Triumphrat

KF6VGZ · 05-03-2007

When my buddy and I go cruising, he follows way behind me. But then he gripes when cars get between us. We're just cruising up the coast on 101 most of the time, nothing crazy. He rides a Honda Shadow 750, and says he doesn't like to follow too closely.

What's good cruising etiquette? I'd like to have him on either side of me and a few bike lengths behind, at most; Which is what I do when following. He likes to be cautious, which is fine, but I don't like to get seperated.

What do you guys do when riding?

:hammer:

[ This message was edited by: KF6VGZ on 2007-05-03 16:00 ]

Brooksie · 05-03-2007

Stay relaxed if separated and keep your eyes on the road. The best thing is to both know where you're going BEFORE you leave so if you have a dust up, you can check back on the route.

Silverado57 · 05-03-2007

Everyone's different. There are pros & cons to group rides.

One Triumph guy I rode with encouraged me to follow him close. It was all good, he was a courteous and careful rider.

Another friend likes to signal a turn while he's into it. I learned to increase my following distance to avoid having to make panic maneuvers.

Maybe you could take turns and let your buddy lead for a while until you both learn each other's riding habits?

Ride safe.

Olderyoungster · 05-03-2007

I don't ask what the other rider wants or likes.... If anything, I judge him by HIS riding habits. I will likely ride the same distance from him (stagger formation) as he may ride from the car/rider in front of him. If he's comfortable enough with the space he's afforded the rider in front of him, it's safe to assume he should be cool with the same distance between the rider behind him.

'Etiquette' may be one thing, and it's pretty important...... actually it's pretty extensive, but people normally don't want to discuss it.

All said and done, a rider should "ride his own ride", and NOT ride to another's expectations. Safety first, safety second, and ride & treat others around you safely.

sweatmachine · 05-03-2007

another vote for staggered.

as in, I'll be staggering home later tonight... :-g

RT · 05-03-2007

Quote:

On 2007-05-03 17:15, Olderyoungster wrote:

All said and done, a rider should "ride his own ride", and NOT ride to another's expectations. Safety first, safety second, and ride & treat others around you safely.

+1

In a staggered formation.

cafecruzin · 05-03-2007

+1

In a staggered formation.
person behind is responsible to keep clear and a safe distance

mecscc · 05-03-2007

I NEVER ride beside anyone. Staggered is +1.

My opinion: That being said the second rider should be far enough behind to at least obey the "2 second" rule: ie, it will take him 2 seconds to react if the front rider does something bad or stupid or not his fault. Doesn't matter. What matters is is the following rider can have enough time to react to the problem ahead without becoming part of it.

So, if you are riding behind, staggered, then mark when he passes a landmark and count: "alligator one, alligator two." When you get to "two" you should pass the mark he passed.

Togetherness should be saved for when you are lifting one at the bar or the table AFTER the ride.

Monte

davidc · 05-03-2007

Most definitely a staggerd formation is best - and the destination established beforehand is good as well, if possible.

Something occured to me recently, however. If the purpose is to cruise together, a brief discussion about the speed and/or style of the ride may preclude misunderstandings. For instance, if I knew my partner was in the mood for - or generally prefers "spirited" riding, I'd be good for me to know it. I guess it boils down to communication. I have ridden with others in the past who rode very aggressively, almost dangerously, and I dropped out. And I do not mean to suggest that the ride be "scripted" because I know that a savory slice of really cool road often pops up that just screams "Open the ***** throttle and fly!" Also, at times I'm in the mood for a leisurely putt, but then I perk up.

I suppose the point I attempt to make is that a little idea of what to expect on the ride helps me enjoy it more.

Geoff · 05-03-2007

David, I guess you may be referring to that group ride we recently took. There were certainly diverse styles being displayed that day. I agree that a little communication could have gone a long way, as far as where the heck we were going. And maybe have a fast group and a slow one (which we did anyhow) but we never saw the slow group again! :razz:
G