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Riding Motorcycles in a Group

Nov. 30 2022 Health & Safety By Interstate Cycles

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While it’s fun to ride your motorcycle on your own, it can sometimes be even more fun to ride with a group of fellow bikers! You can take a journey together that helps you to create memories and strengthen your friendships, and that socialization is good for you. However, it’s important to recognize that group motorcycle riding poses its own challenges compared to riding solo, so you and your group all need to be on the same page. 

Be Prepared

Everyone in your group should make sure that their bikes are ready to go by performing necessary maintenance tasks and packing the right items. Here’s what everyone should do with their motorcycles ahead of a group ride: 

  • Check tire pressure and condition
  • Change oil and filters
  • Fill gas tanks with fuel
  • Test signals, lights, and brakes
  • Lubricate and tighten chains

All riders also need to wear a well-fitting, DOT-rated helmet with either a full face mask or goggles for eye protection. Riding suits or riding jackets with padding are a good precaution against a slide-out. Riding boots and riding gloves are other recommended accessories.

Determine Your Route & Plan For Separations

Next, you’ll want to go over a potential route with all your fellow riders to make sure that everyone’s wants and needs are accommodated. Choose a route that is easy to follow and make note of the planned stops you’ll take together. Establish a few rendezvous points along the route where you can wait for other riders to catch up if they become separated.

Figure Out a Riding Formation & Hand Signals

A riding formation allows all of you to ride together without getting in the way of traffic or interfering with each other’s space. A staggered line, where each rider is to the left or right of the rider ahead and a few seconds behind, is a great group formation. Choose experienced riders who can lead and follow the line; the leader can use a series of established hand signals to alert the group to any changes ahead, while the follower can carry a tool kit and assist with any emergency maintenance. 

Visit our dealership in Lake City, FL, to check out our selection of new and used motorcycles for sale. We can also assist you with financing options. Interstate Cycles serves the cities of Jacksonville and Gainesville, FL.