FULLHOG - Road Captain ROLES and Responsibilities

Last updated: 10/20/11

PURPOSE

This document is about the roles and responsibilities of the Road Captains (RCs) and the types of things they are doing for the Chapter and watching for on rides. It is not meant to cover every eventuality nor is it meant to be a complete and comprehensive rule book.

The Chapter Board and RC members recognize that our Chapter is a social club – and that we all want to “Ride and Have Fun!” If we aren’t accomplishing that goal, please talk to us so we can make necessary adjustments – as long as it’s not at the expense of safety.

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES

Road Captains are Ambassadors of Fullerton H.O.G. and should act accordingly.

RCs will conduct themselves to the highest ethical measure at all times while representing Fullerton H.O.G.. RCs will provide requested assistance to the Board and the Lead RC (defined below) on every Chapter ride or event.

RCs will continue to develop and maintain high levels of riding skills and make themselves available to assist any chapter member with riding skills assessment or assistance.

QUALIFICATIONS

Chapter Road Captains (RCs) are volunteers who are nominated and selected from within our members on an “as needed, space available” basis – when the Chapter Board determines the need to add or replace existing RCs. RCs serve at the discretion of our sponsor, the Board, and the Head RC. An RC can be removed from the RC group by the Board at any time for failing to adhere to these duties and responsibilities.

RCs are selected based using the following criteria;

  • Demonstrating advanced and safe riding ability as witnessed by the Board or other RC members,
  • Demonstrating an enthusiasm for the Chapter and our members,
  • Proving advanced riding ability by successfully completing a professionally conducted Experience Rider Course (ERC) at least once every three (3) years,
  • Demonstrating their ability to work cooperatively with the existing RC members,
  • And committing to the time requirements to be a RC, including all of the following:
  • Attendance and participation in monthly RC meetings, monthly Chapter meetings, at least 50% of all Chapter rides, and at least 50% of all RC pre-rides,
  • Attendance and participation on at least one (1) RC-only overnight ride,
  • Designing, leading, “Winging,” or actively assisting in the design of at least one (1) Chapter ride.

There may be other, subjective, considerations applied by the Board and RCs when considering the inclusion of a member into the RC group. This includes personality considerations that might adversely affect the cohesiveness of the RC team – which might affect overall safety.

So Cal Fullerton H.O.G. Chapter 0230 – Road Captain RolesPage 1 of 10

FULLHOG - Road Captain ROLES and Responsibilities

SPECIAL ROAD CAPTAIN POSITIONS

HEAD ROAD CAPTAIN

The Head RC is selected by the RC membership on a yearly basis. The Head RC is “second in command” to the Chapter Assistant Director – who is the Board member assigned to have responsibility for the RC group.

The Head RC also acts as the spokesperson for the RC group and helps support the RCs in enforcing the rules as outlined herein. If any RC is uncomfortable in speaking to a member regarding an issue, the RC should take the matter to the Head RC

ASSISTANT ROAD CAPTAIN

When a member is initially selected as a RC, the Head RC must certify the nominee meets the qualifications outlined above. If appropriate, the nominee can be approved as an Assistant Road Captain until such time as the nominee has met the qualifications. Assistant RCs have all of the roles and responsibilities for our Chapter as full RCs – they are treated and referred to as “new” or “newer” RCs in this document.

There are no other specially designated RCs in our Chapter.

ROAD CAPTAIN ROLES DURING RIDES

LEAD ROAD CAPTAIN

POSITION IN FORMATION: Front-left position in the first group

PRE-PLANNING:

The Lead Road Captain’s responsibilities start by pre-determining the route for the ride. The Lead RC then conducts at least one (1) pre-ride to validate the assumptions about the route and that it will be safe and logistically workable for the expected capabilities of our members. This includes;

  • road conditions along the route,
  • identifying “challenges” on the route – blind turns, unexpected stops signs or signals, road overhangs, narrow roads and bridges, construction along the route, etc.,
  • availability of gas stations within mileage limits of all riders,
  • availability of clean restrooms at designated stops along the route;
  • and, the availability of quality food and refreshments at the destination that is sufficient for all members on the ride.

