Riding Procedures
These procedures are never perfect and will constantly be modified and improved as we use them on the rides and learn.
Responsibility - In order for you to ride in the group, YOU are responsible for the following:
- Valid Motorcycle License
- Valid Insurance
- Valid Registration
- Safe vehicle
Safety - Here are a few quick safety tips that we recommend:
- Inspect Vehicle Before Riding
- Check tires for defects or pressure
- Check Brakes and Fluid
- Check Signals and Lights
- Check Oil
- Check Cables and Chain
- Wear Proper Riding Gear: Eye Protection (required by state), DOT Approved Helmet (recommended/optional), Jacket, Long Pants, Boots, Gloves (all recommended/optional)
Overview of Riding in a Group
- Use the DAD System actively in groups (see below)
- Ride in staggered formation (see diagram below)
- Do not pass others unless completely necessary
- Learn Hand-Signals and/or use communicators
- You are responsible for two people while in a group. You and the person behind you
- If the person behind you pulls over, you honk your horn and pull over with him
- Beginner Riders stay towards the front, to minimize potential collisions
Safe Riding (DAD System)
Defensive driving Always assume anything in front of you, or behind you is a road hazard. Be prepared for anything.
Anticipate Always look ahead of you to see if a hazard will or will not become a problem.
Decide Be prepared to make the safe, correct decision on how to avoid the Hazard.
Detailed Procedures for Riding in a Group
Ride in a staggered formation with the lead rider next to the center line. Allow at least 2 seconds following distance from bike in front. (see diagram below) This allows additional room to stop and allows riders to flex their riding tracks when road conditions dictate.
When the left hand with a fist is held up, this means we are pulling over to the side of the road to stop.
When the left hand with five open fingers is held up, this means we need to break into groups of five for following cars to be able to pass us. Watch your rear-view mirrors because this signal usually comes from the back.
When breaking into groups of 5 riders, you should form a staggered group of your own with 4-5 car lengths between your group and the group in front of you. (See diagram next page) This activity will initiate from the front so everyone can see and count 5 riders to see where to make the gaps.
When breaking into groups of 5 riders, you should have the riders in positions 1, 3, and 5, riding next to the center line. This is so the passing drivers see you when they pass and don’t force you off the road when they cut back in.
After all the trailing cars have passed, close all formations back up into one large staggered group. This means half will change their tracks/riding positions again. We may need another signal from the back to know when to close-up again, like continuous opening and closing of the hand, from open 5 fingers to closed fist back to open 5 fingers and so-on.
Staggered Riding Formation (4-5 Car Length Gap)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Rules - "All Bikers Welcome, No Attitudes"
- No Drugs, weapons, Etc.
- No drinking beyond ones limit
- Abide by all the Motor Vehicle Rules and Regulations while participating in our group runs
- Use Safe Driving techniques