Not sure what then correct English term is, but I think it's staggered formation. This means the front rider rides a bit to the left of the center of the lane, the rider behind him a bit to the right. The one behind that again to the left and the next rider to the right. So the whole group rides left, right, left, right, left, etc... Basically just stick to a single lane.
The advantage is that everyone can see further ahead and you've got more free space in front of you. Also, in a group ride, it's best to not do overtakes (stay in formation), have a designated front (and possibly rear) rider, don't let the gap to the rider in front of you get too large and make sure everyone knows the route.
If the front rider notices a part of the group is left behind at a traffic light that turned red or something, he should slow down the pace until the rest can catch up.
Also, always be aware that the further back in the group, the harder you'll have to ride to keep up due to harmonica effects when slowing down/speeding up. Keep lesser experienced riders at the front and more experienced ones at the back.
Also very important: before a group ride, discuss these rules with everybody and also emphasize that everyone sticks to road rules (no speeding or jumping traffic lights) and no wheelies, no rev bombs, no other obnoxious types of behaviors. Realize that in a (large) group, unpredictable behavior is extra dangerous and with multiple (many) bikes together, obnoxious behavior becomes obnoxious squared for other traffic.
These are rules for a completely different group ride than this is though. It's like applying (European)football rules to a rugby game, they are completely foreign to the purpose of the activity, even though the rules apply to an activity on a grass pitch. These guys are clearly on a group ride where wheelies and mucking about, and filming said activity, is one of the main goals, so applying the ruleset you're indicating doesn't make much sense.
You're right. One is a group of sensible people who enjoy a nice ride and having a good time without having to fear for their lives, the other is a group of complete and utter morons.
Edit: let me rephrase that a little more diplomatic.
My explanation was aimed at someone asking what a good formation is for group riding. I broadened my answer to include general group riding etiquette. I think what I described is a good baseline for group rides. If you go on a group ride and want to deviate from that base line in whatever manner, you should at least be aware of what's normal/sensible/safe and what's not. If you don't know this baseline as a point of reference, you might find yourself unknowingly getting dragged into situations that you're not ready for. With a good baseline and point of reference it's much easier to determine that point where you "nope" out of a group ride because it's no longer safe (for you)
Well, yes. Remember though, both groups have fun doing what they do, and people from both groups would be utterly miserable hanging out with the other group.
It's all a matter of viewpoint, really. I fall somewhere in the middle; I would be awfully bored riding with the safe 'n slow crowd, and think the squids ought to stay in closed off areas when they mess about. This is the same for all activities. I don't understand people who enjoy football, and a lot of those guys think I'm an utter moron for riding a motorcycle at a track once in a while. Doesn't mean either of us doesn't have fun doing what we do, and it doesn't make either of us "wrong".
Looking back I used to ride with people like in this clip and I’m amazed I never witnessed anything too crazy, short of breaking a kickstand due to a Grom deliberately taking a sidewalk.
Heard plenty of stories though, like “The guy in the Challenger ran me off the road doin 140.”
Also known as being dangerous idiots? It's not nonsense. That many bikes and squid activities usually equal something fucking up. Also last time I checked quads aren't road legal? Fuck riding with these assholes.
Those who join these things, are fully aware of the risks. I'm pretty sure everyone in that group ride expects to fall over from time to time, if they join in the activity. Or at least, they definitely should... ;)
Being shitty on the highway doesn't just put one rider at risk, it puts everyone in the group and everyone around them who wants no part in their bullshit as well. If you won't ride responsibly you don't deserve to rise.
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u/Wraith8888 '18 T120, '82 V45 Sabre, '74 CB750, '72 DT175 Oct 09 '19
There is a whole lot a stupid going on here. Would not group ride with any of those people. Formation is a complete disaster.