Club Ride Formation. Most motorcyle clubs have some kind of group riding standard or ride formation and we are no exception.
1. Our basic formation consists of motorcycles riding in staggered pairs. The first motorcycle in the pair rides in the left one third of the lane (the left car tire track) and the second motorcycle follows at a ONE second interval, riding in the right one third of the same lane.
2. The motorcycle pairs are separated, in turn, by THREE second intervals. This formation will normally allow another vehicle to pass any motorcyle pair on a two lane road.
What is a one or a three second interval? It is the distance traveled in one second or three seconds at a given speed. The distance changes with speed, but the time does not. For example, a three second distance is 88 yards at 60 mph and a one second distance is 29 yards at 20 mph. That's a good result because the space between bikes becomes greater at higher speeds. And, conversely, when riding through towns or congested areas at slower speeds, the bikes can close up and stay together better.
How do you measure a three second interval while riding? Note the location of the bike ahead of you by using a roadside marker such as a mile post, bush, sign, etc. and then began counting...one thousand one...one thousand two...one thousand three. At the end of three seconds, you should pass the same marker. If you don't, adjust your speed accordingly. With practice, you can learn to maintain the correct interval almost automatically.
Your fellow riders will certainly appreciate it when you follow this simple procedure. By tracking on your own side of the lane, you make it easier and safer for the rider behind you. And by maintaining a constant interval, you reduce the accordian effect on the riders at the back. But if you find this riding formation is too difficult or too troublesome to learn, then club riding may not be for you.