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Side-by-Side vs. Staggered?
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GATOR View Drop Down
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Points: 327 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote GATOR Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jun-05-2012 at 8:02am
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I agree with Gator, I think.
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Fator is never wrong...
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Group riding is unavoidably dangerous.  That part is never going away.  

But in both staggered and SBS formations, I keep a good eye on the rider 3 or 4 bikes ahead of me in the other lane.  If I see that rider snap his or her head to the side or make some quick move, I know something is about to happen where I am in the formation.  This is my communication, and I quickly make decisions about slowing and signalling.

Perhaps the toughest formation is the single file.  Sometimes the way you learn of trouble ahead is the feel of your bike joining in the pile up.  You couldn't see past that one bike you were following, and there was no time.  Modifying the single file to a thin stagger would afford just a measure of vision that might prevent a crash.

My perspective on staggered riding, not shared by some others, is one line with two tracks. You do not go past the guy to your forward oblique, you only come up on him to send a message- "Close it up," or "Drop back a bit."  Riders need some avenue of communication, a way to know and anticipate other riders' moves.  Two hours in the moving pack can challenge one's concentration, it's good to know if those around you have lost alertness.

Ultimately I prefer the side-by-side.  I am forced to be more alert, constantly aware of my riding partner's position, glancing to check every couple seconds.  I try to be a smooth riding partner, avoiding sharp throttle moves, moving up into position very gently on the on-ramps.  Often my impatient fellow rider has sped ahead- it takes discipline to resist the urge to crank it open.  

So far, so good.  In my three trips I have locked the rear into a skid only once, running through the tunnels and shadows in Phoenix traffic on this year's run.  


Modern American motorcycling has become a group activity. RFTW, PGR, and other special rides provide opportunity to sharpen both your side-by-side and staggered riding skills.  It is a good thing to learn and practice to the best of your ability, and to help teach others your tricks and knowledge of safe group riding.

May 2013 be the safest ride ever,

Sidewalk
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Gallupe View Drop Down
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Points: 955 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Gallupe Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jun-07-2012 at 7:19pm
Sidewalk, good information.

RFTW practices a lot of best practices that are stressed during Group Riding Safety Training.  Is there opportunities to improve?  Absolutely.

Here's a group riding video by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation -- plenty of food for thought and great information to prevent folks from getting a bad case of road rash or worst when going on group rides.

This also represents some of the "best practices" that help manage some of the risk associated with group riding.   Ensuring you and your bike is ready (mechanically, physically, skill wise and mentally) are all part of the risk avoidance equation.  How you ride, 2 second rule (bike in front/1 second bike beside when staggered) is also key to keeping tight formation -- also part of risk avoidance strategy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erpkyD7SMfw

Will let the video and information stand on it's own merit.

Safe riding all -- hope to see you in Tulsa and, if not, next year on the run.


Edited by Gallupe - Jun-07-2012 at 7:34pm
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OZ View Drop Down
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Points: 323 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote OZ Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jun-07-2012 at 8:25pm

At times to me it looked like some riders where more relaxed than they should have been.  I maybe wrong, but when both feet are propped up and resting and one hand on the throttle, not good for long.... ok for a break, but you can ride close and still enjoy the ride, but it will never be a Sunday see the country ride. 

I also think some riders need to be told to keep up or be told to go to the back of the platoon or maybe the last vehicle.  Lots of various styles of riding, and some just can't keep the pace.  I do know that the gaps in the platoon make it a place for cars to try and get into, so a tight pack is a good pack. But if they want in, let them and don't worry about getting caught up in the next 10 minutes.  I think everyone gets a little nervy about getting lost and not in the pack, but if you have to pick between a car/truck/anything and keeping in the pack, let them in!!!!   
Plus please the info in the book.  Having the CB on is ok, but no ok when its on speakers not head phones!!!
Ok go ahead and yell at me now ... I can take it......Wink
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