GROUP RIDING
As the name implies, it is riding in a group.
REASONS FOR RIDES
To expand social contacts while retaining the comaraderie of meetings.
Travel and sightseeing.
RIDE CO-ORDINATOR
The ride co-ordinator may or may not be the group's leaders. There may be multiple ride groups but only one ride co-ordinator. Responsibilities include:
*Routing the rides
*Making maps of main & alternate routes if necessary
*Making restaurant reservations if necessary
*Riding with the group #1 (if more than one group is necessary) to be sure all is in order at the chosen destination.
GROUPS
Attempts should be made to limit the size of the group to 5 or 6 bikes.
Each group should have a designated leader and back door rider.
Leader and back door rider must have a C B and not be afraid to use it.
C B channels should be established prior to moving. If the need arises to change channel,each member of the group shall acknowledge said change. The group leader is not to switch to a different channel until all members have been informed and reported back to him/her.
RESPONSIBILITY OF GROUP LEADERS
Leadership of the group whilst in transit:
*Be firm and decisive
*Explain routes to predetermined destinations
*If distance dictates,select some rest stops and stick to the plan
*Explain the formations to be used during transit- The staggered formation will be used for nearly all the group rides
*Try to find out the riding skill of group members so you do not attempt to lead beyond their ability
*explain the two-second rule and the necessity to keep closed up
*Keep in mind that the group leader's job is not to be a tourist but to maintain the group in a safe manner. If you want to enjoy the ride,don't volunteer to be the leader!
If any member indicates by voice or action/attitude that they don't wish to,or are unable to follow the rules,the leader has the responsibility and duty to counsel that member and if necessary, strongly suggest that they remove themselves from the group whilst in transit.
Positioning of riders in groups - this poses a controversial question. Should an inexperienced rider be directly to the rear of the leader or to the immediate front of the rear door? This should be discussed and then decided by the leader and back door-prior to group rides.
REAR DOOR (Tail-End Charlie)
PROBABLY THE MOST MISUNDERSTOOD AND UNDERRATED JOB IN GROUP RIDES.
*Responsible for the safety of the group and maintaining the integrity of the group
*Is the set of "eyes" and the "voice" when necessary..eg; "Rider #3,close up please"
*Assists in most,if not all,lane changes. NOTE: NEVER attempt to hold back other traffic lanes to enable the group to change lanes. It's unsafe,Not wise and Illegal.
*Assists in rear-to-front lane changes at the discretion of the leader
*Makes mental notes on unsafe riding practices of group members for later discussions.
C B CHATTER
DON'T! If you wish to converse with a fellow rider,call that rider by name and request a switch to another channel not used in movements. C B 'Handles' are fun but unfortunately,require other members to tax their memories. Why not try using first names like "Hey Harry,this is jack"
Limiting the use of the C B for idle chatter is particularly critical during departures and arrivals.
There is a tendency for riders to be tense during departures and lax during arrivals. Experience has shown that these are the times that unfortunate accidents tend to occur. Be ALERT!
RESPONSIBILITY OF RIDERS
*On mountain-type roadways and on curvy roads,ride single file with each rider using the 'line' that is most comfortable for him/her.
*At stop signs and signals,catch up to the unit to your front and wait side by side. The unit on the left is always the first to commence moving.
*When first in line at a signal-controlled intersection without a left-turn arrow,don't wait at the limit line..Move forward on the green signal to the approximte centre of the intersection and halt with your left-turn signal activated and wait until the left-turn movement can be completed safely. this will allow many (if not all) of the group to complete the turn at the same time and is not illegal.
*When entering parking areas,ride single file and follow the leader to the designated parking area.
*Maintain the integrity of the group...Keep the same position during transit and after stopping for gas,rest,etc. Retake the previous position so you are aware of the bikes around you.
*Recognize and obey all the vehicle code rules and regulations. Watch speed limits.
*Practice at going slow won't hurt any of us! Any ride can go fast...it's the slow stuff that gets us.
The bottom line is...Safety First.
We all should assume responsibility for the safety of fellow group members.
Over two-thirds of car-motorcycle crashes are caused by drivers, not by motorcyclists.
The driver either does not see the oncoming motorcyclist at all or does not see the motorcyclist in time to avoid a crash.
Don't assume you are visible to a driver. As a motorcyclist, it is your responsibility to make your presence known to the driver. Select and wear an appropiate helmet with retro-reflective materials. Wear bright,contrasting protective clothing. If you choose darker clothing,wear a flourescent vest.
23 States require that the headlight be on while the motorcycle is on the highway. Use high beams rather than low beams and consider using a modulating headlight if your state allows it.
Proper lane position is important to being seen and for protecting your riding space.
If you can see the driver in the side-view mirror, the driver can see you. Don't "Hide" in the driver's blind spot!
Clearly communicate your intentions by signaling appropiately. Let the driver know what you intend to do.
WHEN ARE CRASHES MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR? - Car making a left turn: A driver is attempting a left turn in front of you. - Riding in a driver's blind spot: You are riding in the driver's blind spot and the driver may not see the motorcycle. Additionally, the driver may fail to adequately check blind spots before changing lanes or making a turn.
- Hazardous road conditions: Potholes,Wet Leaves,Railroad Tracks and other road obstructions may dictate that you take an action that a driver may not or does not anticipate. - Obstructed line of sight: Large vehicles, such as sport utility vehicles,delivery vans and large trucks may block a motorcycle from a driver's view and you may seem to suddenly appear.
HOW TO INCREASE DRIVER AWARENESS: - Make yourself visible: Choose protective gear that will increase your visibility in addition to providing protection in the event of a crash. A motorcycle helmet is your most valuable piece of protective gear and shold be most visible to the driver. - Ride where you can be seen: Remember that there is no one safe place to ride. Use lane positioning to your advantage- to be seen and to provide extra space for emergency braking situations or avoidance maneuvers. Avoid the driver's blind spots. Make your lane moves gradually and always use appropiate ignaling.
- Never share a lane with a car: A driver may not expect you to be there and may not be aware of your presence. Remember most drivers are looking for other bigger vehicles. - Clearly signal your intentions to the driver: Signal before changing lanes and never weave between lanes.
