GROUP RIDE SAFETY BRIEFING
Where to Ride When....Cresting a Hill- always ride in the middle to right track of the lane
When Meeting On-coming Traffic
- move to the middle right of the lane to add extra distance between you and on- coming traffic
Turning a Corner at Slow Speed
- this is usually an instance when you are starting out in close proximity to another rider. Let the rider ahead go first slightly so that the other rider has more lane to maneuver his bike. This is most important for larger heavier bikes that don’t maneuver as well at low speed.
Entering a Curve at Road Speed - always single file
- it is important firstly to set up the bike by slowing appropriately before entering the corner. As you enter the corner you should be looking around the corner (or at the apex). It is best to enter the corner in the right track for a left hand curve and work your way toward the left track at the exit of the curve. By being in the right track it allows you to see further around the corner before turning into the corner which gives you more time to set up a stop should the need arise because of a hazard. The same holds true in op- posite fashion for turning taking a right hand curve. Right hand curves should always be taken at a slower speed than left hand curves. This is because, should you go wide on the corner on a right hand curve, it puts you into on-coming traffic rather than the ditch as in the case with a left hand curve.
Through Intersections
- explain using vehicles as a blocker
- explain entering a roadway as a group, (two riders at a time) try to leave space so that all riders can leave
Space Between Riders
- maintain a minimum of two seconds between riders riding in staggered formation with the ride captain riding in the left track. Inexperienced riders should be set up in the right track (furthest away from on-coming traffic).
You have a full lane to use for your safety and to put you in the safest possible position as relating to hazards and on-coming traffic - use it!
Rider Spacing
- when slowing down don’t just roll off the throttle - always touch your front brake to ac- tivate your brake light. The compression of most motorcycles will slow them rapidly without warning to the bike behind you, so please remember to touch your brake even if you don’t need to apply it.
Always ride from dawn ‘til dusk with headlights on high beam. This makes you much more visible to oncoming traffic and also makes it easier to see the riders behind you at a glance.
When possible leave as a group. Ride captains wait for large openings in traffic so as to accommodate most or all of your group. If you get separated, front riders should ride slow to allow other riders to catch up.
Watch for other motorcycles that are not in our group. In general we will be travelling slower than most so watch your mirrors as a passing motorcycle may ride closer, or may actually pull in the left track beside you if you are riding in the right track. This can be extremely startling if you are not mentally prepared for this.
Signal for road hazards and relay road hazards back rider to rider so all may avoid the hazard. Ride your own ride - do not just blindly follow the rider in front of you - keep your eyes open as he may have missed a hazard. Always check and re-check at intersections and stay alert.
Do not hit the rider in front of you - we need not to take offense if someone in our group brings a bad riding habit of one of our riders to attention. We need to view these things as constructive criticism that will make our ride safer and maybe even save us from an accident.
Put gas in as required at fuel stops unless you are absolutely certain that you can make it to the next stop. Running out of gas is not only inconvenient but it adds unnecessary risk. The mileage is on the ride schedule and if your bike will not make it between scheduled stops you need to inform your ride captain. If we are close to our destination let’s not put everyone at risk by passing slow-motorhome-joe only to have him catch us at the stop sign 2 kms. ahead.
When passing make sure you leave room for your riding buddies to swing in behind you so stay on the throttle and make sure you’re far enough ahead of the vehicle you just passed.
Try to make eye contact with approaching vehicles at adjacent intersections, or pedestrians waiting to cross the road. If you can’t be sure that they’ve seen you, be prepared to avoid them pulling out in front of you.
Do not linger in a vehicle’s blind spot.
Ride Captains
The ride captain will be an experienced rider who has volunteered for the added responsibility of looking out for members of the group. As with a captain, he has authority to make calls and give directions to facilitate a safe trip. So please listen to the directions of your ride captain.
Ride Captains Please ....
Watch the time - give ten minute notice. Wait until all in the group give the thumbs up.
Try to find parking for your group.
Know your route - if you make a wrong turn make sure you find a safe place to re-group - legally turn around and get back on course.
Groups will be organized as follows:
Three groups of no more than four riders - a fourth group will be added if required.
The group with two-up riders and the group with newer riders will leave last. We will leave any given way point to allow a four mile gap (approximately 5 minute intervals) between groups. This gap will most likely widen and we will not leave the next rendezvous point until all riders have arrived at that rendezvous point. Any riders wishing to ride solo shall leave first. The chase truck will leave last and follow the last group.
Every morning we will have a brief rider meeting prior to departure so please be on time and have your bike fueled, ready to go, bathroom stop done, and ready to ride.
If you want to change groups we will do this at the start of the next day, so please stay riding in the group you are with for that day.
It is best to stay cohesive as a group as you will see and learn from each other and the riding styles.
In areas where traffic is heavy, where there are a lot of cross streets and intersections, it is important to rest your first two fingers on your front brake lever. In an emergency situation where you must apply maximum brake this can substantially shorten your stopping distance.
Courtesy While Riding in a Group:
If you decide to ride with other riders... Do:
A few words regarding safety:I came across this website while researching motorcycle safety www.msf-usa.org. There’s no point in me reiterating all that is mentioned here, but I will highlight a couple things at that site to check out:
QUICK TIPS - General Guidelines for Riding a Motorcycle Safely
QUICK TIPS - MSF’s Guide to Group RidingRecommended hand signals do truly work well when riding as a group and I can personally attest to following a leader who has used these signaling techniques, particularly the one for alerting other riders of hazards ahead on the roadway, be it wildlife, pot holes, oil slicks, loose sand/gravel, etc.Also check out the Group Riding Guidelines for Street Bikes at www.msgroup.org/GroupRidingGuide.aspx.What Are You Responsible For?
What if I have a mechanical breakdown? On the following rides Frank Tomlin will be available to assist with small problems like a flat tire or loose muffler etc. We are also planning to have a support vehicle towing a trailer to carry a bike to the nearest shop or bring it home (first come, first serve basis). For more information, contact Frank Tomlin at 335-8184.Overnight trips will include a chase vehicle to accompany riders so as not to require travel luggage weighing down your bike. We will also be pulling a trailer should there be a breakdown along the way. Fuel and incidentals for this chase vehicle will be paid for by the participating riders prior to departure. Expense estimates for longer rides will be included in that ride’s itinerary on the church's website.