Florida Gulf Coast HOG Chapter Group Riding Guidelines

July 2002

Everyone on the group ride is responsible for their own safety and is required to ride in a safe manner. There is never any use of alcohol or drugs during any HOG ride.

All speed and traffic laws must be obeyed at all times. Always be courteous and give other vehicles every consideration. You represent everyone on two wheels when on a group ride.

Upon arriving for a group ride, be mentally and physically prepared to ride. You should have a full tank of gas and have performed a pre-ride check of your bike (T-CLOCK): Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil, Chassis, and Kickstand. Arrive for the ride about thirty minutes early so you don’t miss the riders meeting. At the meeting the Ride Leader, Road Captains, and sweep rider will be introduced. You will be given a route sheet in the event you become separated from the group at a stop light. You will know where the rest stops will be located. If you become separated from the group, don’t panic. Try to catch up, staying within the speed limits. The Ride Leader will either pull over, if possible, or slow the group to allow you to catch up.

Our chapter rides in a staggered formation. This is the best way to keep the group close and still maintain a cushion of space in which to maneuver. The Ride Leader will ride in the left third of the lane. The second rider will follow in the right third of the lane with a minimum interval of one second between them. The third rider will be directly behind the Ride Leader with a two second minimum interval. The rest of the group will follow in that order. The sweep rider will be the last bike and ride at the left rear position.

Please try to maintain your two second interval. Do not “rubber band” (speed up and slow down). If a gap develops, do not speed up suddenly. You should accelerate slowly until you are in your proper position. Never pass another rider in your lane. It’s against the law. If a bike drops out of the formation, the riders behind will balance the formation by shifting their position to the other side of the lane. Always check your mirrors and scan the area around you so you will know what is going on at all times. Please notify the Lead and sweep riders if you will be leaving the group while enroute, and ride at the back of the formation.

Radio communication, when available, is very important. Radio communication should be between the Lead and sweep riders. Communication should be short and to the point, with no chatter. Other members of the group that have radios may listen in on the designated channel, but if they want to carry on conversations they should change to another channel so they will not disturb the Ride Leader and sweeper.

Hand signals are also a very important part of the group ride and provide a way to communicate without stopping. Our chapter uses the standardized Rider’s Edge/MSF hand signals. All hand signals should be passed back by all riders to ensure all riders will know what is going on.

Remember that you are responsible for your own safety and the safety of the others in the group.

 Enjoy Our Group Rides and Ride Safe