By ERIC TROW

’ m primarily a solo rider . Occasionally , heading out with another rider I trust makes for good company and a good time , but generally , riding in a group of three or more crowds my style and my comfort zone . Ten or more makes me want to crawl out of my skin .

I respect that many riders absolutely love getting together with scores of other enthusiasts . They giggle for gaggles . Perhaps it ’ s the social aspect of a group ride . Maybe it ’ s being part of something big . For me , I ’ d usually rather be part of something small .

Don ’ t get me wrong ; I thoroughly enjoy the camaraderie and joys of sharing time with others . I just don ’ t like sharing the road with a multitude of riders – let alone sharing my lane . Others may feel the same about me . Formal group riders don ’ t appreciate that I move around in my lane instead of locking into a set position . To them , I ’ m fussing with the formation . Taking the swagger out of the stagger .

You can probably understand why I had a twinge of apprehension about embarking on a 10- day group tour of Italy with nearly 20 total strangers in unfamiliar territory ( story on page 32 ). Despite my confidence as a trained rider , it was the group riding that concerned me . I had visions of it being a flash- mob version of an organized ride .

It turned out that others on the tour , many of whom also prefer solo rides , had similar concerns . Fortunately , we soon became more comfortable as the ride progressed . We each seemed to find our preferred place in line . Folks began to organically gravitate toward those with whom they felt most comfortable . What made it work is that no one was directed to ride at a pace or position that wasn ’ t of their own choosing . No one blocked traffic to make sure all bikes in the group made it through each intersection ( that ’ s against the law anyway ); everyone managed intersections and roundabouts on their own . Riders looked out for each other , and the tour leaders made it easier by keeping tabs on the entire group , pausing before making a turn to make sure all were accounted for and that the last rider was in sight . It worked .

In my 30 years ( ouch !) of coaching on- road safety and proficiency , the topic of group riding often enters the conversation . Most express that they value the social aspect

Despite my confidence as a trained rider , it was the group riding that concerned me . I had visions of it being a flashmob version of an organized ride .

of motorcycling but confess that they struggle with the dynamics of an actual group ride . They love the people but don ’ t particularly like being on the road with them . The pace is too fast ( or too slow ), a rider is too aggressive ( or not assertive enough ), another is shaky ( or overconfident ), or bikes are packed too closely to each other ( or not staying close enough ) to be comfortable , let alone enjoyable .

Can group riding be fun and safe ? I think it can be if a few guidelines are followed . Or at least it can be less stressful . Here are some suggestions I commonly share :

Ride your own ride ( while being respectful of the other riders ). In a group ride , it ’ s easy to fall into the formation and blindly follow the taillight ahead . It ’ s also easy to feel social pressure to conform to the rest of the group . That said , we are still responsible for our own safety . Think of yourself as an individual who is riding among other motorcyclists . Just as on a solo ride , you are responsible for your own situational awareness , riding within your personal limits , making your own decisions , and keeping yourself out of harm ’ s way .

Maintain 360- degree awareness . Riding within a group places riders closer to others than they would be when riding solo . There are more threats to consider , and things can develop much more quickly . Actively scan beyond the riders immediately ahead to identify unusual activity or potential threats in the distance . Don ’ t forget to monitor your mirrors , noting the position and behavior of the rider ( s ) behind . If the group is slowing up ahead , consider those behind you who may not have noticed .

Have a plan to address common group ride dynamics . Some group rides can be more of a crowd or mob ride . What if the group leader passes a line of cars ? What if that lead rider sets a pace that is uncomfortably fast ? What if riders are disregarding traffic laws ? What if the rider behind you consistently presses your license plate , pushing you to ride faster ? Too often , against their better judgment , riders give in to the ride dynamics to avoid being disruptive or becoming the “ problem child ” of the group . It has taken me a long time , but I now have no problem waving other riders past me to avoid being “ pushed ” to do something I don ’ t believe is safe . That lets them ride the way they choose and lets me

10 / FEBRUARY 2024 / RIDERMAGAZINE . COM