One of the most important things we can do as Riders is communication. In a group, or solo, when we straddle that bike it is the riders responsibility to convey any movement
other than straight to those around you. We do turn signals and brake lights automatically, but there are many signals that have no lights or buttons, but they do
have fingers. The left handed one-finger signal used in a group is to move everyone into a single line and comes from the front and is passed back by the riders. This one signal,
this one finger pointed up to the sky and held high above the head has the power to actually save lives.
Crossing a narrow bridge, a vehicle on the shoulder, or riding through a construction area with a group, the lead bike should warn those behind that space is limited by first
slowing to the appropriate speed and then raising one finger in the air to bring the group into a single file. This one powerful finger turns a 12’ lane into a 5’ wide trail providing
needed room for the group and other traffic. Always maintain a two second or greater following distance anytime another Rider or vehicle is in front of you.
Get that left-handed trigger finger up in the air when you have riders behind you and the highway starts to twist with reduced speed curves. The purpose of riding staggered as
we normally do is so each bike has the left, the center, and the right section of the lane to use as the road dictates, and so we don’t stretch out too far as a group. It’s a
beautiful thing when two sparkling columns of motorcycles merge into one sparkling column of motorcycles just by the lead rider giving them the finger. Don’t spoil the fun of
riding a motorcycle in a group by always maintaining the left or right line in a reduced speed curve. Lead riders get that finger up before the curve to get the group in line and
work the turns with the correct speed and oncoming visibility as your guide. Each rider can use all of their space in the lane safely and may learn something about curves and
fingers from the more experienced riders they follow into the turns. When the ride is over everyone will appreciate having a safe ride and at the same time, a fun ride.
…Next article I’m writing about TWO fingers, stay tuned Grasshopper.
John ‘Hammer’ Hanzlik
ALR Road Captain
Post 1 Omaha

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