TAILS FROM THE TRAILS

Become An Expert of the 1 Second/ 2 Second Formation

The creed of H.O.G. is Ride Safe, Have Fun. Whether riding as an individual or in a group the goal is the same and the principles we practice are the same.

When riding as an individual you probably practice the two second rule without even realizing it. If you are riding safely you are probably maintaining a two second safety cushion between you and the vehicle ahead. And if you are like most riders you are mad as hell if the vehicle behind you is not giving you the same space. We like our circle of safety!

The same principle applies to group riding. To maximize our safety our groups ride in the classic one second/ two second staggered formation. This is one second behind the bike staggered to your right or left, and two seconds behind the bike directly in front of you.

How do you become an expert at maintaining this interval? First, practice saying one thousand and one, one thousand and two while watching the second hand on a clock to get the proper speed of count. ( Don’t practice this step while on your bike). Now while riding watch for a fixed object on the road surface ahead such as a line, patch, edge of a shadow, or most anything else that is stationary. As the bike directly ahead crosses over that fixed mark, you begin your count. As your front tire crosses that same mark you should just be finished saying“ one thousand and two”. The same process works for the staggered bike ahead, but now at one thousand and one.

So if you are the first bike behind the road captain ( position # 2 in the group) you will be doing your timing of one second in relation to the captain.

By practicing this count process on group rides you can correct your spacing if needed. And by practicing, you will soon find that your correct spacing, no matter what speed, will become automatic. Your fellow riders will appreciate your efforts, too. If you’re in proper position it is easier for them to be in proper position.

But why become an expert? The answer is quite logical. For the group to maximize its enjoyment of the ride it needs to minimize its worry. If all riders are riding as experts, each biker will have their circle of safety and not be distracted by this concern.

-- Butch Bayley, RC TCHOG