These are some practical guidelines that make sense to me, gathered from different groups over the years, for group road rides.
1. always ride staggered, with the lead i the left rut of the lane. Adjust as necessary for traffic and road conditions.
2. In the twisties or bad roads, ride single file so each rider can have the entire lane to adjust as they need to.
3. If a group gets separated, during every turn, the last rider in the sub-group waits somewhere safe BEFORE the turn so that riders behind can know where to go, That's especially important during long trips where not everyone knows even where they are!
4. If possible, ride captain and tailgunner have communications, whether CB or what, so that if someone gets in trouble, the tailgunner can notify the captain, then stop and help the one in trouble. That makes the next guy the new (temporary) tailgunner.
5. Stay hydrated!
6. Ride your own ride. You are responsible for YOUR ride. The Ride Captain's main job is to lead the group on the pre-planned route.
7. ABSOLUTELY no texting while riding. Are you some kind of fool or what? You endanger yourself and everyone behind you.
8. Keep your bike maintained.
9. It's the captains job to find out the smallest tank/shortest leg, but it is YOUR responsibility not to run out of gas.
10. And most important: ride within YOUR skill level and YOUR bike's capabilities. It is your responsibility, after all.