VA I'S RULES OF THE ROAD
1. Ride in a Precise Formation
as road conditions permit. Normal formation is staggered with a 2 second
interval between you and bike in front of you.
2. Execute Signs and Turns Properly.
(Va 1 Hand Signals)
3. Do Not Fool Around (horse play) when riding with the
Group. Any member observing another member operating in an unsafe manner
when in formation should discuss it with that member and attempt to clear up
the situation. If it should persist, bring it to the attention of the Road Captain,
Safety Officer, Chapter Member, or designated Assistants.
4. The Road Captain shall have the UNCHALLENGED right to terminate a members
participation in a given ride or event for the clubs safety or image. Upon request
of the Road Captain, the President may suspend the member pending the lodging
of official charges against the member.
5. Riding Positions
a. While on any run, the Road Captain or his Assistant will ride in front. The
President may ride alongside or just behind the Captain depending on the formation
in use. In the absence of the Road Captain and the assistants, whoever the Captain
appoints will ride point.
b. The assistant Road Captain (Tail-Gunner) will ride at the rear unless otherwise
decided by the Captain. The Tail-Gunner will be responsible for holding a lane
open while making a lane change. He will also assist any member who may break
down or fall behind. The Captains will operate as a team and watch for problems
within the Group. Watching for all signals and seeing the need for changes are
major parts of the Tail-Gunner’s duties.
c. Line up for a ride as follows: Road Captain,
President, full color wearing members, prospective members, non-members and
bringing up the rear, the assistant Road Captains (if designated) and the Tail
Gunner. Once you are in position, keep it for the remainder of the ride.
d. The Road Captain will give instructions to all riders prior to the start
of a ride. This will include if known, the name, address, and phone number of
the destination. When you arrive at the destination point check-in with the
Road Captain.
e. Each member shall make it his business to know the route to be taken.
6. Use Common Sense At All Times
a. Anticipate your next move and those of the Group.
b. We are all aware of the proper safety procedures and the need for them. Exercise
caution at all times and obey all traffic regulations!
c. With regard to remaining alert, as one of a Group, you must remember that
the Road Captain from time to time will be giving a hand signal to execute a
maneuver (pass a slow moving vehicle, make a turn, etc.) He will be taking into
consideration the size of the group and the distance necessary to get the club
from one lane to another safely. Each members assistance in executing the maneuver
safely and smoothly will be of great assistance.
d. The Tail Gunner will help the Group by getting out into the lane following
the Road Captain's signal. By doing this he will help secure the chance to execute
the maneuver freely and safely. Stay in position during any lane change or direction
maneuver.
7. Leaving the Group If stopped, let your intentions
be known to the Road Captain or his assistants. The group will be pulled into
the nearest and safest rest area and the Captain(s) and/or members he designates
will return to the stopped rider. After ascertaining the problem, the Captain
will then decide to get the group on it's way as soon as possible and make arrangements
to have the stopped rider and his bike taken care of.
8. Gas Stops Get to know your machine's cruising
capacity with regard to gas. Running out of gas or making gas stops with large
groups is time consuming. Therefore, everyone will arrive for the rides with
a full tank of fuel and will top off their tank at every gas stop, no matter
how small the amount. This will avoid staggered gas stops and possibly save
time.
9. Bike Maintenance Maintain it carefully, this
is considered a must. Because one failed to check for loose wires, shorts, dead
batteries, worn tires, or worn chains/belts, this can take away from the pleasure
of the club ride. Bike maintenance will be the responsibility of each member.
Bring necessary tools and parts for your own machine. Use the T-Clock method
to check your bike.T-CLOCK Inspection
10. Wearing Apparel It is strongly urged that on
club rides each member wear his Club Colors. He should also wear the proper
clothing when riding. Helmets are MANDATORY on a Chapter
ride!! Strict adherence to these guidelines
will provide for a long, successful and safe riding season.
