Wanna plan a group ride? Here's what you should consider.

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1. Plan. Plan your ride route keeping in mind traffic and turns. Some motorcycles have a smaller fuel capacity and stops may be needed. Plan them to avoid issues. Meetups at gas stations help to avoid this issue as well. Everyone fuels up prior to departure. Timing matters. Weekday rush hours are vastly different from early morning sunday. Climate affects all riders. Heat, wind, and rain can be hazardous. Plan appropriately. Encourage all riders to wear appropriate gear and helmets. 

2. Make Expectations Clear Where the ride is going, how long it will be, speed limits included and any major information the group should know prior to showing up on the day of the ride.  Encourage all riders to do a pre-ride check of their vehicle and be licensed and insured to participate.   

3. Keep your Group Size Reasonable Safety in numbers is not necessarily applicable to group motorcycle rides. The maximum number is always contingent on the road size and conditions. But less than 10 riders is still a large group.

4. Choose a Lead Typically the most experienced rider will be a good candidate for a trip leader. This does not need to be a rule, but the Lead needs to be capable of directing members, assessing the road or traffic conditions, and being accountable for a number of different variables along the way.

5. Have a PreRide Briefing Once the majority of riders have a meeting. Go over your route, pre planned stops, weather and road conditions to be aware of and group expectations. This should include things like hand signals and ride formation. Encourage all riders to fuel up and inspect their bikes for any issues. 

   1. Hand signals While many riders have communication devices, hand signals are a great way to communicate with your fellow riders. Be familiar with them and encourage all signals to be passed back to the riders behind them

   2. Rider formation You should ride in a formation that allows you to be seen by cars in multiple lanes on straight highways. Staggered positioning seems to be most common, but always use good judgment.

   3. Safety All speed limits and laws should be followed in a group ride. Make sure to maneuver around other vehicles appropriately and keep the group together

   4. No rider left behind If this is not clear, don't plan a group ride.

6. Be Prepared Things to consider to bring are not much different than you would consider on your own. First aid kid, phone, water, snacks. Possibly a jumper box and extra fuel if possible. But this checklist will vary depending on your location and group size, so make sure to talk over your necessities each ride.

7. Have fun.