Riding Rules
“RIDE AND HAVE FUN”
We are first and foremost a HARLEY-DAVIDSON riding group. Our bikes perform similarly and we belong because of our love of riding our Harleys. Riding in a group is great but requires all of us to follow certain procedures and rules in order to keep the rides safe, cohesive and above all FUN!
SAFE and RESPONSIBLE motorcycle activity is a major goal. In this regard, your bike must be in a ROADWORTHY condition, you MUST hold an appropriate licence and have insurance cover.
Our riding group has a NO ALCOHOL policy until the “Official Ride” has reached the final destination.
Arrive at the departure point with a FULL TANK of fuel. On long rides fuel stops will be scheduled along the way.
The indicated departure time is the DEPARTURE TIME. Be there at least 15 minutes before so that you receive the complete ride briefing.
The nominated ROAD CAPTAIN leads the group traveling in the MIDDLE of the ROAD. A Deputy Road Captain, who sometimes may be nominated, rides to the LEFT (road shoulder) of the Road Captain. DO NOT OVERTAKE EITHER OF THEM.
The formation then rides in STAGGERED FORMATION with the first rider to the RIGHT REAR of the Deputy Road Captain (if a Deputy Road Captain is nominated), then left, right, left, etc. ALWAYS keep a SAFE DISTANCE behind the rider in front. DO NOT RIDE SIDE BY SIDE.
A TAIL GUNNER and DEPUTY TAIL GUNNER will be nominated and identified at the start of each ride. They ride at the rear of the group with headlights on. It is their role to ensure that all riders arrive at each stop and to the destination. In the event of a breakdown or accident, the Deputy will render assistance. The group, as a whole, MUST NOT STOP for an individual as this can cause dangerous congestion and further problems.
Use ONE LANE ONLY on multi-lane highways. This is not an option! Follow the Road Captain who will take into account all key points before changing lanes.
MARKING CORNERS. Riders directly to the rear of the Road Captain, or Deputy Road Captain if nominated, will be required to mark corners. The ROAD CAPTAIN WILL INDICATE exactly where and when corners MUST BE MARKED. The nominated rider immediately indicates and pulls off to the left shoulder and then indicates the direction of the turn to the following formation. DO NOT PROCEED until directed (with a WAVE) by the TAIL GUNNERS. The corner marker rejoins the formation at the rear in front of the Tail Gunner and Deputy. On rejoining the formation if you must overtake, do so legally and safely with care for fellow riders. If you are uncomfortable marking corners or do not know what to do, start at the back of the group and observe.
DO NOT block intersections. Make sure that you cross intersections safely and legally.
STOPPING. When we stop as a group be sure to PARK well off the road. If you need to stop during the ride, give plenty of warning to others by indicating and head checks.
GROUP RIDE. We ride as a group and it is not a race to our destination. THE DESTINATION MARKS THE END of the Group Ride. The group will often return as a group but this is not an official ride. However, commonsense says that the same rules should apply regarding safety, spacing and staggered formation. You are free to return individually or as a group – your choice. Please let the Road Captain know if you want to ride back in a group.
WHO CAN RIDE AND WHEN. Riders MUST be Financial International HOG Members. All Yarra Valley Chapter rides are:
CLOSED RIDES – All rides will be “CLOSED RIDES” unless otherwise stated and are Harley-Davidson ONLY rides. Permission must be sought for ALL non-Harleys, riders and pillions other than Yarra Valley Chapter Members and a Release Form is required to be signed on “Open Rides”.
Our Riding Group does not promote unsafe riding or behaviour. Examples: speeding, wheel-stands, burnouts etc, and/or any other behaviour that may be deemed unacceptable to the general public or fellow riders.
RIDING HINTS AND SIGNALS
- Not everyone in the group has the same riding skills or experience, so think about your fellow riders.
- Your motorcycle needs a full lane to operate safely which is why we ride staggered, not side by side.
- Always ride a safe stopping distance (2 seconds) behind the bike in front of you.
- Always do a head check as well as indicate before changing from one side of the formation to another or changing lanes.
- The emergency stop signal is a left hand raised in the air.
- We also use feet signals by pointing to hazards/road kill on the road to give the following rider time to avoid hitting the hazard.
- If you are a new rider, start at the back of the formation so that you can observe the rest of the group.
- Check your mirrors often – be aware who is around you.
- Ride at YOUR comfort level. We all have different levels of riding skills. Remember, if uncomfortable or doubtful – Safety first – Slow down. The Tail Gunners will assist in making sure you arrive at the next stop point.
- Remember, we are all in this for the enjoyment of riding our Harleys and sharing the fun!
RIDE AND HAVE FUN!!!!!