BEFORE STARTING THE RIDE:

Just prior to starting the ride, the Lead RC will do the following;

  • Works with hostess committee to get all members and non-members to sign waivers and as needed for collection of lunch money if necessary,
  • Advises Safety Officer of anything special to be included in the safety talk,
  • Assigns all road captain duties for the ride,
  • Reminds Road Captains of their responsibilities to stop and wait at any turn on the route in the event the group becomes separated,
  • Conducts road captain meeting,
  • Decides if and how the group needs to be split into smaller groups,
  • Ensures all RCs are carrying Chapter accident report forms,
  • Then delivers a “Welcome Speech” to the riders and advises them about the route to be taken, gas/pit stop locations, any challenges noted from the pre-ride, etc.,

DURING THE RIDE:

The Lead RC is responsible for all aspects of the ride including;

  • riding speed
  • when to ride single file vs. in staggered formation
  • when to proceed from traffic and stop signs,
  • lane changes,
  • and deciding to pull the group over to the side of the road for any reason.

Newer captains should NOT be Lead RC on Chapter rides.

Lead RC is in constant communication with their Wingman.

WINGMAN (WING)

POSITION IN FORMATION: Front-right position in the first group

PRE-PLANNING:

The Wingman (Wing) should have ridden on one of the Lead RC’s pre-rides to insure their familiarity with the route.

BEFORE STARTING THE RIDE:

The Wing will;

  • count the number of bikes and riders
  • look for obvious mechanical problems on any rider’s bike and advise Lead RC of any concerns or safety issues found,
  • and, assist Lead RC as needed.

DURING THE RIDE:

The Wing’s primary responsibility is to monitor the riders in the group and keep the Lead RC informed through constant communication via pre-determined hand signals or C.B.. Specific communication to the Lead RC should include;

  • if any riders are left behind at stop signs or lights,
  • when the lane to the right is clear for a lane change,
  • if the group gets separated for any reason,
  • communication from mid or rear road captains, including accidents and or stopped riders,
  • by constantly using mirrors to monitor the group for rider problems, including but not limited to rubber-banding, open spaces etc. and informing the Lead RC,
  • assist lead captain in reorganizing the group after all stops,
  • and, assume Lead RC duties if necessary.

Newer captains should NOT be Wingmen.

MID-GROUP CAPTAINS

POSITION IN FORMATION: Scattered throughout the group(s)

PRE-PLANNING:

As always, RCs should have participated in any pre-rides conducted by the Lead RC.

BEFORE STARTING THE RIDE:

Every RC attending the ride maintains the duties and responsibilities as defined at the top of this document. That being the case, each RC will;

  • attend the pre-ride meeting conducted by the Lead RC,
  • acquire a copy of any maps or ride instructions and study them prior to the ride in preparation for leading members that have been separated from the group,
  • as ambassadors for the Chapter, greet new riders and guests and try to determine their capabilities for this planned ride,

DURING THE RIDE:

Each RC attending the ride event will;

  • always be prepared to take the Lead RC position if you are behind a group of riders that has been separated from the group in front of them,
  • assist in maintaining a good formation with respect to the riders in front of you,
  • assist with lane changes signaled by the Lead RC by effectively moving over and occupying the lane to permit safe lane change by riders in front of you,
  • and, relay information as needed and when safe to the Wing.
  • assist Lead RC and Wing in reorganizing the group after stops,
  • in the event that a rider in front of you must pull over or stop, if safe to do so, attempt to pull over and assist that rider,
  • Be aware and monitor the number of riders behind you on the ride. If you cannot see that the group is all together when you reach an unclear intersection or fork in the road,
  • Drop out of the formation as soon as safely possible in a position where you can watch for the trailing group and are visible when they approach,
  • Be prepared to lead the group to make the correct turn,
  • monitor the group for problem riders and situations, and be prepared to speak to the individual to correct the issue. (If you are uncomfortable speaking to that rider, seek assistance from a senior RC or Board member.)

Newer captainscan handle Mid RC duties.

