Southern
Cruisers Riding Club
"GROUP RIDE GUIDELINES"
This Guideline has been compiled using several sources from
the Internet and past experience leading group rides.
Remember this is a GUIDELINE, not a RULEBOOK.
Note.... There is a PDF (Adobe) file available for
download at the end.
Version IV 15
- May-2006
1. WELCOME!
The intent of this guideline is to provide the Southern Cruisers Riding Club Chapters
and SCRC members information to help to ride together safely. Please keep in
mind that these guidelines are not intended to restrict your freedom, but instead, to help ensure that we all return home
safely.
These guidelines cannot encompass every possible set of circumstances, and
they are intended to serve as a basic guide for most situations. Each person
is therefore expected to read, understand, and apply these guidelines, using their best judgment.
Please remember that YOU have the ultimate responsibility for YOUR
safety, and always ride within your capabilities and that of your machines.
While this guideline states that the Road Captain is in charge, it is the
1st Officer and/or the 2nd Officer of the Chapter that are overall in charge of their chapter and all
functions concerning the chapter. This includes rides. All the officers should be intimately familiar with this guide and the safe riding practices.
(Note: Ride Leader may be substituted
for Road Captain.)
(Yes, as you read through this, there are many things repeated, for emphasis.)
2. ALL GROUP RIDERS' RESPONSIBILITIES:
a. Will observe
the objectives and guidelines in order to assure the safety and the welfare of every individual within the group, and any
surrounding motorists or pedestrians.
b. Will follow the
instructions of the Road Captain in all situations, unless those instructions place the rider or any other individual in an
unsafe situation.
c. Will maintain
their motorcycle and other equipment in a safe riding condition.
d. Will ride with
headlights on or IAW the state laws.
e. Will ride with
a "safety first" attitude. The safety of all individuals, whether or not they
are a part of the group, is of paramount importance.
f. Will ride with a helmet where the state law requires
a
helmet.
g. Each individual rider is 100% responsible
for:
1) Safely operating their vehicle in accordance with all
applicable Federal, State and local laws.
2) Making sure that they and their vehicle are un-impaired,
and are currently functioning safely.
3) Making sure that they can perform and maneuver safely
in the riding environment that they are in. Should they be not
100%
sure of their ability in the current ride, they
must
remove themselves from the situation.
At all times, each
rider must ride within their capabilities.
4) Section (1) - (3) above and thus,
ultimately, their own
safety, actions and/or
lack of action. It is the duty of every
rider to make sure the environment is safe for themselves
as well as for other riders. In doing so, every ride will be as
safe as possible.
h) The Southern Cruisers Riding Club does not
condone
drinking and riding. Anyone participating in a Southern
Cruisers ride or event who consumes alcoholic beverages
or any other substance that may impair their ability to
operate
a motorcycle or any other motor vehicle does so
without
the consent of the Southern Cruisers Riding Club.
Everyone that participates in a Southern Cruisers ride or
event must follow the laws regarding driving under the
influence set forth by the state(s) within which that ride or
event will take place.
i) The Southern Cruisers Riding Club requires
all members to
follow and observe
all State and Local Laws while
participating
in a Southern Cruisers Event. The Southern
Cruisers does
not condone any illegal activities or practices
while riding in
or holding an event or ride including but not
limited to parading
and road blocking. Whenever possible,
event or ride
organizers will coordinate with their local law
enforcement or department
of transportation for their
assistance in road
blocking for large processions. If law
enforcement assistance
is not available, large groups must
be split into smaller
groups that will be manageable without
blocking any intersection, streets or drives. Any violation of
this article will
be reviewed by the Board of Directors and/or
the National Officers and
could lead to dismissal from the
Southern Cruisers.”
k) Any officer recognized by the constitution for the Southern
Cruisers Riding
Club may dismiss anyone participating in a
Southern Cruisers ride
or event if they are impaired or are
endangering the safety
of ride participants. Ultimately it is the
individual’s responsibility
to maintain themselves in a safe and
lawful manner.
