Columbia Starriders Chapter 124

Ride Guide

Ride Leader.  All directions come from the Ride Leader. 

The Ride Leader makes all decision about how to direct the ride or to terminate the ride if conditions warrant.  No individual will assert themselves independently without direction from the Ride Leader to do so.

Ride Leader should determine which riders are new or inexperienced and assemble them formation accordingly.

Ride Leader shall have a SAFETY BRIEFING before each ride.

The Ride Leader has the unchallengeable right to terminate a rider’s participation in a ride or event for reasons of safety or image.

Tail Gunner: is the last rider in the formation, and rides on whatever side they choose. They may have to change sides during the ride, based on the situation at the moment.  The Tail Gunner serves as the eyes of the Ride Leader.  They watch the formation, and inform the Ride Leader of potential problems within the group.  They will watch for merging lanes, and will move into a merging lane (or stay in a merging lane just vacated by the group) in order to "close the door" on other vehicles that may otherwise find themselves trying to merge into the formation.  At the Ride Leader’s request, the Tail Gunner changes lanes before the formation, to secure the lane so the formation can move into it. The Ride Leader will designate an experienced rider(s) as Tail Gunner(s).

Blockers: As directed by the Ride Leader, Blockers may be used to help secure intersections so that large groups of bikes can safely pass thru.  While the use of Blockers may not be strictly “legal’, if it is done with care for the safety of all riders and all vehicles near the intersection, there should not be issues with law enforcement.  When Blockers are used, it is strongly recommended to ride in a Pair Up formation thru the intersection, Single File afterwards to allow Blockers to return to their positions, and then a return to Staggered formation.  Ride Leaders should explain to the group where this will be done the beginning of the ride or during one of the rest stops.  Blockers should be experienced riders.

New Riders: The position of new (inexperienced with GROUP riding) riders within the group is significant.  New riders should be positioned behind the Ride Leader as close to the front as possible.

Staggered formation: Columbia Starriders generally rides in a staggered formation, with the leader at the head of the left column, so they will be able to view all bikes in the formation in their rearview mirrors, and be able to see around vehicles the group approaches.  The second bike will head the right column, and will ride approximately 1 second behind the leader (and in the opposite side of the lane). The other riders will position their bikes 2 seconds behind the bike directly in front of them, which puts them 1 second behind the diagonal bike.  This formation allows each rider sufficient safety space, and discourages other vehicles from cutting into the line. If a bike falls out of formation leaving an empty space, the rider behind it should move forward and fill the space. DO NOT CROSSOVER!

Order of riders and passing other riders.  Never change the order of position while riding. Adjustments in riding order should be made at rest stops.  The only exception will be when a rider realizes he is slower and signals the rider behind to pass.  This is an important point of etiquette and should be followed for safety and camaraderie.  It is especially important not to pass when riding slow since this often occurs when the group is searching for a turn or stop and quick changes of direction may be required.  The general rule is: Do Not Pass Other Riders.

Riding Your Own Road. All riders must ride at a pace where they are comfortable. Exceeding your personal limits in turning or passing for the sake of keeping up with the rider in front of you is dangerous.  Know and be comfortable with your own personal limits, and choose your spot in the group accordingly.  All riders will be welcomed and respected regardless of their chosen pace, provided they are not a danger to themselves or others.

Following Distances. The distance a rider maintains between his bike and the bike in front must never be less than what is comfortable for the rider and the rider in front.  No rider should ever ride closer than s/he feels comfortable.  If a rider feels that the following rider is too close, the rider is expected to inform the following rider who must respect the request to keep a greater distance.  A hand signal of left arm down with palm facing the rear in a pushing action will be used to request a following rider to keep a greater distance.  This request must be honored.

Lane Changes: All lane changes start with a signal from the Ride Leader. The Tail Gunner, when it is safe to do so, will move into the requested lane.  The Ride Leader has three options.

1        Simple Lane Change: This is an ordinary lane change, and is used in most situations. The Tail Gunner may or may not secure the lane prior to the change.  Ride Leader will put on his directional signal as an indication that they are about to order a lane change. As each rider sees the directional signal, they turn on their signal, so the riders following them get the signal. After the Tail Gunner has secured the new lane, the leader begins the change and the riders behind Ride Leader will then begin to change lanes.  NO ONE moves until the bike in front of them has started moving.

