Group Riding Guidelines
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Even if you are a seasoned veteran please take the time to read through this information completely before joining a group ride.

Rides are meant to be relaxing and enjoyable with the ability to observe the surroundings as much as safely possible without having to constantly be under tension due to excessive speed or disorganization.  The Goal of this page is so we may RIDE SAFELY as a group. 
1.  All riders should arrive at the departure point with a full tank of gas, having done a pre-ride inspection of their vehicle, and wearing proper attire.
 
2. Road Captain (Ride Leader) will hold a Rider's Meeting to go over the basic route plan including estimated duration and length of ride.  Designate a rider to ride in the last position (Sweep). This rider should be completing the ride.  Determine if any riders will be "breaking away" towards the end of the ride.  This is not desirable but if neccesary, these riders should form towards the back of the group and inform the riders around them at what point they will be leaving.  Rides will begin and end at the same location unless otherwise discussed at the riders meeting. 
 
3.  Road Captain (Ride Leader) will obey the posted speed limits and not exceed by more than 5 mph.
 
4.  Road Captain (Ride Leader) should ride in the position to left of center of the right hand lane.  All other riders should fall into a staggered formation providing an avenue of escape in the event of an emergency.  To accomplish this the second rider should ride on the right hand side of center following the Ride leader and all following riders should stagger left and right accordingly. 
 
5. Riders should keep a uniform distance between bikes there should be no excessive gaps in formation that could allow traffic to enter and cause a safety issue.  At highway speed, a general rule of thumb is allow two seconds between your bike and the bike in front of you and one second between your bike and the bike beside you  In the event of a group larger than 30 riders the ride may be split into two groups with space provided between the groups for traffic to pass.
 
6. Under Normal conditions riders should maintain the same riding position thoughout the ride, including following rest/fuel stops etc.  If a rider leaves all others should move UP not over to fill the gap.  Being aware of who is riding ahead of and behind you throughout the ride is also helpful.
 
7.  Road Captain (Ride Leader) will keep aware of the group formation while underway
 
8. The Sweep will ride in the center of the road, with all running lights on to aid the leader in seeing the last bike. 
 
9.  On long rides the Road Captain (Ride Leader) will provide a rest/fuel stop after 100 miles of travel.
 
10.  When approaching a Traffic Signal/Stop Sign the group should close formation.  The Road Captain (Ride Leader) will wait until traffic has cleared sufficiently for the entire group to pass through a Stop Sign--riders must still proceed with caution due to visibility restrictions.  The Road Captain (Ride Leader) will proceed at a SLOW pace and resume speed only after the group has formed again.
 
11.  When approaching a Traffic Signal the Road Captain (Ride Leader) should gauge the pace that will allow the group or most of the group to pass through. 
Riders should NEVER, EVER PASS any rider in an attempt to make it through a traffic signal nor should they disregard a yellow or red light to keep up with the group. 
 
12. In the event the group becomes separated the Road Captain (Ride Leader) will choose a safe area and pull the group to the side in single file prior to any left or right hand turns, if safely possible.  Otherwise, as soon as possible after making any turns, in order to be visible.  The Rider riding the Sweep (end position),  should, after catching up, pull to the side at the end of the group.  After insuring that traffic has cleared the Sweep should pull away first keeping the lane clear for the lead riders to safely enter ahead.  When merging, after traffic has cleared, the rider riding the end position should enter the lane thus providing safe access for the group ahead to safely enter. 
 
13. There should NEVER be an occasion where a rider breaks formation and rides to the front of the group.  This is very UNSAFE.  If a situation occurs where the Road Captain (Ride Leader) should be made aware it should be done by the sounding of horns, flashing lights or hand signals to get the leader's attention.

It is MANDATORY that ALL riders ride in a SAFE manner and be considerate of the abilities of other riders in the group. 
 
Excessive speed, stunts or operating a motorcycle in an unsafe manner will absolutely NOT be tolerated.
No Alcoholic beverages of any kind are permitted on or during any organized ride.  All riders attending an organized ride are assumed to be legally able to ride.
 
The object of all group rides should be a SAFE and ENJOYABLE tour for all.  Remember, all riders may not have the same riding skill as you have.
               
MAX RIDERS -- RIDE WITH PRIDE
 
Here are some more good group riding sites for you to check out.

Remember to BE CONSIDERATE and COURTEOUS and display a FAVORABLE PUBLIC IMAGE for motorcyclists every time you ride.