Group riding is fun and challenging. It's one of the way's to enjoy your motorcycle MORE. Below are tips and strategies from a couple of sources, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and Muncie HOG Chapter #1277. Please use this information as a guideline and remember that some tips may not apply to your area. When in doubt, always place common sense and safety first.

Motorcycle Safety Foundation:

Planning the ride

• Prepare a map of the route, including stops.
• If not out for a scenic ride, plan direct routes. Interstates offer advantages;

1. All traffic is moving in one direction
2. No cross traffic or traffic lights to split up the Group.

• If three lanes are available, use center lane.
• Plan stops to avoid gravel or left handed turns.
• Plan gas stops at least every 90 miles.
• If you have a large group planning to stop at a restaurant, call ahead to restaurant.
• If you have an usually large group, notify police in your area. They may assist you in leaving or arriving. Never block traffic yourself, it may be against the law.

• Choose and maintain a comfortable speed within the limit. Remember that people back in the group may have to drive a little faster to keep up, also vehicles behind the group may become impatient and try to pass.
• Know the route well enough so that you can give the group signals well in advance of turns or stopping points. If you arrive too quickly at a turn for the group to turn safely, continue to a place where a turn can be executed safely.

• Drinking and driving never mix. This is especially true during a Group Ride.
• Always ride staggered, this gives you an extra safety margin.
• Make sure your bike is in good condition. A bad tire could cause an accident in a group ride.
• Being too hot or cold could affect how alert you are. Pack additional clothing regardless of weather at time of departure. Remember to use all safety gear including helmet, gloves, leather jacket and eye protection (both clear and tinted glasses).
• A group of motorcycles are not considered a single vehicle. Be courteous and allow cars to enter and exit the highway and to change lanes.
• Familiarize yourself with the route and scheduled stops.
• Always arrive before the ride with a full tank of gas.

• Ride with a partner, if one stops, you stop with them.
• Have standing policy (address at pre ride briefing) that group will wait at certain points for a determined amount of time for break down problems.

Hand signals

• Develop at local level for your Club or refer to HOG Charter.

Safe Riding Tips

• Know your skills. Take a Rider Course in your area. Call 1-800-446-9227 for information.
• Know the rules of the road. Remember driving is a privilege. Get yourself properly insured and licensed. Know the limit of your skills and your motorcycle.
• Ride aware. A car turning left in your path is the most frequent accident. Three fourths of motorcycle accidents involve collisions with other vehicles, the majority caused by the other driver. It can happen to you!
• Ride with the right safety gear (correct fit and appropriate for your area). Safety first.
• Ride to survive. Be seen and not hit. Wear bright colored clothing, use your headlight, select a position within a lane that allows you to see and be seen. Avoid rapid lane changes and keep looking around-you don't need surprises!
• Ride straight. Up to 45% of all accidents involve alcohol.
• Keep a safe bike. Always perform a pre-ride check.
• Share a safe ride. Instruct your passenger what to do before you ride, remember they are YOUR responsibility.

• Always carry your HOG Touring Handbook.
• Try to maintain a constant speed. Don't `rubber band' or speed up or slow down.
• Be aware of openings around you so you can maneuver to them in an emergency.
• Never ride in someone's blind spot. Ride where you can see the forward rider's face in his mirror.
• Always try to keep the group tight without crowding each other. This improves safety, especially at intersections.
• Remember you're not safe from lighting on your motorcycle.

• Road Captain and/or Leader will insure that all members have signed liability forms on file.
• Place new or inexperienced riders near the front of the pack. Experienced riders will be able to watch them.
• Ride Leader will hand signal lane change well in advance. This signal is passed back through out the pack. Riders will stay in the current lane until Road Captain at rear moves into new lane.
• If group becomes separated, Road Captain at rear moves forward and assumes lead. Riders will make room when possible to allow this maneuver.
• Do not force issues of lane changes and/or crossing an intersection. Always let courtesy and patience be our principle virtues!

• Be a role model for all motorcyclists and motorcycling.

Other common sense tips

• Drive looking well ahead.
• Watch for sudden gusts of wind. Watch tree tops and long grass along roadway for clues.
• If you become tired, drop out of the ride and rest.
• Allow more room for the inside rider if you're in the outside lane when turning or in a curve.
• Don't assume the other guy sees you.

• Don't accelerate from a stop with a rider in front of you. Wait until they are under power and moving.

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