CC Riders Group Riding Responsibilities

Introduction

This document introduces the acknowledged group riding responsibilities of the CC Riders motorcycle club. All CC Riders members and guests should be familiar with these procedures as a condition of riding with the club. Failure to comply with these procedures could result in termination of club riding privileges.

Ride Leader Responsibilities

This section describes the duties and responsibilities of a Ride Leader on a Group Ride. Ride Leaders typically plan and post group rides to club members via Meetup.com.

Tail Gunner Responsibilities

This section describes the duties and responsibilities of a Tail Gunner on a Group Ride. The Ride Leader usually appoints Tail Gunners on the day of the ride.

Group Rider Responsibilities

This section describes the duties and responsibilities of a Group Rider on a Group Ride. Every member of a Group Ride should be familiar with this section

Common Hand Signals

This section illustrates the common hand signals used by the club on a Group Ride.

Ride Leader Reminder Cards

This section contains handy reminder cards for Ride Leaders so that they can give effective and consistent pre-ride presentations. All Group Riders should be prepared to follow these reminders.

Ride Leader Responsibilities

This section describes the duties and responsibilities of a Ride Leader on a Group Ride.

Before The Day of the Ride

  1. Examine the roads to be sure they are adequate for motorcycles (the club generally prefers no dirt). Ride them yourself if possible. Use Google Maps or other map tool as needed.
  2. Review the route to get total mileage and time of the ride. Watch for construction or other potential delays.
  3. Plan the stops. Examples of potential stops are rest stops, entertainment stops, fuel stops, food stops, and end of ride.Be sure the stops can handle the size of your group.
  4. Post the ride details on Meetup.comas early as possible so that all interested riders can add it to their schedules. Be sure to identify the ride date, start and approximate end times, as well as the starting location. The Ride Start time means the time your pre-ride briefing begins.
  5. Warn riders at the announcement, and again before the ride, if there will be any additional fees required for tolls, park passes, etc.
  6. Arrange for someone to take pictures of the group at different stops for inclusion on Meetup.com.
  7. Watch the weather and announce any weather-related risks or changes.

During The Ride

  1. Before departure:
  • Split the riders into groups of five to seven as needed. Identify a leader and tail gunner for each group. Be sure each leader knows the route.
  • Identify new or beginner riders and assign them to an appropriate riding group.
  • Identify who has the shortest range on their gas tank and adjust the gas stops as needed.
  • Conduct a pre-ride briefing with the entire group. Review the route, the stops, the hand signals, and the group riding procedures. Non-members/guests may not be aware of our procedures.
  • Make sure that all non-members/guests on the ride have signed a CC Riders Motorcycle Club Liability Release form. Several of these forms should be carried with you on the ride (don’t forget the pen).
  1. During the ride:
  • The ride leader is responsible for getting his group to the next planned stop safely. Obey all posted signs and speeds.
  • Use blinkers and hand signals far in advance of turns.
  • Do not stop if a rider in your group stops. Keep your group moving.Continue to the next planned stop and contact your tail gunner.

After The Ride

  1. Create a Ride Summary
  • Summarizethe details of the ride in the Comments on Meetup.com. Include pictures if available. Your ride summary should be posted within 5 days of the end of the ride.
  • Contact the Sergeant at Arms to report all safety-related incidents or activities during the ride.

Tail Gunner Responsibilities

This section describes the duties and responsibilities of a Tail Gunner on a Group Ride.

Before the Ride

The Ride Leader appoints tail Gunners. If you are willing to be a Tail Gunner, become familiar with this role.

During The Ride

  1. Emergencies or Equipment Issues:
  • Always stop to help a member of your group in need.
  • Contact the ride leader as soon as possible.
  • Remain with the rider or ensure that someone does.
  • A new tail gunner will take over for the group.
  1. Lane Change Procedure:
  • Ride leader signals
  • Tail Gunner secures lane
  • Ride Leader moves over
  • Remaining riders follow the person in front of them to make lane changes
  1. The tail gunner may ride in the middle of the lane to increase visibility among the group.