3. MEETING PLACE AND DEPARTURE TIME:
a. Meeting place
and departure times will be posted to the membership either by e-mail or phone preceding the scheduled event.
b. Rider briefing should be
held just prior to departure, to establish a schedule for gas and rest stops, inform the group of the intended route, provide
other pertinent information and review the group riding guidelines including formations and procedures.
c. Individuals should make every
effort to arrive promptly at the scheduled meeting time and be completely prepared for the scheduled
departure time. This includes a full tank of gas, and necessary restroom visits.
4. RIDING FORMATION AND INDIVIDUAL POSITIONS:
a. The standard formation,
under good conditions of road, traffic, and weather, will be a double row, staggered, in one traffic lane. The interval will be no less than one second between staggered riders, which will automatically make a
2 second interval between you and the bike directly in front of you.
b. The Road Captain will
be at the head of the group, and typically will ride just to the left of lane center.
The Tail Gunner will ride at the rear of the formation.
c. New members,
guests, and any riders with little experience in group riding will be positioned at the front of the group, just behind the
Road Captain.
d. Each rider should
maintain his or her starting line up position in the group until arrival at the destination.
This allows each rider to become more familiar with the riding style and habits of those nearest him or her in the
group, and is particularly important for the new or inexperienced riders.
e. Under certain
conditions the Road Captain will signal the group to form a single file formation. The
signal is the left arm held overhead with one finger extended. Drop back to a
safe following distance from the rider in front of you and move into a single file.
f. It may be necessary
to form smaller groups for safety due to surrounding conditions or local ordinances.
There should be a temporary Road Captain to lead and a Tail Gunner to
control the second part of the group.
g. This may mean
that the last rider of each group would become the Tail Gunner for that group. If
possible, this rider should be another experienced Road Captain or Tail Gunner. If
another Road Captain/Tail Gunner is not available, this rider should be briefed prior to the run as to his or her responsibilities
in the event this situation should occur.
h. It is recommended that trikes and bikes with sidecars be
to the rear of the formation
and ride single file at all times
ahead of the Tail Gunner.
5. SPEED, INTERVALS, AND DISTANCES:
a. The Road Captain
will attempt to establish and maintain a uniform speed; consistent with the ability of the least experienced rider, surrounding
conditions, the posted speed limit, the bikes at the ride, and safe riding practices.
The Road Captain should establish before the ride the abilities of the people and the bikes themselves prior to departure,
especially concentrating on new riders, new members and visitors to the ride. The
Road Captain should continually check his mirrors to insure the formation is in good shape.
b. The Road Captains
may choose to separate the group of inexperienced riders into a group of their own, consistent with expected or actual conditions,
making sure there is an acting, experienced Road Captain and Tail Gunner to guide them.
c. All riders will
make an effort to maintain the same speed to minimize the effect of irregular speeds on riders at the rear of the group.
d. All riders will
maintain a safe distance and lane position between themselves and the rider directly ahead; to be consistent with existing
road, traffic, and weather conditions.
5A. Minimum Safe Following Distances:
1. Within the group, a safe distance
is defined as a MINIMUM TWO SECOND DELAY between the rider, and the next rider directly ahead (ref. NOTE below). This means that there is a MINIMUM of a ONE SECOND DELAY between staggered riders. Whenever a single file formation is employed, a safe distance remains defined as a MINIMUM of a TWO SECOND
DELAY between the rider, and the rider directly ahead. The riders should also
realize that by creating a large gap in the formation, cars will try to move in and split the formation, causing a dangerous
situation. It also causes problems for the Road Captain when there are large
gaps in the formation.
2. Too
many people get hung up with, ”there must be only 2 seconds between bikes”.
This is a guideline for average highway riding. The gap should be determined
by the speed and road conditions. The gap should be established before the ride
for the sections of road to be traveled. The faster the speed, the more gap there
should be. With that said, we also do not want huge gaping gaps in the formation
where other vehicles will attempt to break into the formation. The gap should
be consistent throughout the formation.
3. With respect to vehicles ahead
of the group, a
safe distance
is defined
as an ABSOLUTE
MINIMUM of a THREE SECOND DELAY between
the Road Captain and any vehicle directly ahead of
the group
(ref. NOTE below). If a car pulls in front
of
the formation,
make adjustments to keep a good
distance.
