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Riding In a Group  If you're looking for an easy way to develop and improve your riding and gain more experience, then riding in a group can seem like the ideal opportunity. Numerous motorcyclists regularly ride in groups either on a long tour or just a quick run through some country lanes.  This can however, be a recipe for disaster. Each year many riders are injured some seriously, as a result of a group ride gone wrong. The most common problem encountered by group riders is getting split up, so many will take unnecessary risks just to keep up with the pack. The main problem is that while the rider at the front is setting a reasonable pace, the guy at the back has to go like a "bat out of Hell" to keep with the group. Often as a result of getting separated at traffic lights or simply not being able to go for the same overtake that everyone else was able to manage. There are however, some simple tips that can make your group ride a lot safer and more enjoyable.
Group Riding Systems  There are a number of methods that are used by bikers which range from cruising at 50 MPH in a huge pack (hells angels style) to the marker system used by advanced riding groups like the IAM.  What ever method you use, it should allow members of  the group to ride at their own pace and arrive at the destination safely.
	Follow the leader One rider leads and sets the pace the rider behind him keeps him in view and so on right down to the guy at the back. This is often the default approach, but while it can result in a closely bunched group, the riders at the back will have to ride much faster than the leaders, just to keep up. This can cause a chain reaction of increased speed and potentially dangerous riding, the further down the group you go.
Everyone's a navigator  This is a pretty simple, but rarely practical. Basically every rider in the group is required to know exactly where you are going and where and when all the rendezvous points are. While it can work well, in the event of a brake down the group could find themselves back tracking a long way to find a stranded rider. It is also very easy to get separated and doesn't work for larger groups.
	Watch my rear (no not a strange "Biker perversion") A far better solution than previous two, each rider is responsible for the rider directly behind them, by ensuring that they are always visible in their rear view mirror.  In this case it the rider at the back who sets the pace and if the group gets separated, the pace will slow to an eventual stop. This method works well, but doesn't allow for overtakes and can go wrong if another bike not in the group comes in to view and gets mistaken as part of the group. However, with an agreed running order and careful rear observation this method works well.
Marker system  This is popular with groups going on long rides and allows overtaking within the group without upsetting the group. Understanding the system is important, as every rider needs to do their part to avoid anyone getting lost. One leader is responsible for navigating the route, at every junction, the rider immediately behind, marks the junction. All other riders pass the marker except the back marker who signals that he/she is the last in the group. The marker than re-joins the group 2nd from the back. This approach involves all the group and as the marker gets rotated front to back. It also allows rider to overtake other riders without confusing the group. The method works providing that everyone makes clear, safe markings and doesn't forget they are in the No.2 position, when it is their turn to mark.
Making it all work  If you are going to assign any sort of leader or back marker role, its useful if they are easily recognisable. Wearing a high visibility vest can help as will exchanging mobile phone numbers before you set off. Conversely, if you don't want to be back marker, then don't turn up on a yellow gold wing. It also goes without saying, that the leader should have a clear understanding of the route and the group should generally keep in sight of everyone particularly on motorways, where it can be difficult to mark exits. Another common problem with group riding is allowing the faster riders to enjoy their ride, without pushing the slower riders to ride beyond their ability. Most fast bike riders will agree that the real challenge of motorcycling is taking a corner well, anyone can blast down a straight road flat out with little skill. So by asking the faster riders to keep to the speed limits on the straights, but allow corners to be fair game, you'll set a pace that should be within the grasp of most riders. Apart from prolonging the life of everyone's licence you'll also help to improve public perception of motorcyclist, by refraining from the loony 'head down wheel up' behaviour, that we seem to all get associated with.
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