Instruct the leaders to take their sub-groups to the most convenient/available gas station of their choice within that area.  Either have a regrouping area after everyone is gassed up, or a system for leaders to check in that their group is gassed up and about to head out for the next stop.  Phoning or texting the organizer or the support truck would work.  Plan for 20 minutes minimum for the gas stop without regrouping, or add time for regrouping.

- Plan on-road travel time between stops to be longer than an individual rider would take.  The sub-groups will be riding at the pace that the leader thinks his least-capable rider can safely/confidently handle, and there will be people occasionally stopping to fiddle with this and that.  Leaders also have to ride under the limit during the times they are waiting for members to catch up, otherwise riders have to speed to catch up with a leader riding at the speed limit.  Be pleasantly surprised if the group ends up being faster than your low expectations.

The key to a well-run ride is excellent communication between the organizer and his leaders, and between the leaders and their sub-group riders.

If you have a large group and haven't created sub-groups with informed leaders, you will have to have volunteers ride up ahead and station themselves at every place where the route changes from one road to another, e.g. at corners and exits you will be using, preferably wearing safety vests or doing something identifiable by the riders.

This is not an exhaustive list of suggestions, but just what comes to mind immediately.

[..]

I've seen this happen. A ride gets split into groups.

They ride merrily off towards their destination.

A group falls in behind another group (or so they think). The lead group makes a turn and the lemmings behind follow.

I think some are still lost somewhere in NC, GA, TN, VA, KY   

[old2soon]

There USED to be a 9-11 ride I rather enjoyed. It was a 50 mile round trip with L E O and Fire Dept. escort. First one I went on was about 125 M/Cs. Even after the ride captains saying ride staggered and we WILL NOT exceed 60 M P H on a 65 M P H highway STUFF happens. I had a "rider" that insisted on riding next to me instead of staggered. I was on the inside-shoulder side-and elected to hit the shoulder slow down and ride drag once the bulk of the pack got by. Even after I talked with him at the halfway point he "informed" me to NOT worry bout it as he was a good "rider"!    Some body mentioned "herding cats". A VERY apt description. I ride captained the poker run out of the Honda dealership here twice. There WILL NOT be a third time for me. No matter how many instructions are given at a riders meeting some folks insist they are better than the ride. One fundraiser ride for cancer I went on formed up in the Walmart parking lot with a Murphy station on premises. And 1/4 mile away another gas station. The loop was about 120 miles-PLEASE fill your tank BEFORE we leave. We weren't 12 miles into the ride and a "rider" ran out of gas!  Some one "smarter" than the ride captain. Good luck and after past experience give them the location and time to eat and a route map.  MIGHT be the best bet!  RIDE SAFE.

[Valkpilot]

Here's a short Group Riding Basics presentation I did for our local group.  It is available as a Power Point Slide Show or PDF

It is by no means comprehensive.  More information can be had at the reference sources at the end of the presentaion.

I agree with others here that you've accepted a big challenge.  Research indicates that groups larger than three bikes are at a much higher risk of encountering an accident, so keep your sub-groups as small as possible.

[Cracker Jack]

There USED to be a 9-11 ride I rather enjoyed. It was a 50 mile round trip with L E O and Fire Dept. escort. First one I went on was about 125 M/Cs. Even after the ride captains saying ride staggered and we WILL NOT exceed 60 M P H on a 65 M P H highway STUFF happens. I had a "rider" that insisted on riding next to me instead of staggered. I was on the inside-shoulder side-and elected to hit the shoulder slow down and ride drag once the bulk of the pack got by. Even after I talked with him at the halfway point he "informed" me to NOT worry bout it as he was a good "rider"!    Some body mentioned "herding cats". A VERY apt description. I ride captained the poker run out of the Honda dealership here twice. There WILL NOT be a third time for me. No matter how many instructions are given at a riders meeting some folks insist they are better than the ride. One fundraiser ride for cancer I went on formed up in the Walmart parking lot with a Murphy station on premises. And 1/4 mile away another gas station. The loop was about 120 miles-PLEASE fill your tank BEFORE we leave. We weren't 12 miles into the ride and a "rider" ran out of gas!  Some one "smarter" than the ride captain. Good luck and after past experience give them the location and time to eat and a route map.  MIGHT be the best bet!  RIDE SAFE.

