Protocol for passing a group? - Page 2

Mic · 08-16-2012, 06:34 AM

Originally Posted by TJC

I had a side-bet with a friend on how long it would take for someone to respond with the "slalom" answer. Thanks Mic, you just earned me $1.

Remember our deal, you owe me 3%

Jeffytune · 08-16-2012, 06:50 AM

Originally Posted by TJC

Thanks for the insight from someone with logs of group experience.

Although I'd agree that it's often a cruiser group that's going a slower pace, in this particular instance it was a group of ST-s doing more T and less S.

Jeffytune, how do you handle a car wanting to pass in a similar situation? I suspect most don't have CBs and pulling along-side the sweeper to get his attention (or even getting close behind him) seems like something to avoid.

And for that matter how do you communicate "move over, there's someone trying to pass us" to all of the green riders between Road Captians?

Hand signals, we are usually in single file anyway, if I use my right turn signal and wave with the slow down motion, they understand for the most part. As to cars, usually it's not much of a issue, but when there's a passing lane we usually pull to right to let anyone behind us go. I guess if a guy a corvette just wanted by If i had to i would use a pull off, but with a group of say 20 bikes in single file we are taking up a space of 1/4 mile, with everyone using to two second rule.

R6Roller · 08-16-2012, 11:56 AM

The real question is "Whats your record? How many cruisers have you passed at one time?". I think I got 14 or so .. could have been 16? Maybe even 20. Them Harley trains get pretty long.

Norainy · 08-16-2012, 02:50 PM

I know it's tough to do, as I even have to remind myself. They are not a group, they are individual vehicles on the public roads.

I pass one or more at a time and slide in, as the vehicle being passed is required by law to make safe room for your re-entry into the lane. If they get butt hurt, they need to learn and be more aware of their surroundings as a rider and grow out of the gang mentality crap.

It really is amazing how many groups I come up to from behind and how long it takes them to notice. Once they notice and then make no effort to acknowledge one wanting to pass, bad game on.

All one has to do is move to the right and give a friendly have wave and we can both share the road at different speeds.

I have moved over at over a buck, to allow bikes to pass in the same lane, no problem, let alone when traveling at tip over speed.

iSplitLanes · 08-16-2012, 04:26 PM

Originally Posted by Jeffytune

If you do not have a CB, then usually if it is a HOG group (And we seemed to be the ones that ride too slow) the end rider SHOULD be a Road Capitan riding in a sweep position. When it safe, pull along side of him or her, and with a hand jester indicate you would like to ride by, we know what you want and we try to accommodate.

Thanks for posting that. Means a lot to me in terms of the way I'll be riding if I am interested in passing a HOG group. I am not sure which hand sign or gesture I should use in that spot. Please clarify. Seldom do I ride in a group so I am not familiar with some terminology.

Norainy · 08-16-2012, 04:46 PM

Originally Posted by Jeffytune

Hand signals, we are usually in single file anyway, if I use my right turn signal and wave with the slow down motion, they understand for the most part. As to cars, usually it's not much of a issue, but when there's a passing lane we usually pull to right to let anyone behind us go. I guess if a guy a corvette just wanted by If i had to i would use a pull off, but with a group of say 20 bikes in single file we are taking up a space of 1/4 mile, with everyone using to two second rule.

If I was in a corvette, I would just pass at will and make the bikes follow the law and make the safe room available. These slow ass groups of bikes need to pull over when hindering flow of traffic.

Hayaku · 08-16-2012, 07:13 PM

If you do not have a CB, then usually if it is a HOG group (And we seemed to be the ones that ride too slow) the end rider SHOULD be a Road Capitan riding in a sweep position. When it safe, pull along side of him or her, and with a hand jester indicate you would like to ride by, we know what you want and we try to accommodate.

Never had a problem waiting too long for a staggered group (Harleys or Wings). Get the wave at the first SAFE open stretch. Wave thanks and usually get "have fun" waves in return.

The side-by-side folks seem to be a different story.

.

canyon63 · 08-16-2012, 07:30 PM

Just before there's an opportunity to pass, find second gear. When clear to do so, slip the clutch in and out so the front wheel lifts as you start your acceleration to pass, keep the RPM's in the power band. Merge back into your lane, and stay safe out there!

Jeffytune · 08-16-2012, 09:42 PM

Originally Posted by iSplitLanes

Thanks for posting that. Means a lot to me in terms of the way I'll be riding if I am interested in passing a HOG group. I am not sure which hand sign or gesture I should use in that spot. Please clarify. Seldom do I ride in a group so I am not familiar with some terminology.

It does not happen as much as you might think, but generally if you point forward, we get the point.

