Side-by-Side vs. Staggered?

In 2004 when I first rode with RFTW there was no question that SBS was the CR formation. By the end of the first day I was comfortable with SBS and the riders around me and SBS became my preference. The past couple years, platoon sizes have grown, but more alarming is the number of "new" riders that recently started riding and lack group riding skills, coupled with "Day Riders" that don't ride enough distance to become adapt to riding 2-up. So it's these two groups of riders that are My biggest concern while riding side-by-side. With both Routes having accidents this year, I am not sure that either formation is any worse than the other. Again, I think it boils down to riding skills. That being said, it is my opinion that the CR should have at least one platoon ride in staggered formation; perhaps the last platoon. This would allow those riders (new or experienced) an option to ride in the formation that they are most comfortable with and still remain part of the main pack. I also think the new bikers with limited experience (if they would admit it) should be at the very end of the platoon to minimize "braking" and other issues. Hopefully the Tailgunner could assist new riders in riding safely. if all else fails and a rider is just not comfortable in group riding, they should be at the very end of the main pack, yet ahead of support vehicles. These are just my thoughts on the matter. It will be interesting to hear from our BOD.

** PERHAPS A PLATOON FOR THOSE IS WHAT IS NEEDED.  **

All I can say is this Mission is not a ride that "green riders" should attempt and shouldn't even contemplate putting other experienced riders in harms way. I can tell you, I wouldn't want a "green rider" next to me on such a serious run. Let them ride in the back till they show adequate skills to move forward - similar to the SR riding protocol.

I CANNOT SPEAK FOR OUR LEADERSHIP OR BOD-- BUT I FEEL ONE OF THE REASONS WE RIDE SIDE BY SIDE  IS--WE STRETCH ALONG LONG WAY--EVEN FURTHER WHEN WE RIDE STAGGERED. IN THE PAST LAW ENFORCEMENT AT TIMES HAS NOT BEEN VERY KIND TO OUR TAKING UP SO MUCH SPACE ON THE HIGHWAYS. THO TODAY--WE GET ALOT OF MUCH NEEDED HELP WITH ESCORTES N ROLLING ROAD BLOCKS BEHIND US KEEPING THE TRAFFIC OFF OF US. IN SOME AREAS JOHN Q PUBLIC REALLY GRIPES WHEN WE CAUSE THEM TO LOOSE A FEW MINUTES OF THEIR DAY! GO FIGURE THAT ONE? WE HAVE GOTTEN SO LARGE --SO MANY RIDERS--THAT AS I RODE  IN THE BACK IN MY TRUCK--I CULD NOT SEE THE FIRST BIKES AT ALL. LOL. THERE ARE NO EASY ANSWERES.  BUT I DO KIND OF FORSEE THAT AT SOME POINT WE WILL BE TOLD WE CAN NO LONGER RIDE IN THIS LARGE FORMATION. EVEN THO IT GOES AGAINST OUR FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY AND DEMONSTRATION.

RooWalk,  Good words, good thoughts.  I am on record that side by side is a more dangerous way to ride.  I do not favor a separate platoon for "newbies".  To get a motorcycle stamp on you license in Kansas you are required to take an approved safety course.  Buying a new bike and immediately proceeding out on RFTW may not be the wisest course of action one could take.  Having said that, I'd rather have you out there with me, side by side or staggered, on a brand new bike than I would have you delay riding RFTW for another year.  I talked with the platoon leader, assistant platoon leader, tail gunner, and my riding partners right and behind this year.  Having had a knee replacement, I was not sure how I was going to hold up and I wanted them to know.  In the Nam, I don't remember any new guy platoon.  We integrated a replacement into an existing squad and made them as comfortable as possible, same as we do on RFTW.  I suggest we still need to do that.  Spot on for the BOD, big job.  Whatever the decision, I am of the opinion that both routes should be formed equally and ride equally - - whatever that is.  I turn 69 this year.  I am reasonably certain that my reflexes are not exactly the same as they were when I was 23.  I concur with experience up to a point.  Thanks,  Nighthawk

Why, Thank You Nighthawk. The sentiment is much appreciated and one day, I'll shake your hand to say so in person :-) maybe sooner than later? I am sure this matter will be discussed at the Reunion. You are just a few hours from here.

LIL MAC--LONG TIME NO SEE.  YEPP-THANX FOR THAT REMINDER--I WAS THERE WITH YOU. 

The side by side formation for me doesn't seem to be the issue. From what I observed, especially this year, was the braking distance (or lack therof). I understand the desire to have a tight formation both for the visual appeal as well as the highway real estate that is occupied. If the spacing is too tight then we have the issue of compacting the formation when a decrease in speed is needed and let's face it, our reaction times don't decrease with age, compound that with highway speed etc and it could be a recipe for disaster.

Riders,

Side by side or staggered, riding with a group (large or small) requires much more attention that riding by yourself and a friend.  Acknowledging that reaction times are reduced it's important to adjust riding styles accordingly.  (Not using highway pegs when you normally would, leaving tunes turned off, covering rear and front brakes when you hear sound of engine shifting, anticipating a potential aggressive slowdown is all good.)  Like forum said, keeping you and your bike in top operating condition was important.

Thanks to the riders who considered this and tapped out of the pack when they found themselves overheated, tired, or situation (riding or emotional) put there mind in other places.  Decision to hydrate or spend rest of leg behind last man vehicle was a good call.

Still participated in the mission --- safely.

Was a privilege riding with all of you 2012, cannot wait until 2013


Edited by Gallupe - May-29-2012 at 3:01pm