NOTE: It's
important to keep in mind that a two second interval is a MINIMUM safe requirement in order to react in the event of a potentially
hazardous condition, NOT TO STOP.
In group riding, a one-second interval between
STAGGERED riders is a policy consistent with the recommendations of most traffic and safety agencies.
STAGGERED motorcycles are considered to be in
a "virtual" lane of their own, that is that there is a two-second interval between motorcycles in a direct line. This group riding technique requires all participants to constantly ANTICIPATE an EMERGENCY.
5B. A safe lane position is defined as riding immediately to the right or left of lane
center. This will keep the riders just off the center oil stain, while maintaining
the staggered formation, distance between riders and other obstacles, and not obstructing the line
of vision between the Road Captain and Tail Gunner.
6.
TRAFFIC LANES:
a. The Road Captain will attempt to lead the group in a single lane when:
1. The traffic
flow appears to be most consistent with
the
speed of the group (using lane changes only when
necessary
to pass slower traffic or to avoid a
hazardous
condition); and to avoid blocking faster
surrounding
traffic.
2. On highways with two lanes each direction, the group will normally travel in the number two lane, also known as
the "SLOW" lane, (ref. Note below) allowing faster traffic to pass to left; except when passing slower traffic on the right.
3. On highways with three or more lanes in each direction, the group will normally travel in the number two lane (See
Picture) and (ref. Note below), keeping the right lane open for other vehicles entering and exiting the highway, and the left
lane(s) for traffic to pass.
NOTE: Lanes are counted from left to right. The left lane is often referred to as the "FAST" or "PASSING" lane, and is counted as lane number one. Remaining traffic lanes are then counted up until the right most or "SLOW" lane is
counted.
7.
LANE CHANGES AND PASSING:
a. On a multi-lane highway, the
double row staggered
formation
will
normally be maintained.
b. The Road Captain will hold
his or her position and signal for a lane change.
c. All riders will hold their
positions and pass the signal to the rear.
d. The Tail Gunner will
change lanes at the first safe
opportunity, protecting the lane for the group, and allowing
the Road Captain to see that the lane is clear and protected.
The Road Captain should be aware of when the Tail Gunner
has changed lanes by using his mirrors. Make a head check
to insure no cars are beside the formation.
e. The formation will change lanes
using the "follow the
leader" approach. The Road Captain will make a definite
hand signal,
indicating to the formation he is moving into the
other lane,
and change lanes first followed by all other riders
moving from
the front to the rear of the group.
NOTE: NOBODY, except the Tail Gunner, is to change lanes before the Road Captain. ALWAYS make a HEAD CHECK before you begin the
lane change, and maintain safe distances. There are also times when there will be minimal traffic and the Road Captain may
signal a lane change and move over (after checking to make sure it’s clear – see section e above).
f. There are times it will not be possible for the entire group to
change lanes as above. When this situation arises, the Road
Captain will signal for a turn,
and signal the group with one
finger extended into the air. This indicates that changing
lanes as a group is not possible. The Road Captain will then
change lanes when
safe to do so. Everyone signals,
head
checks, and changes lanes front to back, as individuals,
when safe to do so. Should the group become separated,
regroup when it is safe to do so. Please use known good
safety practices, INCLUDING HEAD CHECKS.
g. On a two-lane road with two way traffic (one lane each
way), a single file formation should be used
when passing
other vehicles.
The Road Captain should also maintain a
steady speed after the slow moving vehicle has
been passed
allowing the individual riders room to move back into
formation ahead of the passed vehicle.
h. If for any reason the group becomes separated, merge
safely back into the formation, returning
to your original
position, using known good safety practices. Don't feel it's
necessary to break the world land speed record in
trying to
catch up.
The Road Captain will be aware and adjust
accordingly
once they are clear of the passed vehicle.
NOTE: Be certain the road is clear, and always make a HEAD CHECK immediately
prior to initiating any maneuver which may cause you to cross other road users. The
Road Captain, your mirror, or what you saw just a second ago are no substitutes for your own eyes and good judgment and common
sense! Please remember that YOU, and ONLY YOU, are RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR SAFETY. Also, when dealing with our four wheeled friends, you will never win a contest against
them. It won't do any good to be "Dead Right".
8.
