If you're riding by yourself, you get to set all the rules. You get to decide when you stop, where you're headed, and how fast you go. When you're with a motorcycle club, it's also pretty simple: you follow the lead rider and try not to fall behind the trailing rider. But when it's just you and someone else, riding becomes a little trickier. You've got to remember that you're not by yourself and that there's no lead bike or trailing bike to make sure you stay together. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you're riding with only one other person (or even a small group).
Make sure your riding partner knows where you're going. Even if he or she is going to follow you, you should still make sure he or she has an idea of where the final destination is. That way, just in case you do get separated, they have an idea of where to go. Also make sure they have your cell number or a contact number for someone at the destination (hotel, conference center, etc.) so they can call for directions if they need to. Make sure you can identify them, too, either by their helmet or by the motorcycle patches on their jacket in case more bikers are on the road with you.
If you are riding in front, remember that you have someone following you. If you see a light turning yellow, you won't want to zip through it. If you do, your friend may get stuck at the red light and lose you. Don't go too fast or weave in and out of traffic, either.
On the other hand, you don't want to ride right on top of each other, either. If one of you has an accident, riding too close together can cause you both to crash. It can also be dangerous for other vehicles on the road because two bikers side by side may take up more space in the lane.
