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Safety is the Top Priority when
it comes to riding within a group. You must understand that motorcycle group riding has its own dynamics of skills. If you
are new to motorcycle riding and/or new to group riding, please let the Road Captain be aware of this. The Road Captain will
give you the proper information and position placement within the group that will help your ride experience not only be safer
and less stressful, but more enjoyable.
- Alcohol (or under the influence of) is not permitted during ride times.
- Always arrive at the starting place on time with a full tank of gas, your motorcycle
in proper working condition, and be ready to ride.
- A rider’s meeting will be held by the Road Captain prior to every ride (reviewing
routes, times, signals, placement of other Road Captains, etc). Road Captain should review lane changing/passing procedures,
but always remember when changing lanes to:
- Use Directional or (if needed) Hand signals
- Check your mirrors
- Give head check for safe lane change
- Obey All Traffic Laws – you are responsible for your actions while on the
ride.
- Reminder
– Blocking traffic to allow access for the group is illegal and dangerous.
- The group shall leave when all riders are ready and sweep riders signals
leader.
- Ride in staggered formation, always maintain a safe distance from the motorcycle
in front of you
- (a 2-second minimum following distance is required for spacing – more if
riding conditions dictate [bad weather, etc]).
- Maintain your position within the group; if there is a space open in the formation,
just leave it. Do not pass in lane (it is illegal) and/or criss-cross to fill it. Once the group comes to a stop (traffic
light, stop sign, etc) then restarts, it should be refilled with the restarting of the staggered formation.
- Remember that a group of motorcycles is not considered a single vehicle. Be courteous and allow other vehicles (cars, trucks, etc) to enter/exit a roadway or change lanes.
Always be sure to signal those behind you to slow down in the event of an entering/exiting vehicle.
- In the event of mechanical failure, the group will continue to its designated
stop or first safe area to pull off. The last rider and sweep will stop to evaluate the situation for further actions and
inform the group ahead of actions needed (in most cases the group stays together until
repairs and/or other provisions have been made). Rules for medical emergencies are similar and should be review by the
Road Captain.
- When riding through towns or cities, the group will not stop to regroup if broken
up until it is out of town or at a designated stop. If the route is not straight through, the Road Captain should make provisions
for other riders to position themselves at turns or have another Road Captain (or rider) come forward and lead to the designated
stop.
- In the event you need to leave the ride early please let the Road Captain know,
and if all possible; ride in the rear of the group so leaving it will not cause a distraction.
If you have any questions or concerns, please address them to the Road
Captain. Remember that Riding Safety is your responsibility and by doing
so it will make the rides not only safer but fun.
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