GAS, FOOD, REST STOPS, AND TOLLS:
a. If necessary, due to the length of the trip, gas, food, and rest
stops should be
discussed and scheduled prior to departure.
These
scheduled stops should be adhered to as much as
possible, depending on varying conditions
as the trip
progresses.
b. Deviation from the scheduled stops
may be required due to
varying weather, traffic, and bladder
conditions (availability of
gas, rider fatigue, and other unforeseen circumstances).
c. Gas and rest stops should be limited to no more than ten to
fifteen minutes, depending on the size of the group and based
on the ride plan. Remember
the last rider in the group waits the
longest, therefore
has the shortest rest period.
d. If toll stops are included, money should be collected in
advance. If available, a riding couple should be positioned in
the number two slot. As the group approaches the tollbooth, the
Road Captain will allow this bike to assume
the lead position in
order to exchange the toll. The Road Captain will assume the
lead as soon as it is safe to do
so. If a riding couple is not
available,
it then becomes the Road Captain's responsibility
to pay at the tollbooth.
NOTE: Remember to avoid the center of the lane when nearing or passing through a tollbooth. They are usually extremely slick.
9.
UNSCHEDULED OR EMERGENCY STOPS:
a. Unscheduled
stops for gas, restroom, or rider fatigue can
lead
to confusion
in the group, and confusion can lead to
accidents. The Road Captain should be informed that a stop is
necessary
in order to lead the group in an organized fashion to
the
next convenient and safe place to stop.
b. Any rider
with an equipment problem should inform one of
the
Officers, Road Captain or Tail Gunner as quickly, and as
safely
as possible.
c. When the
Road Captain is informed, he or she will stop the
group
at the earliest possible moment, when and where it is
safe.
d. If the rider
must pull over immediately, ONLY the Tail Gunner
or
assigned formation mechanic will accompany that rider to a
stop. If there is an assigned mechanic, they should be at the
rear
of the formation. The Road Captain should be informed if he
or
she is not aware of this situation. Once the Road Captain is
informed,
he or she will pull the group over as soon as it is safe
to
do so.
e. Any rider
observing a problem with another rider's
equipment
should inform that rider as quickly and safely as
possible. If it appears that a stop is necessary, the Road
Captain
should also be notified.
f. The Road Captain should use
good judgement and common
sense when choosing a spot to pull over. Try to avoid an area
with hazards to motorcycles, such as heavy traffic, broken glass,
trash, loose sand, gravel, and fresh asphalt.
10. ACCIDENTS:
a. In the event the group comes
upon the scene of an accident or if someone in the group is involved in an accident, the Road Captain will stop the group
at the earliest possible moment (keeping with known good safety practices). It
may be necessary for the group to disperse and park separately to avoid creating additional hazardous conditions.
b. Members of the group will
provide assistance in any practical way possible, including, but not limited to:
1. Slow, divert, or stop traffic
in a safe manner, using flares if available.
2. Aid and comfort those involved.
3. Call 911 to notify the Police,
Ambulance, and or Fire service as the situation demands.
4. Maintain order and preserve
the accident scene for Police investigation.
5. If possible, take photographs.
6. If possible, obtain license
plate numbers and vehicle descriptions, including driver descriptions in the event of a hit and run violation.
7. Obtain names and addresses
of witnesses, if necessary.
8. If possible, maintain overall
control of the situation until relieved by the proper authorities.
11.
HAND SIGNALS:
a. At all times,
standard hand signals will be used for: changing
the
formation to a single row and back to double staggered, all
turns,
lane changes, slowing, and stopping, and pointing out road
hazards. Turn signal lights will also be used at
all times.
b. All signals will be
relayed to the rear of the group to allow all riders to take appropriate precautionary measures, and be aware of changes in
speed and direction. Once the hand signal is given and the person sees in their
mirror that it is being passed on, they may return to gripping their handlebars with both hands. The only one that needs to “hold” the hand signal is the Tail Gunner until he/she reaches the
spot of the maneuver, based on following traffic.
c. Hand signals will be used at all times, to point out road
hazards to following
riders by pointing. In some cases,
pointing
out a road hazard will work just as well.
d. Left arm held high, one finger
extended over head indicates single file, and extended following distance.
e. Left
arm held high, one finger extended over head,
followed by the
Road Captain signaling and changing lanes
indicates:
1. The Road Captain will move as an individual to
whatever
maneuver
or position is required.
