RULES OF THE ROAD
1. Ride in a Precise Formation as road conditions permit. Normal formation is staggered with a 2 second interval between you and bike in front of you.
2. Execute Signs and Turns Properly. (Va 1 Hand Signals)
3. Do Not Fool Around (horse play) when riding with the Group. Any member observing another member operating in an unsafe manner when in formation should discuss it with that member and attempt to clear up the situation. If it should persist, bring it to the attention of the Road Captain, Safety Officer, Chapter Member, or designated Assistants.
4. The Road Captain shall have the UNCHALLENGED right to terminate a members participation in a given ride or event for the clubs safety or image. Upon request of the Road Captain, the President may suspend the member pending the lodging of official charges against the member.
5. Riding Positions
a. While on any run, the Road Captain or his Assistant will ride in front. The President may ride alongside or just behind the Captain depending on the formation in use. In the absence of the Road Captain and the assistants, whoever the Captain appoints will ride point.
b. The assistant Road Captain (Tail-Gunner) will ride at the rear unless otherwise decided by the Captain. The Tail-Gunner will be responsible for holding a lane open while making a lane change. He will also assist any member who may break down or fall behind. The Captains will operate as a team and watch for problems within the Group. Watching for all signals and seeing the need for changes are major parts of the Tail-Gunner’s duties.
c. Line up for a ride as follows: Road Captain, President, full color wearing members, prospective members, non-members and bringing up the rear, the assistant Road Captains (if designated) and the Tail Gunner. Once you are in position, keep it for the remainder of the ride.
d. The Road Captain will give instructions to all riders prior to the start of a ride. This will include if known, the name, address, and phone number of the destination. When you arrive at the destination point check-in with the Road Captain.
e. Each member shall make it his business to know the route to be taken.
6. Use Common Sense At All Times
a. Anticipate your next move and those of the Group.
b. We are all aware of the proper safety procedures and the need for them. Exercise caution at all times and obey all traffic regulations!
c. With regard to remaining alert, as one of a Group, you must remember that the Road Captain from time to time will be giving a hand signal to execute a maneuver (pass a slow moving vehicle, make a turn, etc.) He will be taking into consideration the size of the group and the distance necessary to get the club from one lane to another safely. Each members assistance in executing the maneuver safely and smoothly will be of great assistance.
d. The Tail Gunner will help the Group by getting out into the lane following the Road Captain’s signal. By doing this he will help secure the chance to execute the maneuver freely and safely. Stay in position during any lane change or direction maneuver.
7. Leaving the Group: If stopped, let your intentions be known to the Road Captain or his assistants. The group will be pulled into the nearest and safest rest area and the Captain(s) and/or members he designates will return to the stopped rider. After ascertaining the problem, the Captain will then decide to get the group on it’s way as soon as possible and make arrangements to have the stopped rider and his bike taken care of.
8. Gas Stops: Get to know your machine’s cruising capacity with regard to gas. Running out of gas or making gas stops with large groups is time consuming. Therefore, everyone will arrive for the rides with a full tank of fuel and will top off their tank at every gas stop, no matter how small the amount. This will avoid staggered gas stops and possibly save time.
9. Bike Maintenance: Maintain it carefully, this is considered a must. Because one failed to check for loose wires, shorts, dead batteries, worn tires, or worn chains/belts, this can take away from the pleasure of the club ride. Bike maintenance will be the responsibility of each member. Bring necessary tools and parts for your own machine. Use the T-Clock method to check your bike.T-CLOCK Inspection
10. Wearing Apparel: It is strongly urged that on club rides each member wear his Club Colors. He should also wear the proper clothing when riding. Helmets are MANDATORY on a Chapter ride!! Strict adherence to these guidelines will provide for a long, successful and safe riding season.
“Ride with Pride”
