A staggered riding formation allows a proper space cushion between motorcycles so that each rider has enough time and space to maneuver and to react to hazards. The leader rides in the left third of the lane, while the next rider stays at least one second behind in the right third of the lane; the rest of the group follows the same pattern. A single-file formation is preferred on a curvy road, under conditions of poor visibility or poor road surfaces, entering/leaving highways, or other situations where an increased space cushion or maneuvering room is needed.
Periodically check the riders following in your rear view mirror.
If you see a rider falling behind, slow down so they may catch up. If all the riders in the group use this technique, the group should be able to maintain a fairly steady speed without pressure to ride too fast to catch up.
If you’re separated from the group or need to stop, don’t panic.
Your group will have a Road Captain riding sweep. Don’t break the law or ride beyond your skills to catch up.
Fuel: The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire.
The Rear wheel: It’s obvious the rear wheel is just a big fan used to keep the rider cool and relaxed. When it locks up or slides out you can see the rider start sweating and getting nervous.
Too Slow: No one has ever hit something going too slow.
Mistakes: Learn lessons from the mistakes of others. That way you won't have to learn them all the hard way.
Traction: When traction is sparse, the probability of trouble is inversely proportional to the angle of lean. Large angle of lean, small probability of trouble and vice versa.
Your Brain: Never let a motorcycle take you somewhere your brain didn't go five seconds earlier.
Fog: Stay out of fog. The single red taillight that you think is another rider you’re trying to catch might be the starboard light of a docked boat.
Mercy & Experience: You start with a bag full of mercy and an empty bag of experience. The trick is to fill the bag of experience before you empty the bag of mercy.
Mirrors: If all you can see in your mirrors is a large group of approaching vehicles with flashing lights on their roofs, things are not at all as they should be.
Judgment: Good judgment comes from experience. Unfortunately, experience usually comes from bad judgment.
Going Forward: It's always a good idea to keep the headlight end going forward as much as possible.
Laws: Remember, gravity and centrifugal force are not just good ideas. They're laws.