After The Ride

  1. Post comments and pictures on Meetup.com.
  2. Contact the Sergeant at Arms to report all safety-related incidents or activities during the ride.

Group Rider Responsibilities

This section describes the duties and responsibilities of the individual Riders on a Group Ride.

Rules - "All Bikers Welcome, No Attitudes"

  1. No illegal drugs or illegal weapons.
  2. No drinking alcohol prior to or during a ride.
  3. Abide by all Colorado State Motor Vehicle rules and regulations.
  4. Think safety first.

Before the Ride

  1. In order for you to ride in the group, you are responsible for the following:
  • Sign a club Waiver of Liability.
  • Have a valid Motorcycle endorsement.
  • Have a valid vehicle Registration.
  • Have proof of current Insurance.
  • Have a safe road-worthy vehicle.
  • Have proper riding gear such as Eye Protection, DOT Approved Helmet, Boots, and Gloves. Always bring foul weather gear.
  1. Always perform your own pre-ride inspection:
  • Check fuel level. Always start a ride on Full.
  • Check Oil level. Add as needed.
  • Check tires for defects or pressure. Adjust for road and season.
  • Check Brakes and Fluid levels.
  • Check Signals and Lights.
  • Check Cables and Chain/Belt.

During the Ride

  1. Remember these basic guidelines:
  • Safety first. Ride your own ride. Adjust your speed and riding style to the road conditions.
  • Obey all traffic signs and signals.
  • Keep track of the rider behind you and slow down as needed.
  • If a rider in your group has an accident or needs to stop, do not stop with them. The tailgunner in each group will stop with them.
  • Follow the leader to the next planned stop.
  1. Lane Change Procedure:
  • Ride leader signals
  • Tail Gunner secures lane
  • Ride Leader moves over
  • Remaining riders follow the person in front of them to make lane change.
  • Watch your mirrors for the expected changes.
  1. Passing a slower vehicle:
  • Ensure there is room for all riders to merge back into the lane after the pass.
  • Use the Lane Change procedure and maintain a passing speed to a point well past the slower vehicle.
  • Allow all riders to pass the vehicle and return to the original lane.
  1. In an emergency or if you have equipment problems:
  • Pull off the road as soon as it is safe to do so.
  • The tail gunner will also stop with the rider.
  • The ride leader will take the rest of the group to the next planned stop and communicate with the tail gunner.
  • If the tail gunner stops, the last person in line becomes the new tail gunner. Consider this when ordering your group.
  1. Overview of Riding in a Group:
  • Use the DAD System actively in groups
  • Defensive driving - Always assume anything in front of you, or behind you is a road hazard. Be prepared for anything.
  • Anticipate - Always look ahead of you to see if a hazard will or will not become a problem.
  • Decide - Be prepared to make the safe, correct decision on how to avoid the Hazard.
  • Ride in staggered formation. You may ride single file on mountain roads or when bicycles are present.
  • Do not pass other riders unless completely necessary
  • Learn Hand-Signals and/or use communicators
  • You are responsible for two people while in a group. You and the person behind you.

Staggered Riding Formation

  1. Leave 1-2 seconds of separation between you and the rider diagonal to you and 3-4 seconds of separation between you andthe rider ahead of you.Increase that distance with speed.
  1. No side-by-side riding. There is not enough room to maneuver around sudden hazards.

Post Ride

  1. Post comments and pictures on Meetup.com.
  1. Contact the Sergeant at Arms to report all safety-related incidents or activities during the ride.

Common Hand Signals

Ride Leader Reminder Cards

This section is intended to help ride leaders give effective and consistent pre-ride briefings. Print this page, cut them out, and carry them with you on a ride.

Card 1

Card 2

1

4/11/16