2        Block Lane Change: This requires practice, but it’s worth the effort, is actually very simple and gives a feeling of "togetherness”.   After the Tail Gunner secures the new lane, the Ride Leader turns on a directional signal to order the lane change.  As each rider sees the directional signal, they also signal the turn, so the riders following them get the signal. The Ride Leader then raises his left arm straight up.  Each rider repeats this signal.  As the Ride Leader lowers his arm to point to the lane into which they are moving, all riders lower their arms at the same time and change lanes as one, moving from one lane to another as a single block.

3        Rear Fill-in: may be necessary if a long enough gap cannot be maintained in the new lane, for example when trying to move from the right lane to the center and vehicles from the left lane keep cutting into the opening.  After the Tail Gunner has secured the new lane, the Ride Leader will call for the group to fill in the space from the rear by raising their hand to shoulder height and "pushing" it towards the new lane.  All riders repeat the signal, and the last bikes move into the space in the new lane ahead of the Tail Gunner, then the next-to-last bikes move in ahead of those, and so on until the Ride Leader finally moves into the space ahead of the entire formation.

Emergencies: In the event of an emergency condition, the Ride Leader will make every attempt to move the formation to the shoulder in an orderly manner. If a bike breaks down let that rider move over to the right.  DO NOT STOP.  The Tail Gunner will stop with the problem bike.  The Ride Leader will lead the group to a safe stopping place.

Hand Signals: Each rider should duplicate all hand signals given by the rider in front of him, so that the signals get passed all the way to the back of the formation.  The following signals are used in addition to the standard (right turn, left turn, slow/stop) hand signals.

Block Lane Change: After the Tail Gunner secures the lane, Ride Leader raises their left arm straight up. Each rider repeats this signal.  Then, as the leader lowers his arm to point to the lane into which they are moving, they actually initiate the change.

Rear Fill-in Change: Ride Leader signals by raising their hand to shoulder height and "pushing" it towards the new lane.

Single Up: When conditions warrant single file (narrow road, anticipated wind-blast from trucks, obstruction, pedestrians, etc.) the Ride Leader will raise his left hand straight up, holding up just his index finger.  All other riders will repeat this, and the two columns will merge into one.

Staggered Formation: After singling up, when single file is no longer necessary, the Ride Leader will raise his left hand with thumb and pinky out, other fingers closed, rotating his wrist back and forth (indicating left, right, left, right).  All other riders will repeat this and resume staggered formation.

Tighten Formation: When the Ride Leader feels that the formation should be tighter (bikes closer together) they raise their left hand with fingers spread wide and repeatedly closes them into a fist.  All other riders repeat this and close up all unnecessary space in the formation.

Pair Up: When riding thru a controlled intersection to reduce the amount of time for all bikes to get thru Ride Leader will raise their left hand extending the pinky and ring fingers, other fingers closed, with a slight forward waving motion. 

Road Hazard: This is the one signal that can be initiated by ANYONE. Anyone seeing a hazardous condition on the road surface (road kill, oil, gravel, significant pothole, etc.) will point at it. All following riders will repeat this, and all riders will avoid the hazard.

Need to stop: Thumbs Down. This will be relayed to the Ride Leader via the tail gunner.

Passing Cars. Generally, the Ride Leader will not pass cars on roads with a single lane in each direction unless absolutely necessary.  However, cars may enter the road separating riders. If this happens and a rider wants to pass to rejoin the riders in front, this must be done safely.  If passing is done unsafely, this will be grounds for the Ride Leader to ask the rider to leave the ride.  The most obvious example of unsafe passing is when the road ahead cannot be seen far enough to complete the pass if a car appears in the opposite lane at the most critical time. Passing on road marked by double yellow is strictly forbidden and doing so is grounds for being asked to leave the ride.

Criticism of Other Riders. This needs always to be kept to a minimum.  However, if anyone observes another rider making dangerous moves or riding at a speed above their skill they are obligated to mention this to the rider and the Ride Leader.  It may not be easy but must be done when safety is an issue. Once addressed, the subject should be dropped and not brought up again with the offending rider.  Mutual respect is key to a good club and a good ride.

Leaving the Group. If you need to leave the ride early, please notify the Ride Leader AND the Tail Gunner where you plan on leaving the group.  If possible be at the rear of the formation (ahead of the Tail Gunner) prior to leaving the group.  Any bikes following should move up into the standard group riding positions.

If a rider must pull over immediately ONLY the Tail Gunner will stop with that rider.  The Ride Leader will pull the group over as soon as it is safe to do so. 

Gas Stops. Know your machine's cruising range. Running out of gas or making gas stops with large groups is time consuming.  Riders should arrive with a full tank.  Unless your bike has enough fuel for another 100 miles, top up at any gas stop. 

