Fuel up BEFORE you get to the ride!

Do not fool around (horse play or break formation) when riding with the group. Any member
observing another member fooling around 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.

These guidelines are intended to serve as a basic guide for most situations. Therefore, each person is
expected to read, understand and apply them, 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 machine.

I. RIDING FORMATION AND INDIVIDUAL POSITIONS

The ride route will be laid out in advance. Everyone on the ride will be made aware of the ride
route and destination.

1.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 TWO SECOND DELAY between the rider and the
next rider directly ahead and no less than one second between staggered riders.

2.The Lead Road Captain will be at the head of the group, and typically will ride just to the right of the
center lane. Other Road Captains may be assigned positions within the group, which will be followed
by the Rear Road Captain or "Sweep.”

3.New members (less than one year), guests, and any rider with little experience in group riding will be
positioned at the rear of the group, just behind the Lead Road Captain. The Road Captains may
choose to separate the group of inexperienced riders into a group of their own, consistent with
expected or actual conditions.

4.Each rider should maintain his or her starting line trip 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.

5.Under certain conditions, the Lead 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 (2 seconds) from the rider in front of you and move into a single file.

II. SPEED, INTERVALS AND DISTANCES

( All group rides will be at posted speed limits, conditions permitting!)

1. The Lead Road Captain will attempt to establish and maintain a uniform speed, consistent with the
ability of the least experienced rider, surrounding conditions and safe riding practices. All riders will
make an effort to maintain this uniform speed.

2. Minimum Safe Following distances within the group is defined as a TWO SECOND DELAY between
the rider and the next rider directly ahead. This means there is a ONE SECOND DELAY
between staggered riders. Whenever a single file formation is employed, a safe distance remains
defined as a TWO SECOND DELAY between the rider and the rider directly ahead.

3. With respect to vehicles ahead of the group, a safe distance is defined as a MINIMUM of a THREE
SECOND DELAY between the Lead Road Captain and any vehicle directly ahead of the group.

Avoid leaving a bigger space, it invites cars to squeeze into the gap of the group, which can be
very dangerous!

III. LANE CHANGES AND PASSING & GROUP LANE CHANGING ON FREEWAY

1. The Lead Road Captain will hold his or her position and signal for a lane change.

2. All riders will hold their positions and pass the signal to the rear.

3. The Rear Road Captain will change lanes at the first safe opportunity, protecting the lane for the
group, and allowing the Lead Road Captain to see that the lane is clear and protected.

4. We then change lanes using the "follow the leader" approach. The Lead Road Captain will change
lanes first followed by all other riders moving from the front to the rear of the group.

Note: NOBODY, except the Sweep, is to change lanes before the Lead
Road Captain. ALWAYS make a HEAD CHECK before you begin the lane
change, and maintain safe distances.

IV. INDIVIDUAL PASSING – NON FREEWAY
 

1. There are times when it will not be possible for the entire group to change lanes as above. When
this situation arises, the Road Captain will signal with one finger extended into the air, then signal for a
lane change. 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.

2. On a two-lane road with two-way traffic (one lane each way), a single file formation should be used
when passing other vehicles. On occasion, the Lead Road Captain may continue in the passing
lane, while safe to do so, allowing other riders to see that the way is clear for them to continue the
group passing maneuver.

3. If for any reason the group becomes separated, merge safely back to the pack, returning to your
original position, using known good safety practices.

V. UNSCHEDULED OR EMERGENCY STOPS

1. Unscheduled stops for gas, restrooms or rider fatigue can lead to confusion in the group, and
confusion can lead to accidents. The Lead 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.

2. Any rider with an equipment problem or who sees a problem with another rider's equipment should
inform one of the Road Captains as quickly and as safely as possible. When the Lead Road Captain
is informed, he or she will stop the group at the earliest possible moment, when and where it is safe.

3. If the rider must pull over immediately, the Rear Road Captain will accompany that rider to a stop.
The Lead Road Captain should be informed if he or she is not aware of this situation. Once the Lead
Road Captain is informed, he or she will pull the group over as soon as it is safe to do so.

4. Group rides going through lots of intersections and lights, a separation of the group will happen.
Should the front of the group turn and make it through the light, the leader will stop after the
intersection (keeping safety in mind) and wait for the rest of the group. This may mean finding a spot
to pull off the road to wait for the rest of the group.