"MOO COW" primarily rides in a "Staggered Formation." The following distance we use within the formation is based on the "2 Second Rule". That is you should be two seconds back from the bike directly ahead of you and one second back from the bike either ahead left or ahead right in stagger from you, within the lane. At times, as signaled by the ride leader, the formation will become single file. The "2 Second Rule" still applies.
This following distance is to provide a space cushion around each rider that gives each one in the formation enough time and distance to brake and/or swerve in case of a sudden, unexpected hazard that requires evasive action by any part or all of the group.
REMEMBER! Too much following distance can be just as bad as, and frequently is WORSE than too little following distance. If our formation lacks uniformity, then we don't "look" like we are "together" as group. Too much following distance INVITES cars into the formation. If we don't control our lane space the cars WILL take it away from us. Be prepared! Non-motorcycling car drivers really DO NOT understand group riding like we do. If a car starts to blindly move into or through the group - LET THEM IN. We can always re-form the group a little later down the road.
If you are new to group riding, like all of us were at one time, or are uncomfortable riding in a group, please let the Ride Leader or Sweep rider know. Excessive following distance defeats the purpose of maintaining an equally spaced formation. It is much better for your safety and the safety of the group that you ride individually a safe distancebehind the group. Don't be bashful, speak up!
