Group Riding Basics

Riding with others is one of the best parts of this community. Here's what to know before your first group ride.

Before you roll

• Show up on time with a full tank.
• Expect a quick riders' meeting: the route, the stops, the hand signals, and what to do if someone gets separated.
• Every ride has a lead up front and a sweep at the back. Both should know group riding well.
• Keep groups manageable. The MSF suggests about five to seven riders, and splitting bigger groups into smaller ones.

Staggered and single file

On straight roads with good conditions, the MSF recommends a staggered formation. The leader rides in the left third of the lane, the next rider at least one second behind in the right third, and so on down the line. That leaves you at least two seconds behind the rider directly ahead in your track. Switch to single file, with at least two seconds of space, on curvy roads, in poor visibility, on rough surfaces, and when entering or leaving highways. Never ride side by side.

Ride your own ride

Never ride faster than you're comfortable with to keep up. A good group waits for everyone. If you get separated, don't break the law or push past your skills to catch up. Meet at the next planned stop.

Ready for more?

Our free Group Riding the D76 Way course goes deeper: the D76 Ride Standard, formations in detail, hand signals, who does what on the day, the briefing, and what to do when a ride goes wrong.

This course is for education. It doesn't replace a state-approved rider course or motorcycle licensing.