Controlled Intersections Motorcycles should pair up to reduce the length of time crossing and keep the motorcycles together.  This should avoid anyone trying to play "catch up".  Each rider is responsible to insure he can make a safe crossing before entering the intersection.  This will be done as directed by the Ride Leader at the beginning of the ride or during one of the stops.

Note: Failure to follow safety rules may result in your removal from the ride for the safety of the group.

Ride Leader Responsibilities

Every ride should have a Ride Leader, whether this is someone who in advance of the ride has stepped up and volunteered to be the Ride Leader, someone who volunteers the day of ride at the departure location, or someone who informally becomes the Ride Leader when only 2 or 3 bikes are on the ride.  The Ride Leader should always work with a fellow rider who will act as the Tail Gunner bringing up the rear of the group.  The Ride Leader and Tail Gunner should have previous experience riding together and have a complete understanding of what is expected of each other.  Try to arrive at the ride early in order to introduce yourself and the Tail Gunner to the group.

 Leading a group ride is much more than just getting out front of the group and saying 'follow me' to the destination.  Being a Ride Leader means to actually 'be a leader' and adhere to the following general conduct at all times:

1.      Conduct yourself and your riding style in a manner that promotes group safety.

2.      Provide leadership and supervision to the group that will ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable ride.

In addition to adhering to the above statements at all times, the Ride Leader must also adhere to the following guidelines as much as possible:

1.      Conduct a pre-ride meeting to cover at least the following areas:

a.      Explain the route that the ride will take, detailing any areas of interest along the route such as tricky intersections, possible stopping locations for rest, to take in the view, gas stops, lunch, etc.

b.     Get a feel for the riders that will be participating in the ride. Make recommendations as to where certain riders should ride within the group if necessary based on riding style and experience.

c.      Explain the staggered formation and the possible situations we might encounter that will require deviating from the staggered formation to a single file formation such as construction areas, twisty mountain roads, etc.

d.     Go over any hand signals that you intend to use during the ride so that everyone is clear on what they mean.

e.      Review the rider responsibilities as appropriate.

2.      Set the pace.  The pace on any given ride can vary wildly depending on the experience and riding style of the riders in the group.  First, avoid quick starts when leaving stops at intersection or leaving the parking area after a stop.  Ease out slowly and maintain a slow pace until everyone has gotten rolling and then pick up the pace to cruising speed.  If you immediately pull out and quickly accelerate up to 60 mph, how much time will pass before your Tail Gunner gets moving and how fast will those toward the rear have to accelerate to get the group into a proper formation?  Once up to cruising speed, you can then monitor the riders behind you, if you're seeing large gaps between bikes, you're most likely setting to quick a pace.  If you see that everyone is bunched up you should most likely pick up the pace a bit.

3.      Keep the group together.  When leaving from a parking area, wait for an opening in traffic large enough for all riders to depart (although this will not always be possible).  If you pull out with a limited opening be sure to keep a slow pace until everyone has had a chance to get out into traffic and form up.  For certain there will be times when the group will get broken up into smaller groups and it may take several miles for everyone to regroup. Be considerate of the riders who are following.

4.      Manage the ride. Clearly indicate all normal actions you intend to take using hand signals before initiating the change.  This goes for all lane changes, turns, stops, or exits from freeways.

5.      Manage the stops.  Provide a safe and orderly transition from the road into the parking area.  Try to pick parking areas that have enough room for everyone to park in an orderly fashion if possible.  If making a gas stop pick one of the larger self-serve stations with at least 6 to 8 pumps if possible.  Once stopped take a moment before doing anything else and go to each rider and inform them of approximately how long the stop will be.  For example, if stopping for gas let everyone know that the group will leave approximately 15 minutes after the last bike has had a chance to fill their tank.  Approximately 5 to 10 minutes before the departure time, honk your horn to get everyone's attention and let them know how much more time is available before the group will leave.  Once this announcement has been given, be prepared to leave at that time.  By consistently adhering to the departure time announced, you will send a message to the group to be ready when asked.  However, do not leave anyone behind, before actually pulling out check that everyone is ready to go, check with your Tail Gunner to ensure that everyone is ready before leaving.

6.      Ride the route.  Do not deviate from the published ride route unless it has been discussed with the group beforehand at a previous stop.  If the group has developed some large gaps taking a turn that is not part of the published route, it could cause the group to get split apart and confused.

RIDE LEADER CHECKLIST

REVIEW the following items:

·        NOBODY, except the Tail Gunner, is to change lanes before the Ride Leader.

