Several MooCow riders, including me, have voiced concerns regarding the Andersonville ride. If you participated in the ride on May 25, 2002 you saw a prime example of how not to conduct a group ride. The following is a summary of the ride to Andersonville.
We started out fine. John and I briefed all participants prior to the ride. The briefing covered our route and group safety guidelines. John mentioned that the first stop would be in Andersonville to rest and regroup. We would then proceed to the festivities area.
During my portion of the brief, I spoke of riding in staggered formation, observing the two (2) second rule, looking out for the bike behind you, riding your own ride, and keeping the formation closed up. I inquired about novice group riders, asking that they identify themselves so we could put them in front of each group. I requested that once assigned a group you stay in that group and in your position. Everyone seemed to listen intently to the briefing and all was well.
The ride was great until we exited the Chic-fil-A parking lot. When we briefed, I stated that we would split into two groups. John would lead the first group of 14 riders and Randy would lead the second group of 13 riders. I asked John to stop on the other side of the Chic-fil-A parking lot so we could put the appropriate number of riders in his group. John forgot to stop and left the parking lot with 20 or so riders in trail. The remaining ten (10) riders followed Randy.
The second group included the old military bike. As we left the Chic-fil-A parking lot, the old military bike died as we made the turn. We were now a group of nine. As the second group proceeded south we looked more like two groups. A rider about four back from the front rode with a large gap between he and the rider in front of him. As observed from my perspective, riding at the rear of the second group, we were definitely not riding as one group. When we got to the intersection of 19/41 and GA92, I rode to the front of the second group and told Randy that our group was not following proper group riding guidelines. I suggested that we ride on and allow the rider(s) that obviously felt uncomfortable with group riding to lag behind. At that point I took the lead position and Randy dropped to the rear.
We caught up with the first group, on GA19 south of Griffin, they, all 23 of them, were in a good group riding formation and were operating at or near the posted speed limit. Traffic was moderate in the town of Thomaston. The first group was split up by traffic lights. Our group managed to remain pretty much in tact. As we neared the southern end of Thomaston, I noticed that the first group was pulling into a gas station with a parking lot barely large enough to accommodate them. I didn't stop because John simply waved at me and didn't indicate any sort of problem. (I later learned the stop was just for a break.) Also, there didn't appear to be room in the parking lot for any more vehicles. Shortly thereafter I noticed riders at the rear of the second group begin stopping along the roadside. You may recall from the brief, our first planned stop was Andersonville, not Thomaston.
I, along with the three riders who stayed in formation, stopped at a gas station some distance down the road. We purchased gas and piddled around for a while thinking the first group would show up. They didn't. Three of the four of my remaining group saddled up and were ready to leave. We were waiting for the fourth rider. He was leaning against the wall talking on the telephone and signaled me to go ahead. I told the two riders behind me that he signaled us to go ahead. I pulled out and proceeded south. When I looked back the two riders were still in the parking lot. I went back to the gas station to see if there was a problem. The fourth rider approached and said that he was going to wait for the first group. I then proceeded to Andersonville as the sole remaining rider of the second group. I stopped along the way and took several pictures which are posted here on the web site.
Once at the festivities area in Andersonville, I met up with Randy. After Randy consumed a corn dog, we decided to go to Alabama for an afternoon of boating pleasure. The ride took us approximately 1.5 hours with one stop for water and sun block. Boy was it hot!
It is my understanding that several members have voiced concerns regarding the return ride from Andersonville. Since I didn't participate I can't offer any insight regarding the return ride.
Riding with a large group is a fun ride when conducted properly. To operate safely the entire group must exhibit riding discipline and follow group riding guidelines. Of utmost importance is the need for the ride leaders to properly brief the group and then follow the guidelines that are briefed. Secondly, if you feel uncomfortable riding in a group please make it known. Nothing prohibits you from riding alone. I will attest to that.
The below listed tips are from a motorcycle riders manual. The tips are pretty much standard throughout the United States. I am posting these tips again because there is a need to educate our group, Officers included. Understanding the concept of group riding helps prevent unorganized group rides and makes the group ride safer for all involved.
The MooCow Officers are meeting on Monday, June 3, 2002 and will attempt to resolve group riding issues that appeared this past Saturday. Being organized is of utmost importance to insure the safety of our group.
Semper fi,
Mike
GROUP RIDING
If you ride with others, do it in a way that promotes safety and doesn't interfere with the flow of traffic.
Keep the Group Small
Small groups make it easier and safer for car drivers who need to get around them. A small number isn't separated as easily by traffic or red lights. Riders won't always be hurrying to catch up. If your group is larger than four or five riders, divide it up into two or more smaller groups.
Keep the Group Together
 | Plan - The leader should look ahead for changes and signal early so "the word gets back" in plenty of time. Start lane changes early to permit everyone to complete the change.
| Put Beginners Up Front - Place inexperienced riders behind the leader, where more experienced riders can watch them.
| Follow Those Behind - Let the tailender set the pace. Use your mirrors to keep an eye on the person behind. If a rider falls behind, everyone should slow down a little to stay with the tailender.
| Know the Route - Make sure everyone knows the route. Then, if someone is separated they won't have to hurry to keep from getting lost or taking a wrong turn.
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Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the same time keep a safe distance to allow each rider in the group time and space to react to hazards. A close group takes up less space on the highway, is easier to see and is less likely to be separated. However, it must be done properly.
Don't Pair Up - Never operate directly alongside another rider. There is no place to go if you have to avoid a car or something on the road. To talk, wait until you are both stopped.
Staggered Formation - This is the best way to keep ranks close yet maintain an adequate space cushion. The leader rides in the left side of the lane, while the second rider stays one second behind in the right side of the lane.
A third rider maintains in the left position, two seconds behind the first rider. The fourth rider would keep a two-second distance behind the second rider. This formation keeps the group close and permits each rider a safe distance from others ahead, behind and to the sides.
| Passing in Formation - Riders in a staggered formation should pass one at a time.
| First, the lead rider should pull out and pass when it is safe. After passing, the leader should return to the left position and continue riding at passing speed to open room for the next rider.
| After the first rider passes safely, the second rider should move up to the left position and watch for a safe chance to pass. After passing, this rider should return to the right position and open up room for the next rider
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Some people suggest that the leader should move to the right side after passing a vehicle. This is not a good idea. It encourages the second rider to pass and cut back in before there is a large enough space cushion in front of the passed vehicle. It's simpler and safer to wait until there is enough room ahead of the passed vehicle to allow each rider to move into the same position held before the pass.
Single-File Formation - It is best to move into a single-file formation when riding curves, turning, entering or leaving a highway.
