Safety is Our #1 Goal: Riding safely is priority #1 when riding with Port City 162. Rules of the road, hand signals, and general safety will be reviewed before each of our rides. Our Road Captains and Tail-Gunners go through an extensive training program to assure that they will conduct the safest ride possible. If you are new to the club, you will be expected to ride to the right of the Road Captain until your group riding skills are assessed. In addition to the group riding guidelines listed below, please review the National Southern Cruisers Website: http://southerncruisers.net/newriding.htm
Riding Formation: Perfecting your formation can be the trickiest part of group riding, but staying in proper formation gives each other enough space to react to any sudden hazards and helps any other drivers on the road avoid you.
Staggered Formation: This means that if a line were drawn from rider to rider, it would make a perfect and evenly spaced zig-zag line. To achieve this, the lead rider will ride on the left side of the lane, while the second rider on the right, about a second behind. The third rider will then be a second behind the second rider, back to the left side. This pattern continues with each rider in your group down to the very end.
Staggered Formation: This means that if a line were drawn from rider to rider, it would make a perfect and evenly spaced zig-zag line. To achieve this, the lead rider will ride on the left side of the lane, while the second rider on the right, about a second behind. The third rider will then be a second behind the second rider, back to the left side. This pattern continues with each rider in your group down to the very end.
Maintain Your Lane: Staggered formation allows a cushion around all riders in the group. Although each rider does have the use of the entire lane to avoid obstructions or negotiate an unusually difficult turn, it is the expectation that riders maintain their side of the lane when the group is rolling down the road. A rider should not be "wondering" frequently from one side of the lane to the other. Do not ride directly behind another riders without a 2-3 second gap and never ride side-by-side.
Single File: At times, it may be necessary for the Road Captain to signal for the group to go into a "Single File " formation to avoid a hazard, emergency vehicle, or negotiate a narrow road. Please fall in line behind the rider in front of you, always remembering to leave 2-3 second gap between riders.
Lane Changes: (this one is a little tough to explain...) Lane changes on divided highways happen frequently and can be a potential for accidents if not executed properly. Ideally, the group should look like a slithering snake when changing lanes. The Road Captain controls lane changes along with the Tail Gunner. FIRST, the Road Captain will communicate a lane change to the Tail-Gunner and the Tail Gunner will secure the lane. THEN, the lane change starts from the front of the pack with the Road Captain leading the way and each rider moving in succession. Resist the urge to change lanes too soon- that is, if you see the Tail-Gunner secure the lane. Remember these important tips :
Passing on 2-Lane Roads: If the group is being detained by a slower vehicle on a 2 lane roadway, it may be necessary to pass in legal passing zones. Passing is at the discretion of each individual rider based on comfort and ability. The Road Captain will signal the group to get into Single-File formation prior to executing the pass and wait for a legal (broken yellow line) passing zone to pass the slower vehicle. Each rider can pass when they deem conditions to be safe. Each rider must follow all traffic laws.
Separation: Separation within the group will happen. Someone could lag behind due to a red light, a car not letting them pass or just not being able to keep up with the pace. Don’t panic and speed off aggressively to the point you get pulled over. Tail-Gunners will communicate with the Road Captain that there is a separation in the group and they will slow down or pull over accordingly allowing separated riders to rejoin the group.
Leaving the Group: We encourage all riders to stay with the group for the duration of the ride. If you must leave the group, please communicate your intentions to leave the group at the Pre-Ride Meeting , a rest stop, or at the lunch destination. The Road Captain and Tail-Gunner will position you within the group to safely ease your departure. Please signal your intentions and exit the group at a left or right-hand turn depending on your position within the group. Do not cross another rider's path!
Filling Space: Do not cross another rider's path to fill in an empty spot. If a space is created by a rider leaving the group, always wait for the rider in front of you to the left or right to signal you to come past them and fill in an empty spot in the formation.
Single File: At times, it may be necessary for the Road Captain to signal for the group to go into a "Single File " formation to avoid a hazard, emergency vehicle, or negotiate a narrow road. Please fall in line behind the rider in front of you, always remembering to leave 2-3 second gap between riders.
Lane Changes: (this one is a little tough to explain...) Lane changes on divided highways happen frequently and can be a potential for accidents if not executed properly. Ideally, the group should look like a slithering snake when changing lanes. The Road Captain controls lane changes along with the Tail Gunner. FIRST, the Road Captain will communicate a lane change to the Tail-Gunner and the Tail Gunner will secure the lane. THEN, the lane change starts from the front of the pack with the Road Captain leading the way and each rider moving in succession. Resist the urge to change lanes too soon- that is, if you see the Tail-Gunner secure the lane. Remember these important tips :
- Always keep a safe distance between riders
- Signal your intentions
- Quickly glance behind you. Use your mirrors but don't trust them.
- Do not slow down! Maintain your speed or accelerate as necessary to maintain spacing and allow others to file in behind you.
Passing on 2-Lane Roads: If the group is being detained by a slower vehicle on a 2 lane roadway, it may be necessary to pass in legal passing zones. Passing is at the discretion of each individual rider based on comfort and ability. The Road Captain will signal the group to get into Single-File formation prior to executing the pass and wait for a legal (broken yellow line) passing zone to pass the slower vehicle. Each rider can pass when they deem conditions to be safe. Each rider must follow all traffic laws.
Separation: Separation within the group will happen. Someone could lag behind due to a red light, a car not letting them pass or just not being able to keep up with the pace. Don’t panic and speed off aggressively to the point you get pulled over. Tail-Gunners will communicate with the Road Captain that there is a separation in the group and they will slow down or pull over accordingly allowing separated riders to rejoin the group.
Leaving the Group: We encourage all riders to stay with the group for the duration of the ride. If you must leave the group, please communicate your intentions to leave the group at the Pre-Ride Meeting , a rest stop, or at the lunch destination. The Road Captain and Tail-Gunner will position you within the group to safely ease your departure. Please signal your intentions and exit the group at a left or right-hand turn depending on your position within the group. Do not cross another rider's path!
Filling Space: Do not cross another rider's path to fill in an empty spot. If a space is created by a rider leaving the group, always wait for the rider in front of you to the left or right to signal you to come past them and fill in an empty spot in the formation.
Hand Signals: We use a variety of standardized motorcycle hand signals. Most common are : Hazard in Roadway, Left Turn, Right Turn, Slow Down, Stop, Single Rile, Double File, and Turn Signal On. Please become familiar with the signals and their meaning. Always pass back hand signals even if you are unsure of what they mean.