Riding in tight formation

[RhadamYgg]

Our annual Toy Run In JHB has in excess of 20 000 bikes on the road at the same time heading for the same end venue. Usually 4 or 5 start venues that converge on the highway for the last 15kms or so.

No cars or dirt bikes or quads allowed in the procession.

Holy schickies!

[RhadamYgg]

A staggered group is also quite a bit different safety wise than riding 2x2.

That (2x2) is one of those things "outlaw" MCs tend to do to show how "outlaw" they are. It doesnt leave much margin for error. Hence 28 experienced riders piling up. Hope these fellas all come out all right tho.

Either way, I dont ride in groups with people I dont know....and I prefer never to be in a group of more than 5 bikes.

But no one I've seen on the roads, or in magazine adverts - actually rides staggered formation correctly.

What I mean is that they don't actually leave the 1 second to the next bike in the staggered formation and 2 seconds to the back of the next bike in their row.

Even in staggered I think the time to react is usually much shorter than the distance I leave with cars.

But saying all that I've never ridden in a group - but I'm willing to give it a shot.

RhadamYgg

[koji52]

A staggered group is also quite a bit different safety wise than riding 2x2.

That (2x2) is one of those things "outlaw" MCs tend to do to show how "outlaw" they are. It doesnt leave much margin for error. Hence 28 experienced riders piling up. Hope these fellas all come out all right tho.

Either way, I dont ride in groups with people I dont know....and I prefer never to be in a group of more than 5 bikes.

But no one I've seen on the roads, or in magazine adverts - actually rides staggered formation correctly.

What I mean is that they don't actually leave the 1 second to the next bike in the staggered formation and 2 seconds to the back of the next bike in their row.

Even in staggered I think the time to react is usually much shorter than the distance I leave with cars.

But saying all that I've never ridden in a group - but I'm willing to give it a shot.

RhadamYgg

two seconds behind the dude in front of me is very uncomfortable. Especially if its a stranger. Even when riding with one buddy, we ride staggered but leave much more room than one or two seconds.

[High_Side]

What I mean is that they don't actually leave the 1 second to the next bike in the staggered formation and 2 seconds to the back of the next bike in their row.

Even in staggered I think the time to react is usually much shorter than the distance I leave with cars.

RhadamYgg

I couldn't agree more.

Staggered formation really shouldn't replace the minimum distance that you ride behind the person in front of you, regardless of what side of the lane they are in. Riding side by side is asking for trouble, but riding staggered the way most people do it (too close together) is only slightly better.

[JC Viper]

Those police motorcades are no better. Many of them are usually side by side in front of a closely following limo or town car. All because it looks good or something.

[king robb]

Those police motorcades are no better. Many of them are usually side by side in front of a closely following limo or town car. All because it looks good or something.

They at least train for the emergency action though. Ever watch your local police "close order drill"? IMPD and the old sherriffs dept in marion county has some highly skilled riders.

[RhadamYgg]

A staggered group is also quite a bit different safety wise than riding 2x2.

That (2x2) is one of those things "outlaw" MCs tend to do to show how "outlaw" they are. It doesnt leave much margin for error. Hence 28 experienced riders piling up. Hope these fellas all come out all right tho.

Either way, I dont ride in groups with people I dont know....and I prefer never to be in a group of more than 5 bikes.

But no one I've seen on the roads, or in magazine adverts - actually rides staggered formation correctly.

What I mean is that they don't actually leave the 1 second to the next bike in the staggered formation and 2 seconds to the back of the next bike in their row.

Even in staggered I think the time to react is usually much shorter than the distance I leave with cars.

But saying all that I've never ridden in a group - but I'm willing to give it a shot.

RhadamYgg

two seconds behind the dude in front of me is very uncomfortable. Especially if its a stranger. Even when riding with one buddy, we ride staggered but leave much more room than one or two seconds.

Hmm interesting. But the only problem is car divers that jump in line. But until I ride with a group I guess I won't know.

I do remember a vid from the rider's perspective on youtube of two bikes going through a twisty and the guy in front of him fell... He went down too.

RhadamYgg

[High_Side]

Hmm interesting. But the only problem is car divers that jump in line.

This really should be o.k. It won't cause you to lose track of your buddies and it keeps everyone else around you from get frustrated 'cause they can't get around you.

[JC Viper]

Those police motorcades are no better. Many of them are usually side by side in front of a closely following limo or town car. All because it looks good or something.

They at least train for the emergency action though. Ever watch your local police "close order drill"? IMPD and the old sherriffs dept in marion county has some highly skilled riders.

I know but it still gives me the creeps because they don't wear much in form of protection during warm weather rides and still not much better protection in cooler weather. I'm reminded of that motorcade officer that died during Bush's motorcade.

I'd hate to see any of them go down, we get enough fallen officers and motorcyclists as it is.

[CamSA]

Hi Guys

I prefer riding in a staggerd formation, a couple of years ago we were riding in a tight formation that resulted in over 50 of us hitting the deck. Its great to ride free and sometimes join a club ride as I often ride with CMA in South Africa. There is nothing better than seeing a couple of hundred bikers all riding down a freeway. the most impressive ride to watch is the Toy Run and now coming up is the Rhino Rally -- its great to be on the highway and just see bikes , friendly guys all rdiing and stopping for a break. its crome and two wheels
Cam