As it were, I leave tomorrow on a 839 mile ride....I need to get so much done, and sleep too.

Night all.

Jims08Z06 · 08-16-2012, 10:11 PM

Originally Posted by R6Roller

The real question is "Whats your record? How many cruisers have you passed at one time?". I think I got 14 or so .. could have been 16? Maybe even 20. Them Harley trains get pretty long.

Speaking of Harley trains, I was riding south on I-5 past ex 68 at app. 75mph, this spring. (memorial weekend late afternoon) I noticed a bunch of bikes approaching fast, thinking they must be a group of sport bikes, I moved over near the fog line to let them go by. (about 20 or so) Well they were not sport bikes they were Hogs, with their old ladies on the back. Dusted, my hearing assaulted, and just plain ashamed I briefly matched their 85+ then thought better of it... PS That is honest to God true; Any of the cruiser guys know who they were by any chance?
...AJ

fastfoodfred · 08-16-2012, 11:26 PM

I'm weary of the group ride mentality with a leader, stupid rules, and sweep. Just ride and enjoy it. Btw, 10 is a large group. A typical good ride is 3. More than that and you always have to slow the pace for others to know where you are going or they get lost, which I still don't care about.

Bmwridr05 · 08-17-2012, 12:35 AM

Originally Posted by Jims08Z06

Any of the cruiser guys know who they were by any chance?
...AJ

Yup, we Harley riders all know each other

Probably one of the cop groups? 85+, holy shit, them hogs were maxing out! The local Hog chapter here hardly reaches posted speed limits, a true rolling road block.

Stringcheese · 08-17-2012, 05:03 AM

I give cars or bikes 3 opportunities to let me by. Turnouts for cars and straight sections for bikes. If they don't pull over and/or move to the right then I'll pass when I think it's appropriate whether they like it or not.

Texasl · 08-17-2012, 06:36 AM

Originally Posted by Jims08Z06

Speaking of Harley trains, I was riding south on I-5 past ex 68 at app. 75mph, this spring. (memorial weekend late afternoon) I noticed a bunch of bikes approaching fast, thinking they must be a group of sport bikes, I moved over near the fog line to let them go by. (about 20 or so) Well they were not sport bikes they were Hogs, with their old ladies on the back. Dusted, my hearing assaulted, and just plain ashamed I briefly matched their 85+ then thought better of it... PS That is honest to God true; Any of the cruiser guys know who they were by any chance?
...AJ

Club? Could have been Brother Speed M/C. They are quite adept at high speed tight formation travel, although there was one instance in 2011 where they couldn't get whoa'd up in time when traffic slowed, and they scattered quite a few bikes.

Kelbor · 08-17-2012, 11:18 AM

I passed a long double line of HOGers one evening last year on a lonely highway out central. After riding behind them for a few straight aways and seeing none of them jockeying for position I just clicked on my hazard lights and ride the centerline past, waving as I went. Probably not safe or legal but it felt right and they knew I was on the outside because of my flashing lights..... If its only a few and they dont look to tough I do the whole drop a gear/wheelie/middle finger in the air as I split them down the middle deally.

sunofnun · 08-17-2012, 12:35 PM

Originally Posted by Jeffytune

As a Road Capitan with a local HOG group (Sunset chapter) we go to great pains to teach our riders how to ride in a group safely. Our Insurance carrier requires us when on a group ride to ride at the speed limit (+ or - 5 mph).....

Holy hell.. that's more complicated than my taxes.
I get the bike club stuff.. but it's definitely not for me.

As for passing.. I'm piloting my own bike.. so I just make the pass when it feels right. One at a time.. in a single lane, or passing all of them in the other lane.

Devil_Doc · 08-17-2012, 01:40 PM

Originally Posted by Willow

This^^^

But usually I'll ride behind them for a few miles to see if they are considerate and move over to the right and/or wave me by. If they don't, then I pretty much follow what Lone Rider said above.

If it's a bunch of retards on cruisers that are blocking me in, I'll give it a few minutes to be polite. But if no attempt is made to be polite and let me pass, then I'm bombing past them in the lowest gear possible. I'm on a 1000, i wait for slower traffic because i want to, not because i have to.

Jeffytune · 08-17-2012, 10:12 PM

Originally Posted by sunofnun

Holy hell.. that's more complicated than my taxes.
I get the bike club stuff.. but it's definitely not for me.

As for passing.. I'm piloting my own bike.. so I just make the pass when it feels right. One at a time.. in a single lane, or passing all of them in the other lane.