2. The group will follow as individuals, in a "follow the
leader" approach,
signaling and following the Road
Captain as
appropriate and safe.
f. Left arm held high with two
fingers extended over head indicates the standard staggered formation.
g. Left arm held low and to the side, palm facing backwards,
indicates slow
and or stop.
h. Other signals
may be used as required.
Here is an example of a few…….
Pics on the downloadable document
These signals may be used as shown or modified to fit the needs of your chapter as
long as you insure everyone is familiar with the meaning of the signals you are using.
12.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
a. As mentioned previously,
it is assumed that all riders will come to the ride with a well-maintained motorcycle.
b. All riders should show up
with appropriate riding apparel for the weather conditions.
c. All group riders are encouraged
to bring a well-stocked tool kit to all club rides.
d. All group riders are encouraged
to bring a well-maintained first aid kit to all club rides.
e. The Road Captain should bring the following to the ride:
1. First aid kit.
2. Route maps.
3. Run information.
4. Cell phone. If a Road Captain does not have a cell
phone, he
or she
will locate another group rider who does
(obviously,
subject to availability), and designate that rider
as the 911
caller.
13. TIPS and Past experience:
Nothing can replace Good Judgement and Common Sense !!!!!
1. It is recommended for the Road
Captain to have scouted the
route prior
to conducting
the ride.
2. Be aware of places you may
have to stop. Watch for loose
gravel or
sand.
3. The arrows painted on the lanes
indicating the lane traffic flow
become slick
when
wet.
4. Watch for oil slicks around
stop lights, stop signs or around
areas where
cars may have to sit for a period of time.
5. The use of 2-way radios between
the Road Captain and Tail
Gunner is
Highly
Recommended.
6. When pulling out from a stop
sign or stop light and after making a
turn,
an even,
steady acceleration is highly recommended. This will
keep the formation together better than speeding up and having to
slow back
down. Do not slow to make sure the formation is
following. This will cause a back up and may actually prevent the
rear bikes
from making it through the light. If the formation is broken
for whatever
reason, keep the speed limit to 5-10 miles below the
posted speed
limit to allow the rest of the formation to catch up. You
do not need
to stop (this is a judgement call based on the road and
the traffic
flow).
7. If the formation is broken,
and there is a turn in the route, the
formation
does need to stop as close to the turn as possible,
allowing
the trailing group to see where you turned. You may also
instruct
(prior to the ride in the pre-ride brief) that the last person in
line wait
at the corner to guide the rest back up to the formation. This
is the Road
Captain’s decision based on what they know of the
route, the
traffic, and safe riding practices.
8. Summer time and asphalt do
not mix well, kickstands will sink in
and the bike may
fall over. Be aware of where you park.
9. All riders need to pay attention
to the bikes and traffic around
Them!!!!! There is nothing worse than a bike hitting another bike in
formation
because they were not paying attention.
10. If you need
to speed to get to your destination – you should have
made better plans
and started earlier. Chapter group rides are
supposed
to be enjoyable not racing events.
11. Riders
- So what if the Road Captain makes a wrong turn.
Sometimes that’s how you find that hidden special road!!!!!!
12. If
you think you need to burn a whole tank of gas before you stop
for a 5 min
break,
you are missing half the fun of riding with a group.
The BS sessions at stops are all part of the experience.
13. If
you know the trip will take 3 hours, plan on it taking 4.
Something will always happen to cause a delay. The larger the
group, the
more time you should allow for rest stops, gas breaks,
food breaks,
etc.
14. One lesson that the MSF class teaches that I think needs to be
clarified better is their
admonition to always stop with one foot on the ground. Fine, if it is a small bike, but a touring bike should be stopped placing
both feet on the ground at the same time, in my opinion. A slick spot is unforgiving and very dangerous. Your rear brake can
be released if your front brake is holding at 2 MPH with no concerns whatever. (Obviously, you do not put feet down until
the bike is fully stopped.) The MSF used to teach that you stop with your RIGHT foot on the ground and the other on the peg.