REAR ROAD CAPTAINS (SWEEP)

POSITION IN FORMATION: Last position in the last group

PRE-PLANNING:

There is nothing more worthless than landing strip behind you if you’re flying, or a first aid kit in front of you if you’re riding.

One of the Rear RCs should ALWAYS carry one of the Chapter first aid kits.

Additionally, one of the Rear RCs should have & operate C.B. communication with one of the RCs at the front of the ride if possible and practical.

BEFORE STARTING THE RIDE:

Make sure you participate in all of the responsibilities outlined for the Mid-Group RCs.

DURING THE RIDE:

Main responsibilities for the Rear RC(s) are;

  • when apparent, to occupy the driving lane to the right or left in anticipation of lane changes needed by the Lead RC – effectively protecting the lane for the group in front of you,
  • watch for problems with the group in front of you and be prepared to lend assistance if needed,
  • One Rear Road Captain should have access to C.B. or other radio forms of communication with the Lead Road Captain. One rear captain will stop and assist any rider needing help, while the other rear captain alerts the Wingman to the problem. In the event a mid captain has already stopped, one rear captain will remain in position at the rear while the other alerts the wingman to the problem.
  • Assist in reorganizing the group after stops.
  • One rear road captain should be First Aid trained and carrying the first aid kit.
  • Rear road captains should have been on the pre-ride, have maps and be familiar with the route.

Newer captains can handle Rear RC duties.

ADDITIONAL GENERAL INFORMATION

AND POLICIES

TRAFFIC FLOW/CONTROL DURING RIDES:

WE DO NOT STOP OR IMPEDE SUROUNDING TRAFFIC DURING RIDES!

The only exceptions are;

  • to facilitate the initial formation of the groups when exiting the dealership,
  • or, if necessary, in the event of an accident.

SAFETY ISSUES:

All RCs are responsible for ensuring safety on all Chapter rides and events. Any rider that does not take safety as seriously as us is the person we need to worry about. Although we strive to have fun during all Chapter rides and events, it is better to end the ride/event then to have ANY avoidable safety issues. To that end;

  • All road captains should be proactive in looking for, and addressing, riders or situations that could be deemed unsafe for the ride participants.
  • Be courteous, diplomatic, and tactful when approaching any rider when addressing safety concerns.
  • Explain the problem, and offer suggestions to correct it.
  • NEVER address the issue in front of others! Discuss issues privately to minimize their embarrassment or defensiveness. Treat them with respect and minimize causing them offense.
  • If the problem persists, discuss it with the Safety Officer, Assistant Director, Director, or Head RC.
  • If necessary, the decision to remove an unsafe rider from the group is the prerogative of the ride’s Lead RC, the Chapter’s Head RC, or any Board member.

SPECIAL BIKES:

It is the practice of our Chapter that motorcycles pulling trailers and “trikes” are designated as “Special Bikes” on Chapter rides. Special Bikes will be required to ride behind all other motorcycles on chapter rides but in front of the Rear RCs (defined later). This is for safety and to help maintain a safe and cohesive ride experience for our members.

ADDITIONAL ISSUES THAT AFFECT SAFETY AND FUN:

RCs should constantly be monitoring the following issues during rides. Be on the lookout for riders who:

  • do not keep a safe distance while riding
/
  • are obviously riding above their skill level.

  • are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
/
  • have obvious mechanical problems.

  • make unsafe lane changes
/
  • cross the center lines on turns

  • go too wide or too close on corners
/
  • rides handlebar-to-handlebar

  • rides recklessly
/
  • are constantly “rubber-banding” the group

  • move from side-to-side or are constantly out of position
/
  • riding faster or slower than the group

  • are lagging far behind in the mountains
/
  • fail to gives correct hand signals

  • use foul or offensive language towards another rider or vehicle
/
  • consistently delays the ride when the group is leaving a stop

  • refuse to heed a RC’s instructions, advice, or warnings

All RCs will carry a blank copy of the H.O.G. Accident Report Form at all times.

Road Captains will make themselves available to assist with all aspects needed during any emergency – such as an accident or re-routing due to unforeseen road closure or construction.

So Cal Fullerton H.O.G. Chapter 0230 – Road Captain RolesPage 1 of 10