I normally run the left tire track, but adjust as necessary. On a two lane, if I'm behind other cars, and see a left turner ahead waiting to cross traffic, I hug the centerline and let him get a good long look at my headlight, then move to the right side of the lane just before I pass him. Likewise, if there is someone on a side road on the right, I hug the right side of the lane, let them get a good look at the headlight, then move to the left side right before I pass.

1.) Put your headlight in a position to be seen for as long as possible
2.) Movement can help them see, like I do above moving from one side of the lane to the other. Also creates space.

 

I feel the 1 finger wave was wrong, if you stayed a distance behind them. But if they overtook you, and passed you, maybe they were angry that you speed up to match their speed. I would have maintained my speed and let them get on down the road. Just my 2 cents.

Hack

 

Farns,

Thanks for the reply. For the record, I did not fall in with the other two bikers, just kept pace with them. I kept what I thought was a respectful distance from them. About 3-4 car lenghts. I wasn't certain about the "rules" so I didn't try to get too close. They were riding hard and I wanted to get me a little. After they sped up beyond my skill level I dropped back.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Thanks to you other guys as well.

Ciao,
Albany

 

As the first cage comes up behind you (5-10 car lengths) start to randomly flashing the rear brake light. Not an even flashing, but some spaz pattern. Helps get their attention.

 

I do the same when I am braking, like at a red light or stop sign. A few light, randomly-spaced squeezes of the brake lever, hopefully, will get their attention.

 

If that's the case then, they were dicks. Those are always the ones bitching that nobody stops to help them. Good luck and great ride by the way!

 

Sorry, Lord Albany, I was not trying to imply you fell in with them by design.

Personally, 3-4 car lengths is kind of close if your on the highway, but be that as it may, they were wrong to "salute" you if you ask me.

I have experienced similar things, as I am sure most have. If someone "falls in" with my group, there is no finger waving etc, we carry on, but just don't like it.

Enjoy the road!

 

Take the safety course and you will have all the answers then take the ERC. Then the next time you see him put both feet down.

Dave

 

Cool, cool. So what do you ride? Where's the pic?

 

Ride to stop means pickthe spot where you want to stop and keep enough forward momentum going until your ready to brake to that spot. Ride in with both brakes applied, and use only your rear brake for the last 10 feet. You will find this delivers much better balance and will avoid locking your front wheel up at slow speed if you hit some marbles or an oil/antifreeze patch.

I always ride to a stop with the rear brake as described above, and when I stop...I always watch the vehicle beind me to ensure they are stoping. Once they are stopped, only then do I shift to neutral to wait for the light, otherwise I keep it in first and i'm ready to drop that clutch if I need to move out of the way quickly. Always watch other vehicles around you, and always check the intersections in both directions before you ride through. I always put both feet down. Simple advice, but could save your life.

Have fun, and ride safe.