Hello Everyone!
Here is a draft of some group riding rules for our safety, I know we can all ride but it makes it a lot better, safer and easier when traveling in a group. I need to feed back, I can put in or take out more, this is only a DRAFT.
Thanks!
Tito
Ton Up!
Group riding rules.
1. When you change lanes, go to the far side of the lane so someone else can also change lanes. Example: If you are on the left side of the right lane, when you move to the left lane, go all the way over to the left side of the lane.
2. When coming to a turn on a regular road, (for a twisty road see rule 5) drop into a single file line. Otherwise, ride in staggered formation, roughly one second behind the rider in front of you, on the opposite side of the lane. This way, everybody has an 'out', you've got two seconds behind the rider directly in front of you, and the group stays relatively tight.
3. Learn the hand signals. The basic ones that we use are:
A. Hand tapping top of helmet: There's a cop.
B. Pointing frantically to the ground with hand or foot: There's something in the road on that side.
C. Left arm extended and bent 90 degrees with closed fist: We are about to make a final turn in and stop
D. Left Arm extended and bent 90 degrees with open hand: Right turn.
E. Left arm straight out: Left turn
F. Left arm extended out and slightly waving up and down with open hand: slow down or possible stop.
G. Someone flashing all five fingers of one hand at you: you forgot to turn off your blinker.
H. One leg extended to side of bike: That person is about to change lanes in that direction. (I personally prefer and use blinkers, but you need to know this one.)
I. Pointing to the gas tank: I need gas.
J. Pointing to your stomach: I need food.
4. It is not uncool to use your blinkers to change lane.
5. When you're on a twisty road with a group, ride in a single file line and DO NOT ride above you're skill level! We always wait at the end of the road for everyone and usually do a head count to make sure no one went down. Take it easy, we will wait for you.
6. Don't go flying by someone at high speed in the same lane as they are in unless you know them and they have told you that it is ok. Please go by in a different lane.
7. If you want to stunt, go out front and every one try to pick one or two lanes to stunt in. Most experienced stunters do this, this is for the inexperienced. It is much better to get in front before you do a wheelie, etc. Riding up through a pack on your rear wheel is not the safest thing in the world.
8. When you first ride with a large group or an unfamiliar group, I suggest you stay in back and on whatever side that has an escape route. You need to be thinking what will I do if someone in front of me goes down. It does happen!
9. When the group puts the hammer down and it comes time for you to decelerate, if you don't brake and just let off the throttle, make sure that you tap your brake a couple of times so that the bikes behind you will know your slowing down.
10. Wear protective gear. At the least you should have a jacket, helmet, gloves, and ankle boots.
11. Make sure your bike is registered and you have a valid license, etc..
12. Be gassed up when we meet.
13. Emergency cards with all of your information and Emergency Contact info.
14. Occasionally when turning a bike might pull out to turn but in intersection... he is stopping to create a barrier so cars know to stop and allow the group to turn into the road.. be aware for this.....He will then rejoin as the last bike.
15. If you peel off during a group ride let someone know. we'll be looking for you..it's a real drag.
16. When following do not focus on person in front of you keep them in peripheral vision and focus ahead. (IE. Don't Target Fixate!)

"Sometimes ya' gotta hold a candle to the devil."