BMMC June  Rider Training Update

Click here for June Training Newsletter on Slow Speed Riding

June 2008


1. This month BMMC initiated a new feature to supplement the monthly safety talk. In our continued effort to present pertinent information to help better our riding skills and enhance our safety and awareness, each month one of BMMC’s Ride Captains will present a short talk on various aspects of group riding as outlined in the BMMC Rider’s Guide. We hope you find this interesting.

This month’s topic was “Spacing”.  Click SPACING to read the complete presentation.  The formation is set up with the lead bike in the left tire track and the second bike in right track of the lane, then staggered as the formation continues back. The spacing is usually set by timing two-seconds behind the bike directly in front of you (in the same tire track). This means that the physical spacing will vary as the speed chances due to less/more space being covered at different speeds in the same two-seconds.

The two-second spacing (one second from the staggered rider to your side) is universally used to allow for a “safety bubble” around each bike so that should something happen and quick maneuvering is required you have lateral and fore/aft space to do it.


2. The Rider Training Topic this month deals with Slow Speed Riding. Understanding the very real differences between slow speed riding (<15mph) and higher speed riding (>15mph) is important in learning how to safely maneuver your motorcycle in tight areas like parking lots or gas stations, or even just doing a “u” turn on a two lane road. There’s even a couple of exercises you might try to improve your skills and raise your confidence level in these situations.


Again, ride safely and thanks for your time.

Gene Adee
BMMC Rider Training Coordinator