Riding solo or as a pair is very different from riding as a group. When you ride as a group, you need a way to communicate with each other (beyond the technology). You also need to be thoughtful about the formation and the route, and identify the beginner riders from the more experienced ones.
The basic group consists of a lead and a sweep - both of these positions should be taken by the more experienced riders. The lead has to not only set the pace in a way that the group can keep up and stay together, but also has to mind the potholes, traffic, and the route. The lead has to keep his eyes on the group to make sure he or she is not leaving the riders behind. The sweep, being the last person in the group, keeps an eye on all the riders ahead of them, and signals the lead in case there are issues. The sweep should have their own GPS and the directions, so they can help anyone who
may have trouble (out of gas, mechanical issues etc.). In a large group setting, the sweep can also block traffic for the group as the the riders pull out of a gas station or a stop (obviously, this can’t be done on a highway, but rather on local roads).
The group also should decide what sign language to use (tap the helmet on top = cops ahead, one finger raised on top of the helmet = single file etc.). In a very large group where the lead can’t see the entire group, you may have a situation where a rider has to stop - the group can implement a breadcrumb system where the last rider of the group pulls over every time the group takes a turn or changes direction. That way, once the issue is resolved, the “breadcrumbs” can be collected along the way, leading up to the lead rider.
These are just some of the ways a group can plan rides successfully and enjoy the time together!
Great post. Much informative...