Better to arrive late than not to arrive at all. Made with Xara Web Designer The Buddy System of group riding can be used for small groups of riders or for larger groups on motorways or major trunk roads where the Drop-Off System is not appropriate.  This system is sometimes affectionately known "Follow The Leader". All riders should follow the rider in front of them while, at the same time, keeping the rider behind them in view at all times.  This requires good mirror work from all concerned and the pace of the ride will be dictated by the slowest rider.  It is suggested that quicker riders should position themselves towards the rear of the group as they will inevitably be playing "catch-up" as the group spreads out on quicker sections of the route.  While it is the Leader's responsibility to set an appropriate pace for the group as a whole each rider, keeping the rider behind in view, should adjust their own pace to a speed they are happy with to achieve this. Junctions When taking junctions, roundabouts or any deviation from the straight ahead route it is advisable to mark the junction until the rider behind appears.  Unlike the Drop-Off system each rider must decide for themselves whether to mark a junction or not, including the Leader.  It is suggested that if there is any doubt that a following rider may miss the turning then mark it and be sure the following rider has seen it. Overtaking within the group is not allowed as there is the potential for destroying the integrity of the group. Motorway Riding The Buddy System is probably the best way of keeping even large groups together on a motorway where the Drop-Off System would be both dangerous and illegal to implement.  The Leader should set a pace with which all riders should be happy. On long motorway or duel carriageway sections the group should ride in a staggered formation, with the Leader taking the right-hand position in the lane, rider 2 taking the left-hand position, rider 3 the right-hand etc.  Remember the Two Second Rule and leave the appropriate gap between yourself and the rider directly in front of you.  The gap between riders on opposite sides can be one second.  This allows space for repositioning in bends such that the inside riders can move towards the centre of the lane on a left-hand bend, or the outside riders can move towards the centre of the lane in a right-hand bend.  This is a variation on the system used my many Harley Owner Groups, but they tend to ride in pairs, side-by-side; a system which tends to spread the group out more and does not allow much flexibility of positioning in bends. With larger groups the potential for the group to be split up increases.  It is important, therefore, that everyone is aware of who is behind them and where they are. Overtaking Overtaking other road users can be difficult with a large group and this is where the group can become split up.  It is up to each rider to decide when or if to overtake but should avoid overtaking other riders in the group. Filtering In slow moving or stationery traffic it may be possible for the group to filter but this carries the greatest potential for the group to become split up.  Once traffic starts to move more freely the Leader should take the opportunity to reform the group and stop filtering. Joining and Leaving the Motorway Prior to joining a motorway the group should be riding in a fairly close formation in order to put the Buddy System into effect.  The ride Leader should slow the pace sufficiently early to allow the group to close up, especially with larger groups. It is essential to have the group in a tight formation prior to leaving a motorway.  The Leader should reduce the pace to enable the group to form up in good time and leave the motorway as a single group if at all possible.  In heavy traffic this may be some distance from the required junction and the group would, ideally, be completely reformed at least one mile before the exit. If the exit is to another motorway then the Buddy System remains in effect.  If, however, the exit leads to a minor road then it might be more appropriate to switch to the Drop-Off System from the end of the exit slip road.