A VRCC ride was held a couple of years ago to ride The Natchez Trace starting in Natchez. Large group. The group got lined up in the motel parking lot and started out. The first gas stop was in less than 3 miles and before we got on the Trace. My first and last ride with a group of that size.

[crow]

Print and sign wavers are a must.  The AMA  sells group ride insurance.  Stager formation.  Inexperienced riders in the back of the pack.  Road guards, two per intercetion,  that ride behind leader and join the back of the pack when  the pack clears the interception.  Good luck

[Oss]

There were over 3000 motorcycles on the first ground zero ride from carmel ny

All kinds of police/troopers etc rode ahead and blocked intersections and highway on ramps
They would pass at high speed as the incredibly long procession moved from Putnam County through Westchester and the Bronx and into manhattan then magically disappeared past the site of the Twin Towers.

I vowed never again to do such a large ride

I have been on many smaller rides including inzane joe boyd rides and small powwow rides led by 3W/ chrome and myself one year

The advise above is spot on.  Best of luck to you.  Stay positive and try to keep the groups small

Two rules I live by is each bike is responsible for the rider BEHIND you.

If the light turns while you are in it wait on the far side of the road on the side and take off when the light again goes green so the bike behind you safely can get in formation.
If you are the last at a turn, slow and wait safely for the straggler.

Oss

[Misfit]

I was on a small group ride last year. It was lead by someone with what seemed to be zero group riding experience. It was terrible. I have lead groups, and ridden in other group rides. It's not easy keeping everyone safe and happy. You have been given some good advice,and I hope you take it. I would hate to see your ride turn bad or see someone get hurt. For those of you that would like to set up a ride or lead a ride I would suggest that you begin as a follower and learn from others expereance and mistakes. Above all keep your ego at bay. I think some folks just want to be in the front so onlookers might perceive them as the leader of the gang. Bad idea. Ride safe. 

[wiggydotcom]

Sorry if it was listed in another response but I haven't seen any mention of hand signals. While I think CB and intercom communication is the best, hand signals serve a very important purpose. During a pre-ride briefing, it would be a good time to go over the basic hand signals, such as stopping, slow down, speed up, debris in road, stagger formation, single file, etc.

Here's 12 basic hand signals:

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/12-motorcycle-hand-signals-you-should-know.html

[HayHauler]

Wiggy, good point.  I also haven't seen anyone mention the mechanical status of all 100 bikes.  If they ride once or twice a year, there are dead batteries, bald tires, minimal safety equipment, faulty brakes, etc...  I keep on top of my maintenance and expect the people I ride with to do the same.  My life is worth it.

I ride the Ride for Kids twice a year and they have someone that looks over all of the bikes and eliminates ones that are marginal at best.  Maybe you could nominate someone to be the "bad guy" and give the bikes the "once over".  It might save someone's life.

Ok, that's my $.01875.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[wiggydotcom]

Wiggy, good point.  I also haven't seen anyone mention the mechanical status of all 100 bikes.  If they ride once or twice a year, there are dead batteries, bald tires, minimal safety equipment, faulty brakes, etc...  I keep on top of my maintenance and expect the people I ride with to do the same.  My life is worth it.

I ride the Ride for Kids twice a year and they have someone that looks over all of the bikes and eliminates ones that are marginal at best.  Maybe you could nominate someone to be the "bad guy" and give the bikes the "once over".  It might save someone's life.

Ok, that's my $.01875.

Hay 
Jimmyt

That's a good 18 and 3/4 cents worth of info, Jimmy!   

[Jess from VA]

Come to DC and do Rolling Thunder.  A quarter million bikes at 3 knots (give or take).   

Great cause, lousy (noisy, hot, dehydrated) ride.  You do get to practice feathering the clutch and walking your bike.

Group rides are for wide open places, not cities.

[Cracker Jack]

Wiggy, good point.  I also haven't seen anyone mention the mechanical status of all 100 bikes.  If they ride once or twice a year, there are dead batteries, bald tires, minimal safety equipment, faulty brakes, etc...  I keep on top of my maintenance and expect the people I ride with to do the same.  My life is worth it.

I ride the Ride for Kids twice a year and they have someone that looks over all of the bikes and eliminates ones that are marginal at best.  Maybe you could nominate someone to be the "bad guy" and give the bikes the "once over".  It might save someone's life.

Ok, that's my $.01875.

Hay 
Jimmyt

That's a good 18 and 3/4 cents worth of info, Jimmy!   

Looks like 1 7/8 cents worth to me.