That was changed to LEFT foot down so that you could keep your right foot on the brake. In either case, by definition, your
bike is not vertical with only one foot on the ground. If you must make a fast departure (to get out of somebody's way, for
example), it takes more time to do so with one foot down rather than two. This, because you must straighten the bike as you
depart, you have a more erratic start, and you must first take your right foot OFF the brake - all time consuming. Finally,
you can probably more easily handle a smaller bike with one leg, but a large touring bike is another case entirely. [There are always exceptions to the rule, of course. If you are stopped at a light on a severe incline,
your right foot belongs on the brake pedal. Similarly, in a panic stop situation you want to stop with your foot still on
the rear brake.]
15. Assuming
you are in the slow or second slowest lane and you approach an on-ramp, do a head check to the right. Equally as important,
if you are approaching an off-ramp, do a head check to the LEFT (and catch that guy who is about to cut in front of you to
make his exit).
16. REMEMBER!
Too much following distance can be just as bad as, and frequently is WORSE, than too little following distance. If the formation
lacks uniformity in what we appear to be doing, then we don't "look" like we are "together" as group. We become regarded as random individual vehicles in the traffic pattern and not like a group or unit trying
to function as one vehicle. Too much following distance INVITES cars into the formation, splitting it up in traffic. And if
we don't control our lane space, the cars WILL take it away from us. Be prepared! Non-motorcycling car drivers really do NOT
understand what we do when we ride as a group or why. So, if a car starts to blindly move into or through the group - LET
THEM IN. We can always re-form the group a little later down the road.
Footnote:
If you are new to group riding or are uncomfortable riding in a group,
please let the Road Captain know. Excessive following distance defeats the purpose
of maintaining an equally spaced stagger formation. If
you are new to group riding or have a handicap (visual, etc.) and prefer/need to ride on the left or right side of the lane,
let the Road Captain know in advance. Also, make sure you line up in the proper
position for where you need to be (odd-numbered bikes will ride on the left and even-numbered bikes will ride on the right). If you need to switch with another bike, do so before the ride begins and explain
to them why you are doing so. If necessary, until you become more comfortable with group riding, it may be much better
for your safety and the safety of the group that you ride individually 1/4 mile behind the group. We want to encourage you to be comfortable about making that choice.
17. If you need to leave the ride
early, please notify the Road Captain AND the Tail Gunner where you plan on leaving the group.
If possible be at the rear of the formation (ahead of the Tail Gunner) prior to leaving the group. Any bikes following should move up into the standard group riding positions.
18. BLOCKING. Remember, the cars on the road have the right of way and blocking is considered illegal. The Southern Cruisers
Riding Club does not approve of the use of blocking. If there is a need to block
traffic, it should only be done with prior arrangements with the local law enforcement officials. It may take a few extra moments to wait for the traffic to clear.
This will keep the formation together and safer. If the formation does
get split up – refer to the section on rejoining the formation.
19. STOPS AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS. Keep your bike in first gear and ready to move when the light turns green, unless
you know that it will be an extremely long red light and need to give your hand a rest.
The few seconds' delay for shifting from neutral to first gear can cause the group to be split because not everyone
is able to make it through a turn signal.
20. INTERSTATE/HIGHWAYS. When
approaching the interstate or a limited access highway, you should gradually increase your speed while on the entrance ramp
as you see that you'll be able to merge on to the interstate. Depending upon
the size of the group, the Tail Gunner may not be able to move over and protect the lane for the entire group. COMMON SENSE AND GOOD JUDGMENT WILL NEED TO BE USED TO DETERMINE IF YOU WILL BE ABLE TO MERGE SAFELY. Do not assume that since the Road Captain and several bikes have merged on to the
highway that it will be safe. If the group is separated, regroup when it is safe
to do so.
21. EXITING INTERSTATES/HIGHWAYS. When you are leaving the interstate or highway, try to maintain a speed that will
allow all of the bikes to exit without being on the interstate and having to ride at an extremely low speed. Move fully on to the exit ramp or turning lane as quickly as possible.
To properly protect the group, the Tail Gunner cannot move over until every bike is safely on the exit ramp or in the
turning lane.
