American Legion Riders

INDEX

Section Page

Index……………………………………………………...... 2

Introduction…………………………………………….….. 3

1.0 Pre-ride Checklist…………………......……..……..…4

2.0 Group riding……………………….….………..……..4

3.0 Colors and patches ………………….……………..…8

4.0 Suggestions…………………….…….…………….....9

5.0 Conclusion………………………….………………...9

6.0 Appendix………………….………………………….11

American Legion Riders

Rider Guide

Introduction

This guide is designed to inform and explain topics on safety, and group riding. No one wants to die or be injured due to the unsafe actions of another rider. Therefore, safety will never intentionally be compromised, nor will anyone be allowed to jeopardize your safety. This guide will try and cover topics that years of riding experience has proven to be critical to safe group riding. However, no guide can cover all situations; so your best resource for any specific situation and/or questions not covered by this guide is your Ride Coordinator. This guide is not to limit your freedom, but rather enhance your group riding knowledge which hopefully will increase your safe riding experience. To coin a phrase: “you have the most freedom when the boundaries are clearly defined”. This guide will be a living document, meaning it will be added to and/or deleted from as required to meet the demands of our ever growing chapter.

1.0 Pre-ride checklist:

1.1 Arriving with a full tank of gas helps to maximize riding time as opposed to waiting for people to fill up at the nearest gas station.

1.2 It is advisable to dress appropriate for the ride taking into consideration the weather, temperature change and safety (proper gear will make your ride safer and more enjoyable).

1.3 Keeping your motorcycle in good mechanical shape is not only economically sound, but could save your life. A quick safety inspection of your motorcycle prior to arriving can mean the difference between a safe ride, and a ride to the hospital. Checking the head lights, tail lights, turn signals, tire pressure, tire tread, oil level is advised before a ride.

2.0 Group riding:

2.1 Group riding is a learned skill, and your actions can make it a safe cohesive group, or set it up for disaster. If you’re a new rider, new to group riding or simply haven’t been riding for some time, talk to one of the Road Guards, or chapter officers so you can be best positioned in the pack for your safety. It must be emphasized that there is no competition of who is a better rider, nor is there a pecking order in the pack. This positioning is strictly for safety; not only yours, but everyone else riding in the group. Proper positioning will safely help you become accustom to the ALR group riding (which may differ from what you are accustomed to), and if you’re a new rider it will help you safely gain experience.

2.2 Our default riding pattern is a two column staggered formation (see appendix). The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) has proven this to be the safest riding formation giving each rider room for defensive maneuvering. The lead Road Guard will be in front and the group will form two columns off of him. Once we are rolling the group will form its staggered formation. This is accomplished by what we call the “two second rule and one second rule” (see appendix).

2.2.1 The two second rule is simply keeping a two second pace behind the bike in front of you. This is as simple as counting one thousand one, one thousand two. Pick a point out in front of the person your following, and when they reach that point count one thousand one, one thousand two which is when you should be passing that same point. The one second rule is the distance behind the person adjacent to you, and is accomplished in a similar manner as the two second rule. An alternate way to perform the one second rule is if you can see the rider’s reflection in his rear view mirror you are at the correct distance. When coming to a stop (such as a stop sign) slow down with the group but maintain the two second rule until you’re stopped. The importance of the “two second rule” is: It helps prevent autos from merging into the pack. This disjoins the group creating a safety issue with riders trying get around the car to rejoin the group. Maintaining the two second rule will also help to keep everyone in the group traveling at the same speed. Slowing down then speeding up is what is called “Yo-yoing”, and can create a catastrophic event from cars approaching from the rear of the pack colliding with a pack of riders that have slowed down way below the speed limit.

2.3 Hand signals are given with your arms and hands, and everyone riding in the group should pass back a hand signal by simply giving that same hand signal. These hand signals are the life line to the group, and help keep everyone informed what the group is doing, and/or what hazards are coming up. If a hand signal is not passed back the person behind you could possibly miss a turn, hit an obstacle in the road or even crash into you. If a rider crashes into you because you didn’t pass back a hand signal then you both might have time to discuss the benefit of passing back hand signals from adjoining hospital beds.

2.3.1 If the single file signal is given continue

in single file until the hand signal is given to return to double file,

2.4 Road Guards are appointed by the Ride Coordinator, and are there for your safety. The Road Guards are in charge of the group ride, and their decision is for the safety of the group. Every rider is expected to conform to the Road Guards decisions, and directions. If however, any rider feels they cannot comply they are welcome to fall back at a safe distance behind the sweep and meet the group at the destination. Any complaints should be directed to the Ride Coordinator, and/or any chapter officer.

2.5 Safety is our number one concern while riding, and is taken very seriously. If you see a safety issue please bring it to the attention of the Road Guard, Ride Coordinator or Safety Officer at a fuel stop, rest stop or final destination. Safety is one thing that shall not be compromised, and your cooperation will add to a safe ride.

2.6 Traffic laws still apply to each and every rider even though you’re riding in a group.

2.6.1 Speed limit; typically we ride as a group at the posted speed limit to 5 mph above it. If you get separated from the group don’t try to rejoin it by traveling at excessive speeds. The Road Guards will adjust the groups speed so you can safely rejoin the group at the posted speed limit.

2.6.2 Intersections; you must clear yourself prior to entering one just like you would do if you were riding solo.

2.7 “We leave no one behind” on a chapter ride. However, if you chose to stay behind, or plan on leaving the group to do your own thing let the Road Guards (or someone) know of your plans. Otherwise you may have actually created a safety issue when the road guards set out to search for you.

3.0 Colors and patches:

3.1 Motorcycle clubs (MC) wear what is coined “colors”. This is a patch identifying their club that is typically worn on the back of a vest (shirt, jacket, etc). MC’s differ from the ALR in the fact that we are enthusiasts, and non-territorial. Meaning we do not claim an area of turf as our domain. We do not associate ourselves with any MC, association, group etc., and as such when riding as a group we wear the ALR patches only or no patch on the back of our vests, shirts or jackets.

4.0 Suggestions from the group are welcomed, and encouraged.

4.1 Your experience is held in high regard. If you have suggestions and/or ideals to improve the safety of our rides please bring them to the attention of a Road Guard or chapter Officer for consideration.

4.2 Suggestions from new riders are also encouraged. Often times a new rider can see things that experienced riders often over look.

4.3 Ride suggestions are always welcomed. If you have an idea for a ride we want to hear it.

5.0 Conclusion

5.1 Maintaining the safety of the group may require identifying areas for improvement. If a Road Guard, Ride Coordinator or Safety Officer identifies to you such areas it is for your benefit and the safety of the group.

5.2 If a rider is creating a situation that could cause death or injury it will require immediate correction. If a Road Guard, Ride Coordinator or safety officer is required to make an impromptu safety stop your cooperation in this matter is paramount. If anyone repeatedly puts the lives of the other riders at risk they may be suspended from the group pending a hearing of the board.

5.3 If areas are identified that you should improve on, or you’re asked to fall back behind the sweep. It is done for your safety, and the safety of the group, and should not be taken personal. Remember, if you’re being unsafe and are putting the other riders a risk I am sure it isn’t anything personal from you.

5.4 If your ideal of safety differs from the Road Guard’s and/or this Guide you are more then welcome to fall in at a safe distance behind the sweep, and meet us at our destination.

Be safe, and Keep the Rubber Side Down.

APPENDIX

NOTES

NOTES: