When riding weather is here, there is a lot of fun to be had. The weather provides us with very challenging opportunities. Group rides are a fun way to share passions for motorcycling with others who have the same interest. This also gives us a chance to make new friends and meet up with old friends. Our intention for every ride is to have a great time and ride SAFE. To that end, we would like to suggest a few safe riding tips concerning group (formation) riding. Even if you're a salty dog, it's good to brush up from time to time. Below are some of the most common challenges facing motorcyclists.

Have a full tank before arriving at the departure point. Tell the group leader if you have: special concerns like speed or sharp corners, plans to leave the group before the destination (the persons riding in front and behind you should know too so they don't think you are having a problem), an unusually short fuel range, or a bladder with an unusually short range. Wear clear eye protection if the ride will extend into the evening. Keep up the pace so riders behind you aren't forced to become a traffic hazard.

As motorcyclists, we ride vehicles that are stable while moving and not very stable while stopped. If you witness or happen upon an accident, it is vital to make sure YOUR bike is in a safe location, the bike is shut off, and the kickstand is down. Next, check for scene safety like flammable fuels on the ground or is traffic headed toward you? "Flag" on-coming traffic to slow or stop. Only in dire circumstances is it necessary to move an injured person. For instance, there are open flames nearby. Help should be summoned as soon as possible. Provide as much information as you can; the highway route number and the mile marker if you know it, a call back number, and state the who/what/where of the emergency.

The physics of motorcycling, the weight load on two tires, and the very limited "friction patch" on a two wheeler call for maximum attention to the condition and maintenance of tires. Tires should be in good condition, good tread life left--wear bars visible, and inflated to proper pressures WHICH CHANGE WITH LOADING WEIGHTS AND TIRE BRANDS. Do you bet your life and enjoyment on good tires, properly inflated, checked and maintained? Or do you bet your life on the condition you think your tires are in. We're betting on you---because as High Country HOG members, we demonstrate safety leadership among fellow bikers.

When the temperature starts to drop, grab some bubble wrap. Yep, bubble wrap. You know the stuff used to protect things from damage during shipping. Use it as an air barrier between leathers and jacket and jeans. The best thing is you like some hard-core rider. Top it off with it being inexpensive. Of course, you can always invest in Harley-Davidson's heated clothing line.

When it comes to gravel the key is speed or a lack thereof. Not only do we need to keep our speed down for turning or maneuvering on gravel, we need to keep a greater distance behind the driver in front of us. Unless you're looking for the "sand blasted" paint theme. Gravel always seams to show up when you would least want to see it i.e. corners and intersections.