 Group Riding - Passing
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Joined: Jul 2007
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OP
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Thought I would start a new group riding thread on "Passing a Group".
What is the proper etiquette on passing a large group of bikes. For example, if you are on a two lane road (one lane in each direction) and you come up on a group of bikes (lets say 20) riding in reasonable formation but going slower than you, what is the politically correct way to pass them. Assuming the road has occasional broken white lines for passing.
My technique is to pass as many bikes as I can at any given time and blend into the formation in between safe passes. Not sure if this is correct or not, but I have gotten nasty looks sometimes.
While on the subject, would it be acceptable to pass a patch club in this manner or would they resent your breaking up their group??
Adventure before Dementia...
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Re: Group Riding - Passing
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 348
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most of em certainly would...resent you, that is
G
I never wanted to lead, and I never wanted to follow.
I just wanted to ride.
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Re: Group Riding - Passing
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 318
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Boy I would not attempt to pass that many in a group. Especially a patched group...
Could lead to trouble...
Ride like a Combat Fighter Pilot
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Re: Group Riding - Passing
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,124 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,124 Likes: 13 |
same as when your in a cage.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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 Re: Group Riding - Passing
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
It seems to me that the bigger the group, the slower they ride.
I've seen Poker Runs you could pass on a bicycle.
As long as it's clear, just blow by.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: Group Riding - Passing
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1 |
If ya can't pass them at a safe spot , just lag behind at a respectable distance , enjoy the ride , eventually , you'll reach your destination or they will turn off . DON'T try to pass incompletely and merge into their group . BAD manners , and it throws off their staggered spacing . I hate it when folks do that , CARS will do it if ya don't stay tight ! Dingbats ! With so many riders and so many interpretations of decorum , there are blanket general rules and lots of nuances . I ride tailgate most of the time , and when I see a bike coming up , and him or her is shadowing us , I give them a congenial wave up to join in the group .  It's like at a restaurant - you just don't plop down at someones' table without a pat on the chair for you to sit down and join . 
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Re: Group Riding - Passing
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
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Consider any group as a single entity. If you can't pass them all, just ride it out till you can.
More flags
More fun!
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Re: Group Riding - Passing
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Here's what I don't seem to quite understand...
When exactly did motorcycle riders, whether they're riding in a group or NOT, start forgeting to check their friggin' mirrors about every 10 seconds or so, and then when it appears another rider behind them shows any indication AT ALL of their wish to pass them...well...WHEN EXACTLY did these MORONS stop thinking that it's THEIR friggin' RESPONSIBILITY to MOVE TO THE RIGHT in order to allow that rider behind them to pass their slower a$$es anyway, HUH???????????????????????????
(now THAT'S the KEY friggin' question here, gentlemen!!!!!)
This "phenomenon" is similar in instance to some slow poke cager driving over a mountain road and driving right past a number of turn-outs and holding up a line of faster drivers/riders behind them because...WHY??? Now THERE'S yet ANOTHER EXAMPLE of all the clueless drivers/riders out there today who seem to be in their own little friggin' world!!!
And YEP, if you're wonderin'...the few occassions where I see somebody coming up behind ME and who appears to want to go faster than I'm going, I ALWAYS immediately move to the right on my bike, OR take that turn-out if I'm in my cage!
(this stuff is soooooo friggin' easy to understand that even a friggin' CAVEMAN should be able to GET IT, YA KNOW???!!!)
Last edited by Dwight; 10/09/2008 1:37 PM.
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Re: Group Riding - Passing
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
It was last Tuesday. Didn't you get the memo? 
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: Group Riding - Passing
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
It was last Tuesday. Didn't you get the memo?
No! I must have missed that particular one, Brian!
But I DO remember receiving many of those other "Screw Everybody Else Because I Want To Live In My Own Little World" kind of memos that the management have been circulating since WAY BEFORE "last Tuesday" when this country...err, COMPANY moved to this overt "ME FIRST business model".
(and I think I remember tearing up the LAST MEMO that said it was perfectly okay nowdays to run STRAIGHT EXHAUSTS on your friggin' Harley because it isn't "cool" anymore to care if it's WAY TOO FRIGGIN' LOUD for anyone within a half-mile radius!)
Last edited by Dwight; 10/09/2008 2:15 PM.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Group Riding - Passing
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 529
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Wow...talk about waking up on the wrong side of the bed... 
2005 America, green/gray, gutted stock pipes, tall sissy bar w/ luggage rack, Saddleman's dual touring seat and Tourmaster saddlebags (and sissybar bag).
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Re: Group Riding - Passing
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Group Riding - Passing
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Quote:
then when it appears another rider behind them shows any indication AT ALL of their wish to pass them...well...WHEN EXACTLY did these MORONS stop thinking that it's THEIR friggin' RESPONSIBILITY to MOVE TO THE RIGHT in order to allow that rider behind them to pass their slower a$$es anyway, HUH???????????????????????????
(now THAT'S the KEY friggin' question here, gentlemen!!!!!)
clueless drivers/riders out there today who seem to be in their own little friggin' world!!!
