Calvary Chapel Motorcycle Fellowship
Group Ride Guidelines
Three Essentials
- You cannot enjoy tomorrow's ride unless you live through today's.
- Prime Directive: DO NOT HIT THE MOTORCYCLE IN FRONT OF YOU.
- Regardless of guidelines, RIDE YOUR OWN RIDE.
Advantages of Group Riding
- More visible than a solo rider
- More help available to deal with problems
- Good opportunity to socialize and share tips and techniques
Disadvantages of Group Riding
- Requires higher level of skill and self-discipline
- Restricts individual options of speed, route, and lane position
Lead Rider
- Determines speed, lane, formation, stops
- Matches pace to the skill of the least experience rider in the group
- Rides in left track of lane
Drag Rider (Tailgunner, Sweep)
- Most experienced rider in group
- Always rides last in the group
New Riders (Newbies, rookies)
- Close behind Lead Rider, in the "slot" position
- Slot Position: right track of lane, farthest from oncoming traffic
- Don't panic if separated from group
- Don't break the law or ride beyond your skills to catch up
Formation Riding
- Staggered: double file, 1-second rule
- Single File: 2-second rule (minimum)
- Every sixth bike should leave space for cars to pull in
- Two Abreast: only when stopped at intersections
- Lefthand rider pulls out first when departing
- Blocking an intersection is illegal!
- Change speeds gradually to reduce "rubber band effect"
- Spread out for curves, narrow, rural roads
- Look ahead to Lead Rider
- Group size no more than five bikes
Passing
- Two-lane roads rarely allow passing as a group
- Move to single file formation
- Ride Leader passes first
- Following riders pass one at a time
- Each rider maintains speed to open up room for next bike
Lane Changes
- Drag Rider secures new lane
- Lead rider puts on turn signal and changes lanes
- Following riders change lanes one at a time
Hand Signals
- I'm Ready to Go: place a hand on top of windshield
- Fuel Stop: point to tank
- Single-File: one finger pointing up
- Staggered (Double-File): two fingers pointing up
- Caution: tap front brakes twice
- Road Hazard: point with left hand or right foot
- All signals should be repeated by each following rider
Chase Vehicle (Optional)
- Carries additional supplies
- Helps in case of accident, sickness
- Magnetic sign to identify group to community
- Great opportunity for someone who otherwise might not participate
Pre-Ride Meeting
- Split into groups: 3-5 in a group, odd number best
- Assign positions
- Handout route sheet or map
- Review essential signals, formations
- Questions?
- Dedicate the ride to Jesus Christ and ask for His providence and empowerment!
| Date | |
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| Destination | |
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| Lead Rider | |
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| Rider #2 | |
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| Rider #3 | |
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| Rider #4 | |
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| Drag Rider | |
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