High Country HOG Chapter realizes that riding in a group can be both exciting and terribly frightening. Below are some techniques that motorcycle riders can use when riding, whether its with your everyday riding buddy, or a group of 100 strangers. Always let the road captains know your experience and comfort levels BEFORE the ride. Inform the leader of special needs or concerns.

Talk to one of the leaders to learn the route and destination of the ride. Be prepared to ride at the specified time with a full tank of gas and an empty bladder. In the unlikely event you get separated, all will not be lost and you can catch up to or meet the group at the destination. If you plan on dropping out during the ride, PLEASE tell the group leader so they do not look for you only to find out that you went home.

When riding in a group, it is important of understand the fundamentals. Mainly, we ride the Stagger formation. It is also important to understand why the '2-Second' distance rule between riders is important and mostly to understand that keeping the pack together is for the group's overall safety. Lesser experienced riders should be at the FRONT of the group behind the group leader, NOT at the BACK. The back of the group is constantly exposed to a slinky or whiplash effect and is most likely to be separated from the group at intersections.

As a group, it can be difficult to pass a slow moving car on any road with two or more lanes of same-direction traffic. This is especially true with moderate to heavy traffic. Often there is not enough room for the entire group to get between cars in the faster lane.

Parking in an orderly method substantially reduces the time for all to get off the road and out of traffic. There is risk of injury for the last bikes that may be blocking the road in an attempt to stay with the group.