·        ALWAYS make a HEAD CHECK before you begin ANY lane change

·        Maintain safe distances.

·        Single File procedure if Blockers are used

There are times when the Ride Leader may signal a lane change and move over before the Tail Gunner secures the lane (after checking to make sure it’s clear).

Tail Gunner Responsibilities

The Tail Gunner could be the most misunderstood and underrated job in a group ride, while the lead rider leads the group the trail rider controls the group.  The Tail Gunner is normally chosen by the Ride Leader as someone he is familiar with and knows his riding experience and style.  Besides adhering to the general conduct guidelines listed above for the Ride Leader, the Tail Gunner also has the following responsibilities:

1.      Ride at the rear.  Under normal circumstances no one is allowed to fall back behind the Tail Gunner, any rider that is not experiencing difficulties and still cannot maintain the proper pace should leave the ride and continue on their own.

2.      Determine when group is ready leave.  It is the Tail Gunner’s responsibility to determine when the entire group is ready to leave and to signal the lead rider accordingly.  The Ride Leader should not leave any parking area until notified by the Tail Gunner.

3.      Monitor the group.   As the eyes and voice of the Ride Leader, Tail Gunner should inform the Ride Leader of how the group was doing when stopped after each ride segment.  Specifically, if you notice someone in the group is careless, not following the guidelines, or creating a situation that could endanger the group, discuss this with the Ride Leader and the rider at the next stop.

4.      Assist in lane changes.  The Tail Gunner will assist in most, if not all lane changes, securing lanes as necessary, but never blocking traffic to enable the group to change lanes.

5.      Be aware of any hazards or problems with any of the group's motorcycles.

6.      Provide assistance.  As Tail Gunner you should be prepared to provide assistance to any rider that pulls off the road during the ride. ONLY the Tail Gunner should stop with the other motorcycle, it is unsafe to have several motorcycles pull off to the side of most highways.  The Ride Leader should then find a safe place up ahead to pull the group over.  This includes minor mechanical problems, a rider that must stop for personal reasons, an accident or any other reason.

Rider Responsibilities

By showing up for a club ride you and your passenger inheritably imply that you take responsibility for your actions and that you, your passenger, and your motorcycle are ready for the ride.  Use the following guidelines to ensure that you are ready for the ride.

1.      Read the Columbia Starriders Chapter 124 Ride Guide before attending a club ride.

2.      SUOTWAFTAEB – Show Up On Time With A Full Tank And Empty Bladder.  Arrive at least 15 minutes before kicks up, earlier if you will want to get coffee, go to the restroom, gas up, or if you just want to socialize with your fellow riders before leaving.  Arriving 15 minutes before departure will most likely make you just in time for the pre-ride meeting.  Be considerate of your fellow members and do not make them wait for you.

3.      Check you tires, oil, and other mechanical operation of your motorcycle before arriving for the ride.  The Ride Leader has the right to ask that you not participate in the ride if he feels your motorcycle is not in safe riding condition.

4.      Be mentally prepared.  Riding while agitated, tired or any other emotionally charged state is dangerous both yourself and the other riders.

5.      Have appropriate riding gear for the ride. It is not unusual to experience a wide range of temperatures throughout the day or to experience rain or even snow at anytime during the year.

6.      Don't be shy.  If there are any aspects of the ride that are causing you concern, speak up. Bring it to the attention of the Ride Leader and other riders at the earliest opportunity.  The Ride Leader will not take it personally and will make every attempt to accommodate your concern.

7.      Be willing to abide by any decision made by the Ride Leader.  The Ride Leader has the ultimate say during the ride.  If the Ride Leader makes a decision that you cannot abide by, then it is your responsibility to inform the Ride Leader that you are leaving the ride. The important thing to remember is that not everyone is going to agree with every aspect of the ride.  DO NOT take it personally.  If you can't live with the way the ride is going, then please leave the ride at the earliest opportunity.  You only endanger yourself and the other riders by riding in an angry or agitated state.

8.      Be prepared to top off your tank at every gas stop.  Gas stops are made to accommodate the motorcycle with the least range. Even though your motorcycle 'can go twice as far' do not rely on that assumption.  We have all been on rides where an unscheduled gas stop had to be made because someone ‘thought’ they could make it to the next scheduled gas stop.