22. TUNNELS. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a favorite
place to ride for many local and out of state riders. Numerous tunnels exist on the parkway. Some are over 1/4 mile long.
There is no lighting in Parkway tunnels. Cars are required to turn on lights, but some don’t. On a motorcycle, the instant
of going from sunlight to darkness is disorienting. Your eyes are not used to the dark. The first thing you do is instinctively
brake a little. The eyes of car drivers as well do not adjust to darkness instantly. They may not even see the yellow line
on the road in a tunnel. In addition, bicyclists may be encountered in tunnels as well. WHEN APPROACHING TUNNELS, SLOW FAR
AHEAD OF TIME, ALLOW MORE SPACE BETWEEN RIDERS, GET INTO SINGLE FILE AND STAY AWAY FROM THE YELLOW LINE. You may encounter
one tunnel after another so maintain this safe riding posture as long as you are in "Tunnel areas" of the parkway.
23. CURVES. Many roads in the mountain
are switchbacks, with non-stop sharp curves. You are riding along at 40 mph, come into the curve and you are down to 15. With
a tight curve, riders behind you cannot see that you braked, or have little room to brake and slow, so it is easy to get bunched
up. ALWAYS STAY IN SINGLE FILE, MAINTAIN GREATER SPACING BETWEEN RIDERS AND PAY
ATTENTION. A group of H.O.G riders were riding on the parkway. The lead bike
missed a sharp curve, left the parkway and went over the side of the mountain and fell 60 feet, resulting in a rider's death
and a critically injured passenger. Riders in the group said that it appeared the rider, while entering a sharp curve, looked
away for a second and then missed the curve. Many areas on the parkway and other mountain roads are like riding on the edge
of a cliff - you miss your turn and you are airborne without a parachute! It’s
not the fall -it’s that sudden stop at the end that’ll get ya.
Also be aware that after heavy rains on these kinds of roads in the mountains, that
sand and mud will be washed down onto the road and can make the curves and corners very dangerous.
There are many opinions on curves. A lot depends on how sharp the curve is.
This, IMO, is one of the many reasons to ride in a good even staggered formation. This allows riders to be able to shift in
the lane to take a curve better. Several groups have established signals to spread out the gap and this works well before
going into curves to allow more freedom for the individual riders to have more space to work with. If the Road Captain sees
that the curve may be a little sharp for the group, he/she can anticipate by signaling to slow down before going into the
curve.
If there are sharp curves, I would recommend single file spaced at least 3-4
seconds apart. This gives the rider the option to use as much of the road as they want and also allows for people slowing
down when going into sharp corners.
I highly recommend that the Road Captain be aware of the riding experience of the
people they are leading on a ride. A pre-ride of the route (when possible) is also recommended. It is also up to the individual
rider to admit to his/her abilities.
(I was leading a new rider through some curves. They said they were fine every time
I asked. They ran off the road and dumped the bike. Afterwards they finally told me they were having some troubles but held
back from telling me. Just a tad too late at that point.)
I also know groups that will split up by ability when encountering a long series
of sharp curves like Deals Gap.
The biggest thing to remember is use good judgement and common sense.
14.
CONGRATULATIONS ROAD
CAPTAINS!
You have just volunteered for the most challenging and rewarding position
within our club. Once you have been appointed or elected as a Road Captain, you
will have joined a very special team that will help plan, organize, and execute our club rides. The following guidelines have been developed to give you a basic understanding of the responsibilities
and recommended qualifications expected of our Road Captains and Tail Gunners, and the methods we employ to help ensure that
everyone returns home safe and has an enjoyable ride.
14A.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Provide for the safety and
welfare of all individuals within the group, and any surrounding motorists or pedestrians.
2. Lead the group to its destination
and back in a well-organized, disciplined, and safe manner.
3. Avoid creating hazardous
situations.
4. Be the most knowledgeable of the state laws and safe
riding guidelines.
14B. ROAD CAPTAIN RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Maintain a current and valid
motorcycle driver's license.
2. Maintain current and valid
motorcycle insurance, with no less than the MINIMUM required by the state for street riding purposes.
3. Recommended maintaining a
current First Aid/CPR certification.
4. Recommended to have successfully
completed a MSF Experienced Rider Course.
