Rules of the Road
1.) Ride in a Precise Formation as road conditions permit. The typical riding formation is two staggered (off-set) columns in the same lane. You should put a 2-second interval between you and the bike directly in front of you.
2.) Execute Signs and Turns Properly (see Hand Signals section).
3.) Do Not Fool Around (horse play) 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 or one of his/her 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 Chapter Director may suspend the member pending consultation with our sponsoring dealer for the determination of the offending member's continued participation in group rides.
5.) Riding Positions :
a.) While on any run, the Road Captain or his/her assistant will ride in the left track at the front of the formation. The Chapter Director or an Assistant Road Captain may ride alongside or just behind the Road 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.) An Assistant Road Captain will be appointed by the Road Captain to ride "Sweep" at the rear of the formation unless otherwise directed by the Road Captain. The Sweep will be responsible for holding a lane open while making a lane change. He/she will also assist any member who may break down or fall behind. All of the Road Captains on any given group ride 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 Sweep's job.
c.) Line up for a ride as follows: Road Captain, Chapter Director, experienced riders, inexperienced (new) riders and bringing up the rear the assistant "Sweep" Road Captain and the Assistant Director. Additional Assistant Road Captains may be assigned to ride in strategic positions within the formation. Once you are in position, keep in it for the entire leg of the ride between gas or comfort stops.
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, park in a manner consistent with the pattern established by the Road Captain.
e.) Each member shall make it his/her 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. Let us 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 slow moving vehicle, make a turn, etc.). He/she 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 member's attention to executing the maneuver safely and smoothly will be of great assistance.
d.) Pay attention to other traffic on the highway by sharing the road and extending courtesies that allow others to pass the group as safety permits. Remember, 4-wheeled traffic does not want to be in the middle of our group ride any more than we want them there, however the size of our group often presents inherent frustrations for them. Provide adequate space for them to pass as they desire.
The Sweep Road Captain will help the group by getting out into the lane following the forward Captain's signal. By doing this he/she 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/her assistants. The convoy will be pulled into the nearest and safest rest area and the Road Captain and/or member(s) he/she designates will return to the stopped rider. After ascertaining the problem, the Road Captain will then decide to get the group on its way as soon as possible and make arrangements to have the stopped rider and his/her bike taken care of.
8.) Gas Stops
Get to know your machine's cruising capacity with regard to fuel. 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 gas. We typically fuel up about every 100 miles.
9.) Bike Maintenance
Proper preventative maintainance is considered a must. Because, if 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 Chapter ride. Bike maintenance will be the responsibility of each member. Bring necessary tools and parts for your machine.
10.) Wearing Apparel
It is strongly urged that on Chapter rides each member wear his/her Chapter colors. Helmets are not required in the State of Utah and are considered a personal choice, however may be required in another state we are heading to on our ride. We all know someone who most probably would have lived had they been wearing their helmet. It’s just a good idea. You should also wear eye protection and proper clothing when riding.
11.) CB Radios
GSL H.O.G. operates on CB Channel 15 during group rides. Those having CB radio capability on their motorcycle are encouraged to monitor Channel 1 during group rides, however please use proper radio etiquette and courtesy and keep chit-chat to a minimum for the enjoyment of everyone else monitoring the frequency.
Strict adherence to these guidelines will provide for a long, successful and safe riding season.
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