Kicking Off the Ride Day
Woke up before sunrise feeling like a kid on Christmas morning. Coffee gulped, gear tossed on – helmet, armored jacket, the whole nine yards. Met the crew at our usual gas station spot near the old highway. Six bikes total: two Harleys, three sport bikes, and my trusty Suzuki. Gave everyone that nod – you know, the “ready to roll?” one.
The Hand Signal Shuffle
Right out the gate, Jimbo nearly rear-ended me ’cause I tapped my helmet (cop signal) when he thought I meant “stop.” Total chaos! Pulled over in the first mile. Huddled up like football players: “Okay idiots, refresh time!” Made everyone practice hand signals in the parking lot:
- Flat palm down = slow down
- Foot pointing = road hazard
- Rapid helmet tap = cops ahead
Tom kept messing up the “single file” swirl finger motion – looked like he was summoning demons. We laughed but drilled it ’til even Tom got it.
Formation Fumbles
Tried staggered riding on the open road. Felt like kindergarteners holding hands crossing the street. Mike kept drifting into the leader’s space – had to flash my brake light hard twice. Pulled over again near Deadman’s Creek. Drew diagrams in the gravel: “Mike! Stay diagonally behind me, not in my dang mirror!” Swapped positions to put newbies in the middle. Worked way better.
The Speed Trap Near Disaster
Hit twisty mountain roads around noon. Sarah, leading at the time, didn’t spot the police cruiser tucked behind a billboard. I slammed my visor down repeatedly – our “emergency” signal. She caught on last second and dropped speed smooth. Rest of us mirrored her like dominoes. Sweat pooled in my gloves thinking what could’ve happened.
The Pit Stop Protocol
Lunch stop was a mess – bikes scattered like spilled Legos at the diner lot. After burgers, we made rules:
- Park facing exit direction (no 10-point turns)
- Designated pee-break coordinator (Dave volunteered after needing 3 bathroom trips)
- Fuel-up order = riding order (no jockeying at pumps)
Worked like magic heading back.
Final Lessons Etched in Dust
Rolled home exhausted but buzzing. Key takeaways burned in my brain now:
- Hand signals mean squat if you don’t PRACTICE together first
- Staggered formation only works if spacing’s tighter than cheap jeans
- Always assign a “sweeper” rider tailing the group – saved us when Jenn’s chain popped
- Short riders up front = no blind corners surprises
- Never assume people know the route – GPS fails are real!
Next group ride? Definitely bringing walkie-talkies. My hand signals got tired after 200 miles!
