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GROUP RIDING

 

General Riding

  1. Road Captains, assisting on a group ride, will be identified by a fluorescent yellow vest.
  2. No one passes the Lead Road Captain, except in situations designated by the Lead Road Captain.
  3. Before departing, the Lead Road Captain will announce the hand signals, riding formation, route, destination, length and time of the ride, and gas or rest stops. When possible, a printed itinerary will be available to everyone.
  4. After the ride begins, all riders must follow the directions and route as set forth by the Road Captain.
  5. If you start a ride with the Chapter, it would be greatly appreciated that you end with the Chapter.
  6. If you will be leaving the ride prior to its destination, let the Lead Road Captain know prior to starting the ride and prior to leaving the ride.
  7. Gas and rest stops will be at approximately the one hour mark or every 50-60 miles. Additional stops may be warranted due to weather conditions or other factors.

Individual Responsibilities

  1. Rock River H.O.G. Chapter is a rather friendly organization and therefore, many individuals wave at other riders on the road. This is an optional activity you may join in if you feel so inclined and safe doing so.
  2. Individual riders should have a full tank of gas and an empty bladder before the start of each Chapter ride.
  3. Individual riders should have their motorcycle in proper running condition before each Chapter ride.
  4. Individual riders should have the proper riding attire for all weather conditions. (I.e. rain suit, helmet, gloves, chaps, etc.)

Safety

  1. Each individual rider should be well rested before the start of a Chapter ride. Fatigue is not only dangerous to yourself but also to everyone riding.
  2. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is not allowed on any Chapter ride. This policy is for the safety of the Chapter group ride and is endorsed by the Road Captains, Chapter and Wisconsin Harley-Davidson.
  3. This Chapter obeys all traffic laws. This Chapter will not block traffic light or stop sign controlled intersections. We will not run red lights.
  4. On Chapter group rides, turn off all auxiliary, passing and or fog lights if your bike is so equipped.
  5. Rock River H.O.G. Chapter acknowledges the position of the National H.O.G. Organization and the AMA regarding the wearing of helmets and other safety equipment and clothing. RRC is strongly committed to the proposition that, on matters of personal safety, it is the rider who shall decide what will be worn and when.
  6. Hand signals are initiated by the Lead Road Captain and carried out by each rider through the column.
  7. The Lead Road Captain identifies road hazards first, by pointing and usually slowing down. The pointing should continue through the rest of the column.
  8. The Lead Road Captain will set the pace of the ride based on conditions (road, weather, traffic, etc...). If you are uncomfortable with the road speeds of the group, feel free to speak to the Lead Road Captain.
  9. In the event of an accident, DON’T PANIC, follow the directions of the Road Captains.

Formation Riding

  1. Road Captains will occupy the front and rear positions of the Chapter group ride.
  2. Staggered formation should be maintained except on narrow roads or to avoid road hazards. In these cases a single-file formation will be used and initiated by the lead Road Captain.
  3. Maintain a two second gap behind the bike ahead of you in the same lane. Maintain a one second gap behind the bike ahead of you in the alternate lane.
  4. Maintain your lane position. When a gap occurs, the rider closest to the gap should wave the next rider in that lane to move up in order to fill the gap when it is safe to do so (in the state of WI this is legal). However, the riders may not feel comfortable in waving up a rider, having a rider moving up, or a rider may not want to move up. DO NOT CRISS-CROSS TO FILL IN GAPS. If a gap is not filled, do not worry; it should close or fill naturally at the next stop sign or light.
  5. If you have a strong preference for a riding position, centerline or shoulder, talk to the Lead Road Captain or position yourself there before the group ride leaves.
  6. For less experienced riders, it is recommended to ride in the front of the column.
  7. All sidecars and bikes with trailers should ride at the rear of the column.

Freeway Group Riding

  1. When merging on the interstate system, the Lead Road Captain will maintain a speed of approximately 50 mph until all riders are caught up and in a tight formation.
  2. While maintaining a formation on the freeway, we will remain in the right lane whenever possible. Exceptions will be made if traffic or merging lanes warrant.
  3. Switching lanes is only done when a left turn is required or a road hazard is forthcoming.
  4. If a vehicle is to merge into our formation, back off and let them merge. The vehicles will most likely move right though our formation.

Breakdowns

  1. If your bike should breakdown or develop a problem, carefully pull over to the side and roll to a safe stop. At that time, the Rear Road Captain will then determine what measures can and will be made for you to allow your bike to rejoin the group at the earliest possible opportunity. The group must continue until it is able to pull over safely and stop.
  2. The Lead Road Captain will designate another Road Captain to return to the spot of the breakdown. That Road Captain will then return to the group to inform them of the situation. It will be determined at that time if the group should continue.
  3. If, for whatever reason, your bike has been determined, by the attending Road Captain or yourself, unable to continue, a Road Captain will remain with you until help has arrived.