And YEP, if you're wonderin'...the few occassions where I see somebody coming up behind ME and who appears to want to go faster than I'm going, I ALWAYS immediately move to the right on my bike, OR take that turn-out if I'm in my cage!
+1, I couldn't agree more. If my group won't pick up the pace when I see anyone (cage or bike) comming up from behind, I move over to the far right of my lane, and put space between myself and the bike in front of me, incase the passing driver can't pass us all, they can pass one at a time untill he's ahead and on his way.
With a large group, what else can you do if the group as a hole isn't going to pull over? If you don't have a parade permit, then you DON'T have the right to dicktate (  )your wishes on the general motoring public. So if you can't pull over, then MAKE room.
Of course, with 15-20 different riders in your group, your going to have 25-30 different opinions about this between them!     
Next 
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: Group Riding - Passing
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Oh I know Dwight, but the shot was just too clear. I couldn't help myself and I had to take it. 
2005 America, green/gray, gutted stock pipes, tall sissy bar w/ luggage rack, Saddleman's dual touring seat and Tourmaster saddlebags (and sissybar bag).
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Re: Group Riding - Passing
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 234
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OP
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Quote:
If ya can't pass them at a safe spot , just lag behind at a respectable distance , enjoy the ride , eventually , you'll reach your destination or they will turn off . DON'T try to pass incompletely and merge into their group . BAD manners , and it throws off their staggered spacing .
So I need to stay behind a group of 10 to 20 bikes moving at a slower speed than I would like to go for for 30+ miles. I don't think that is acceptable as they are not making my ride fun.
The area I live in is very big for group rides due to the slow twisting mountain roads and small town pubs that tourists go to on the weekends. many riders are not familiar with the roads and tend to blast down the straights and really slow down on the twisties. Group riders should be aware of this situations and allow others to pass as required.
These guys are probably the same ones cursing a slow moving cager in the left lane (or right) depending what country you are from.
Adventure before Dementia...
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Re: Group Riding - Passing
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1 |
Just follow your heart , 
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Re: Group Riding - Passing
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,685 Likes: 20
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,685 Likes: 20 |
You pass as many as you can swing in and do it again just like you do. If they are going slow they are probably strung too far apart anyhow.
You are right Dwight.
Too slow you get passed. Its pretty simple.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Group Riding - Passing
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172 |
I guess once again, it depends on where you live. Around here there's always another route to take to get where you're going.
Some of these groups are riding "in memory" of someone. Or for some charity. I don't want to bust in and out of a group just because I'm in a hurry. I'll just find another way.
Then there's still a few groups who would think nothing of running you off the road and kicking your ****** from here to Calcutta just because.....
Let your conscience be your guide.
More flags
More fun!
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Re: Group Riding - Passing
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
I guess once again, it depends on where you live...
...Then there's still a few groups who would think nothing of running you off the road and kicking your ****** from here to Calcutta just because.....
Man!!! Sounds like ya got some real nice folks there in...where was that again?...oh yeah..."SW Pennsyltucky", there Deon!
So you're basically sayin' some of those folks there in...where was that again?...oh yeah..."SW Pennsyltucky", might not understand that simple little concept which I outlined above about movin' to the right so a faster rider can pass 'em, huh?!
Let me guess...some o' these here folks in...where was that again?...oh yeah..."SW Pennsyltucky", might be in a hurry to get back to their meth labs, huh?! Well, THAT'S certainly "understandable", alright!!!
(note to self: If you ever find yourself in SW Pennsyltucky, be very careful about which group o' riders you decide to pass)
Last edited by Dwight; 10/12/2008 12:12 AM.
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Re: Group Riding - Passing
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172 |
Yep. It still happens. Here in good ol' SW Pennsyltucky, in case you forgot....
More flags
More fun!
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Re: Group Riding - Passing
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,685 Likes: 20 |
Not a day goes by where on the news the biker gangs are chasing down the innocent, running them off the road, then stopping to kick them. Just this morning 3 towns were taken over and the police were beaten back by the bikers. Its gotten so bad some states are thinking of surrendering to them.
If they are going slow, pass them.
Too many 60s "B" movies out there.
I don't think this type of conversation gets too much traction in the sport bike forums. They subscribe to the old music. You know, twist and shout. To them passing is not a discussion, its a duty. lol
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Group Riding - Passing
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,017
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
To them passing is not a discussion, its a duty. lol
HECK YEAH!!
Mark
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Re: Group Riding - Passing
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
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Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Group Riding - Passing
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Joined: Apr 2007
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The patches I've seen are'nt hanging around so it's not been a problem. If your checking your mirrors, as you should, you should see anyone coming and be ready to accommodate a fellow rider. But if it were me doing the passing i'd try to pass all at once...30 or so is a bit more problematic though. Wait for a straight bit, gear down and twist off. The only thing that worries me is someone mid pack deciding that they want to race off into the scenery. This has happened on our rides as one of our buddies owned a crotch rocket and is a bit of an ADHD kid. Thank god he's buying a deluxe...he makes me nervous
...yes, that is a single seat...no, I will not put the other seat on...yes, I am selfish...yes, you should buy your own bike
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