9.      Maintain a proper and comfortable pace.  Do not fall back more than 3 or 4 seconds from the rider in front of you unless the group is running at a pace that you are just not comfortable with. Remember the ideal spacing is to maintain a 2 to 3 second gap between yourself and the rider directly in front of you.  The exception to this is whenever the Ride Leader switches to a single file formation it is ok to increase the distance between yourself and the rider in front but never follow closer than a 2 to 3 second gap. NEVER pass another rider while in the group regardless of the formation.

10. Be aware of the rider behind you.  If you notice the rider behind you is falling back, then slow your pace to drop back to the following rider.  If everyone in the group does this you will actually help the Ride Leader set the proper pace or become aware of a problem.

11. Stay with the Ride Leader.  If the Ride Leader misses a turn, DO NOT make the turn yourself, stay behind the Ride Leader who lead the entire group to a safe place to turn around and correct his mistake.  Having other rider's make the turn, does nothing but confuse the other riders and puts everyone in an unsafe situation.

12. If Blockers are in use, as soon has the group completes going through an intersection ALL bikes are to ride SINGLE FILE to the far right to allow the Blockers to return (pass you) to their ORIGINAL positions in the formation.  Once ALL the Blockers pass you return to a staggered formation.  Use of Blockers will be as stated by the Ride Leader.

13. Not all rides will have someone identified as Ride Leader.  There should be a member who will step up and offer to be the Ride Leader for the day and conduct the pre-ride meeting.  If you find yourself at a ride departure and everyone starts preparing to depart without having a pre-ride meeting it is the responsibility of every member to stop the group from departing so that the pre-ride meeting can take place among those attending the ride.

14. There will be no use of alcohol until after all motorcycle riding for the day is concluded!

By adhering to the above guidelines you will ensure a safe and enjoyable ride for yourselves and your fellow riders and allow the Ride Leader to focus on his or her responsibilities.

 

You're probably thinking by now that that's a lot for just getting out on a beautiful South Carolina day for a ride.  But it's really quite simple.  Use these guidelines to be responsible to yourself and your fellow riders by communicating clearly with your fellow riders, riding in a manner that is both safe and considerate, and be willing to observe the guidelines set forth by your Ride Leader.

Not every Ride Leader will lead a ride in the same way and the Columbia Starriders guidelines are not strict rules that will be used by every Ride Leader, much depends on the conditions of the road, weather, and number of riders and so on.  If we all strive to follow these guidelines as much as possible and be flexible during our rides, we help guarantee the continuing success of the Columbia Starriders and the enjoyment of riding together.

RIDING STAGGERED
Columbia Starriders generally ride in a staggered formation for safety reasons.  The minimum recommended spacing to the bike directly in front of you should not be less than two seconds (the two second rule).  The bike in the lane to your left or right should not be less than one second ahead of you. You will find that two seconds is a long distance when riding at highway speeds.  That is it's a long distance when everything is going well.  When things go wrong, however, two seconds distance is gone in the time it takes to figure out you are in trouble.

The two second rule is a rule of thumb and you should try to adhere to this rule when possible, especially at highway speeds.  There are times, however when it is best to squeeze together while on city streets and when slowing for a stop. This will help prevent cars from entering the group.

Tail Gunner should ride in the middle of the two bike lanes.  This will help the Ride Leader see the last bike. .

STOPPING AT AN INTERSECTION
When stopping as a group at an intersection, break stagger formation and Pair Up. This will reduce the length of the group by half.

Stay in this formation when you are clear to go thru the intersection. It will then take half the time to clear the intersection, helping keep the group intact.

If you don't make it through the intersection with the group, don't worry!  Don't take a chance and run a red light.  The Ride leader will know that you are not with the group and will slow down, or wait for you down the road.

PASSING THRU CONTROLLED INTERSECTIONS: The same formation should be used when passing thru controlled intersections to reduce the amount of time for all bikes to pass safely thru the intersection.
This procedure will be announce by the Ride Leader at the start of the ride or during a rest stop and signaled by the Ride Leader when needed.

GROUP PARKING
Parking in an orderly method substantially reduces the time for all to get off the road and out of traffic. There is risk of injury for the last bikes that may be blocking the road in an attempt to stay with the group.

A good way to park, if there is room, is for each bike to pull ahead of the intended parking place and then back up into your spot. You can see how this is done on the image to the left. This can be done very fast because you don't have to wait for the bike ahead of you to finish the job.

If you find yourself at the end of the group and can't get off the road while waiting for others to park, GO AROUND.  Come back a minute or two later when things have settled down and take your time. For you bagger riders, don't forget your pipes, everything is cool when you back up to the curb until you lean your bike over on the kick stand and you bend and scratch your left pipe on the curb.