5. Tact and understanding of people should be a high priority.
Remember you were once a new rider. Deal with problems
and issues as you would
want to be treated.
14C.
ROAD CAPTAIN'S RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Has full charge of the group until arrival at the destination.
2. Will lead the group in a manner consistent with the
objectives
and guidelines as stated herein, and will execute
his or her
best judgment in situations not specifically covered
in these
guidelines.
3. Will brief other assigned Road
Captains/Tail Gunners as
to route,
responsibilities,
and other details pertinent to the
ride prior
to departure.
4. Will conduct a rider's briefing prior to departure.
5. After consulting
with the First or Second Officer, will be responsible for the final decision with regard to ride termination due to inclement weather,
hazardous conditions, or other difficult or unsafe conditions.
6. After consulting
with the First or Second Officer and with him/her present, will instruct any rider to ride in a specific position within the group,
or leave the group entirely, for reasons of misconduct, disorderly or unsafe riding, or faulty/unsafe equipment. Common sense and tact should be used.
7. Will be responsible for bringing
a well-maintained First
Aid kit to
the ride.
8. Will be responsible for bringing
a well-stocked tool kit to
the ride.
9. If possible, bring a cell phone
for 911 purposes.
10. Locate other
cell phones and first aid kits.
11. Should the Road Captain not possess a cell phone, if possible, designate
a 911-notification caller within the group.
12. Will establish and maintain a uniform speed consistent with the ability of the least
experienced rider, and with
consideration of safe road conditions, traffic, and weather conditions.
13. Will be
responsible for initiating all maneuvers within
traffic in
a "safety first" manner.
14.
Will lead the standard formation of a staggered double
row, in one traffic lane.
15. Will be at the head of the group, and will ride just to the left
of lane center.
16. Will maintain
a safe following distance by using the
MINIMUM 3-second rule
between the group and any vehicle
ahead. This distance may be increased at the discretion of
the Road
Captain, but will NOT be decreased.
17. Will command the group to a single file formation when they cannot maintain
visual control of the road conditions ahead over a MINIMUM of a 4 second distance, narrow road, mountain/curvy roads, traveling
directly adjacent to parked vehicles, or any other condition which may severely restrict the ability of individual group members
to perform emergency avoidance maneuvers.
18. Will check with the Tail Gunner to make sure all bikes are ready to ride
before starting the group moving.
15.
TAIL GUNNER:
1. Will assist the Road Captain in the performance of his or her duties.
2. May be required to assume the
duties of Road Captain in his or her absence.
3. Will be responsible for bringing
a First Aid kit to the ride.
4. Will be responsible for bringing
a well-stocked tool kit to the ride.
5. Will ride at the rear of the
group (except when conditions
dictate otherwise)
unless required to take on the
responsibilities
of The Road Captain.
6. Will be observant of any hazardous
conditions or conduct,
take immediate
corrective action, and inform the Road
Captain at
the earliest safe opportunity.
NOTE: The urgency to inform the Road Captain is left to the discretion of the observing
Tail Gunner.
7. Will normally ride where they can see the formation the
best.
8. Lane protection is the Tail Gunner’s added
responsibility. On the highway, as the group prepares to
make a lane
change, the Tail Gunner will make the lane
change as
soon as it is safe to do so, followed by the Road
Captain,
then the remainder of the group. In this way, the Tail
Gunner protects
that lane keeping it clear for the entire group
to move into
this lane.
9. The Tail Gunner should maintain a constant awareness of traffic behind
the group as well as ahead of the group in order to anticipate lane changes and other approaching hazards.
16. ROAD
CAPTAIN CHECKLIST:
q
Welcome riders and introduce road captains
q
Define destination and outline route
q
Determine gas stop requirements
q
Outline itinerary for the day
q
Determine return plans
q
Review riding standards
q
Staggered position and safe distance
q
Entrance and exit
q
Lane changes
q
Single file procedures
q
Hand signals
q
Broken bike procedure
q
Locate cell phones and first aid kits
q
Designate 911 notification
q
Determine riding group by size, skill level and cruising speed
q
Remind everyone to have fun, to ride safely, and offer a thanks from Southern Cruisers for attending.
