On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice ended World War I. A year later, the American Legion was founded. This year marks the hundredth anniversary of that veterans organization and it will be marked by parades in communities across the country. Groups of motorcycle enthusiasts will often be part of those parades, so it seems wise to see which of the guidelines for group riding apply when participating in a parade.
A staggered riding formation with at least a two-second interval between motorcycles is safer than riding side by side because it gives each rider room enough and time enough to react to a hazard—or if, for example, a child runs onto the parade street.
Novice riders should not carry passengers. Riders with passengers should be on the right side and to the back of the group whenever that’s possible.
Riders with sidecars should be at the front or the back of the group.
As you go, check your mirror from time to time in case someone behind you is having trouble.
Remember that riding near another motorcycle, just like riding close to a car or truck, is a risk. If you get distracted and wander into the other riders space, you can both crash. So don’t be distracted by the cheering crowds and keep your eyes and your mind on the road, even though you are not going fast.
Yet, there’s no denying it: Unless you plan to ride exclusively around the Southern United States, you’ll face some chilly winters. And even before it...
