I've been on a few group rides with the Slingshot - some at rally's and some from dealership groups or area groups. To be honest, it is one of my favorite things - I wish there were more Slingshots in Wisconsin.
But I am always surprised at the number of folks that aren't sure of the "how to" group rides. We had great rides at the Slingshot Invasion in Eureka Springs - heck we always do thanks to @Slingrazor, @dangerdarrell, @HeRSling, and others - but other rides we've been on have been more frustrating than pleasurable so I thought I would post this in the hopes of helping others that might be new to group rides.
Rule #1
Be prepared. If you are going on a ride, please make sure that when you arrive that you have enough fuel to get you through the entire ride or at least until the first fuel stop. Every rider should always have their own emergency supplies, such as a cell phone (even if it is a flip phone), spare cash, and their own set of tools/supplies ([yes, I am still amazed that a vendor hasn't put together such a kit for Slingshot owners] zip ties, duct tape, a flashlight, a few spare fuses and something for a flat tire). A first aid kit is also highly recommended.
Rule #2
Always have a ride leader. The ride leader should have a lot of experience with the area, have a planned route, ability to communicate with the tail ride leader, sense of everyone's capabilities, and be well organized.
Rule #3
If you aren't familiar with the area and the ride make sure you attend the riders meeting. During the riders meeting the ride leader will go over the pace and riding style they will be leading at (spirited vs aggressive vs leisurely). This is your chance - if the ride isn't for you because it is too spirited or too leisurely now is the time to to let the ride leader know that you are going to bow out. THERE IS NO SHAME IN BOWING OUT - in the long run it will a more enjoyable day for you AND the other riders.
The ride leader should give you a general idea of where you are going, the length of the ride (time or miles/kilometers), the pace that he/she will be setting, any stops along the way, and, of course, the destination.
The ride leader may also set the ride order - placing more inexperienced riders at the front. This allows more seasoned riders to keep an eye on the newbies, and give them pointers based on what they observe. With more skilled riders up front, it becomes too easy for them to ride at a fast pace and leave newer riders behind unintentionally.
The ride leader may make a stop to split up the group for a short time - maybe to take a "fast pack" through the fun part of the road while letting the slower group go at their own pace, and just regroup later.
The ride leader should also introduce the tail ride leader if there is one. A tail ride leader is someone who is familiar with the route and will keep an eye out for stragglers, machines with mechanical problems, or anyone doing anything that might be unsafe to the rest of the group. If they have to fall back to deal with any of these problems, they will be able to help out, and can arrange to get the group back together by contacting the ride leader.
Rule #4
Know your hand signals and USE them to help the riders behind you. If you don't know the hand signals here are a bunch of motorcycle hand signals
To add to this - use the thumbs up when regrouping and you and the rider behind you are good to go
Rule #5
Don't risk it. Unless you are on a local, state, or federally sanctioned ride lead by law enforcement don't be stupid. The laws and rules of the road still apply as do the tickets, points, fines, and chance for accidents whether a scratch or life threatening. DON'T DO THE CRIME IF YOU CAN'T DO THE TIME OR PAY THE FINE. The larger the ride or the more urban sections of the ride are, the more difficult it is for the leader to have planned a route without stop lights/signs or other motorists who insert themselves in the group. See Rule #6 and you should understand why you don't need to run red lights, cut off traffic, speed excessively or risk your life in any way.
Rule #6
For me, this is THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE. No Rider Left Behind. Remember, even if you are a skilled rider who takes on all roads without any fear or issues, there will be some in the group that may not be as comfortable at excessive speed or through the twisties as you are. Even if you aren't the leader or the tail ride leader you are responsible for the rider behind you! Slow down if you see them dropping behind. If everyone on the ride does the same, no rider is left behind whether because of inexperience, lack of comfort, or mechanical issues.
Even the best rides end up with riders getting separated somehow. Whether it's at a red light or because of a car/truck that just isn't getting the hint. If you end up separated, don't panic. If you had your pre-ride meeting, you should know where the stops are coming up. Additionally, the rider in front of you should have noticed that you've fallen back and found a safe way to slow down and wait for you to catch up - as did the rider in front of them and the rider in front of them and so on. So, just go at a safe pace to catch back up with the rest of the ride. If EVERYONE PRACTICES NO RIDER LEFT BEHIND then you won't have to to break the law, split lanes aggressively, or ride faster than your skills just to catch up to the group. Catching up a little later is a lot better than a ticket or getting into a crash!
Rule #7
Enjoy the ride.
If you have observed the six rules above you should enjoy group riding.
Hope this helps - ride safe