Oh I know what you mean and many times I do strike out on my own just to avoid it and have fun.
But if your leading you have to be willing to do what the club and the insurance carrier want.
I am in Port Orfort for the night now, we all got here about the time I thought we would (5:45) and had dinner. This ride has 8 bikes and 11 rides, and for a three day ride it is big enough for my likings.

Was allot of bike today, mostly going North, we were only passed by one, a solo riding Harley. We used the right passing lane every time we came to one and held the speed limit. I think in all we had 10 vehicles pass up all day if that.

fastfoodfred · 08-17-2012, 11:12 PM

What's with the "leading a ride" crap? If a person wants to ride, they are welcome to come with me, but only if they know that the only person responsible for them is themselves, not me or anyone else that also might tag along. The only rule is don't be stupid. That's it.

R6Roller · 08-18-2012, 06:32 AM

Originally Posted by Texasl

Club? Could have been Brother Speed M/C. They are quite adept at high speed tight formation travel, although there was one instance in 2011 where they couldn't get whoa'd up in time when traffic slowed, and they scattered quite a few bikes.

No escape routes. I'm not a fan of anyone riding next to me or close to me for that exact reason. There's plenty of road out there for everybody, spread out. This reminds me of my soccer coach when I was a kid. "You're bunching !!!", he would yell.


08-16-2012, 11:56 AM	#23
R6Roller Peg Dragger Joined: Apr 2010 From: Olympia, WA Blog Entries: 1 I Ride: Yamaha.	The real question is "Whats your record? How many cruisers have you passed at one time?". I think I got 14 or so .. could have been 16? Maybe even 20. Them Harley trains get pretty long. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-16-2012, 02:50 PM	#24
Norainy Peg Dragger Joined: Jul 2010 From: Nehalem, Or I Ride: cause I obey the voices in my head	I know it's tough to do, as I even have to remind myself. They are not a group, they are individual vehicles on the public roads. I pass one or more at a time and slide in, as the vehicle being passed is required by law to make safe room for your re-entry into the lane. If they get butt hurt, they need to learn and be more aware of their surroundings as a rider and grow out of the gang mentality crap. It really is amazing how many groups I come up to from behind and how long it takes them to notice. Once they notice and then make no effort to acknowledge one wanting to pass, bad game on. All one has to do is move to the right and give a friendly have wave and we can both share the road at different speeds. I have moved over at over a buck, to allow bikes to pass in the same lane, no problem, let alone when traveling at tip over speed. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by Norainy; 08-16-2012 at 02:53 PM..


08-16-2012, 07:30 PM	#28
canyon63 Chicken Strips Joined: Apr 2012 From: Olympia, WA I Ride: 430lb.-130hp nut massager	Just before there's an opportunity to pass, find second gear. When clear to do so, slip the clutch in and out so the front wheel lifts as you start your acceleration to pass, keep the RPM's in the power band. Merge back into your lane, and stay safe out there! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-16-2012, 11:26 PM	#31
fastfoodfred Moto2 Champion Joined: Mar 2006 From: spokane, wa I Ride: 2008 SXV4.5 + 1985 RZ350 + 2010 YZ250F +	I'm weary of the group ride mentality with a leader, stupid rules, and sweep. Just ride and enjoy it. Btw, 10 is a large group. A typical good ride is 3. More than that and you always have to slow the pace for others to know where you are going or they get lost, which I still don't care about. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-17-2012, 05:03 AM	#33
Stringcheese Race Qualifier Joined: May 2008 From: Clarkinsas, WA I Ride: Whatever's next	I give cars or bikes 3 opportunities to let me by. Turnouts for cars and straight sections for bikes. If they don't pull over and/or move to the right then I'll pass when I think it's appropriate whether they like it or not. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-17-2012, 11:18 AM	#35
Kelbor Permit Joined: Jan 2008 From: Eugene	I passed a long double line of HOGers one evening last year on a lonely highway out central. After riding behind them for a few straight aways and seeing none of them jockeying for position I just clicked on my hazard lights and ride the centerline past, waving as I went. Probably not safe or legal but it felt right and they knew I was on the outside because of my flashing lights..... If its only a few and they dont look to tough I do the whole drop a gear/wheelie/middle finger in the air as I split them down the middle deally. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-17-2012, 11:12 PM	#39
fastfoodfred Moto2 Champion Joined: Mar 2006 From: spokane, wa I Ride: 2008 SXV4.5 + 1985 RZ350 + 2010 YZ250F +	What's with the "leading a ride" crap? If a person wants to ride, they are welcome to come with me, but only if they know that the only person responsible for them is themselves, not me or anyone else that also might tag along. The only rule is don't be stupid. That's it. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode