New York Chapter "W"

Gold Wing Road Riders Association

Rochester, NY

Ride Like A Team

As motorcyclists and Goldwing owners we purchased our bikes for many reasons, among them probably included touring or riding with others. When we ride as a group, we should concentrate on a team ride, not a messy mass ride.

Plan Your Ride

Most well executed projects include a great deal of time and effort up front to obtain successful results. This should be no different for a motorcycle Team Ride.

Pre- Ride Planning

Choose a destination including maps to and from the intended route. Give each rider a map in case they get lost or need to leave the ride early. If you do have to leave early, signal a designated person so they don't have to wait or try and locate you.

Designate a Team Captain and Team Point person

Discuss and agree on a speed that the group will travel, keeping in mind there are different levels of riding skills and experience within your team. Discuss ahead each person's comfort riding level and break into a group that fits YOUR riding comfort zone.

Plan ahead for gas, food, breaks or photo stops. Also keep in mind the amount of members for parking considerations. The frequency of gas stops is determined by the bike with the smallest gas tank.

Pre-Ride Time

All bikes should arrive with full tanks of gas and empty bladders.

Time should be taken to check each motorcycle to make sure they are in safe condition.

Review Team Riding Hand Signals so everyone is consistent on their meaning.

Review the ride map and make sure everyone is clear on the destination and routes taken.

Let's Ride

With any Team ride, there is concern of losing the group and cars interfering with the group. Think of the ride as many small teams; usually five is a good number to deal with to be more easily managed and visible to other motorists. Keeping together in smaller groups of five is less intimidating that trying to keep up with the whole team.

Team Point and Team Captain are the two riders responsible for the ride and the safety of the riders. The Team Point rides in front of the formation and the Team Captain rides in the back to make sure everyone is still with the ride and makes sure there are no problems. The Team Point and Team Captain should be equipped with CB's to constantly monitor the ride. Other riders may have them, but should only use them for emergencies or important questions.

The most important role of the other team riders is to keep a safe riding distance between the other riders and maintain that throughout the ride especially if conditions change. The riders travel in a staggered formation with the Team Point in the left track of the lane and the next rider in the right track of the lane. Riders should maintain a 2-second interval from the rider directly in front of them:

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Maintaining this 2-second interval is crucial for riders to keep the team together and to maintain a safe riding environment.

When passing traffic in two lanes, riders should pass in single file, allowing plenty of space to pull in behind the rider in front of them. If you get separated from your group, remember that this does not justify running stop signs, red lights or speeding to catch the group. Obey the law. You have the directions with you and the Team Captain is behind you to make sure you won't get lost or left behind.

These are some key components of a safe Team Ride. Team riding should be a fun safe adventure to be shared by your fellow riders. Plan your ride and ride your plan so you can do your part in Riding Like A Team.

Practice Safe Riding

Gary Mandak

Chapter W Educator