Group Riding Protocol

Pre-Ride

• Look at your bike. Take a look at your friend’s bike. ARE THEY SAFE?
• Walk around your bike. Check your tires, brakes and look for any potential problem.
• Also check your lights, Are they all working?
• Is your tank full? Always come to rides with a full tank of fuel. Check your oil level, tire pressure and look for any leaks.
• It is recommended you wear a DOT or SNELL approved helmet.
• Carry your owners manual, registration, license, flashlight and basic tool kit. A tire repair kit is also recommended.

On The Road

• Always keep a safe distance between bikes. The suggested safety cushion discussed below is based upon normal riding conditions.
• Normal group riding formation is staggered. Allow a safety cushion of 1 second behind the nearest bike and 2-3 seconds behind the bike directly in front of you.
• When riding single file, keep a minimum of 2 seconds maneuvering space between bikes. Increase distance to 3-4 seconds on when visibility is limited due to curves or road conditions.
• Do not extend the distance more than 4 seconds since you may not see signals sent by the Road Captain.
• Maintain your position in the formation.
• Do not pass another rider within the same lane. If you must pass, do so in another lane as you would in a car.
• Absolutely NO PASSING another rider during the ride.  You may change your position in the formation when resuming the ride after rest / gas / lunch breaks.
• If you meet the group during the ride, position yourself at the end of the formation but before the sweep.
• Absolutely NO ALCHOHOL! If you do consume alcoholic beverages during the lunch break, you must remove yourself from the group and ride behind the sweep. NO EXCEPTIONS!
• NO CONSUMPTION OF DRUGS which may cause an impairment.
• Stay focused. Pay close attention to other vehicles. Always be aware of everything going on around you.
• Don’t be distracted.
• Do not ride in a car’s blind spot.
• Hand signals are passed backwards from the Road Captain. Relay all signals back to the rider behind you.
• Point to obstacles on the road.
• If you are having trouble keeping up with the group, inform the Road Captain at the earliest opportunity so he/she can adjust the pace.
• Inform the Road Captain or Sweep if you need to leave the group.
• No Co-Riders under the age of 16.
• No Pets on rides.
• Have Fun!

Click HERE to download the complete RRMC Group Riding Protocols