Twin Valley Riders - Ride Guidelines
The breakfast and other group rides are planned to provide enjoyment and safety. We ride together to enjoy ourselves, the beautiful area in which we live, and each other’s company. We try to look out for one another. We expect members and guests to ride together as we hope to ride individually: within our skill limits and comfort range. Whoever is group leader (this is an ad-hoc deal, not a grandiose official position) expects riders to ride no faster than they are comfortable; the group will wait at planned stops for folks to catch up (and will investigate if they don't). We like to keep the TVR riding groups highly elastic and flexible, but have adopted the following common sense guidelines to promote a safe and pleasant experience for all involved.
- Come ready to ride.
Arrive with a full tank of gas. Most rides will include at least one stop for gas, but planning usually assumes everyone can make it 100 miles before needing gas.
- Make sure you and your bike are safe.
You are responsible for ensuring that your motorcycle is in a safe operating condition and that it will not pose a hazard to other riders or you. You should also have appropriate safety gear to protect yourself in case of an incident.
- Gather for the pre-ride meeting.
After breakfast watch for the ride leader to begin to gear up. Gather near him/her and listen to the planned route/direction. Ride leaders should inform the group of the next planned stop. Knowing where this is will allow you to rejoin the group if you are separated.
- Inform leader of any concerns.
If you are unsure of any aspect of the planned ride, ask. If you plan to depart en route, inform the group and line up ahead of at least one rider. If you are the last rider and need to depart, pass at least one rider before leaving so they will see you depart. If you feel you will be a slower rider, line up toward the rear of the pack. (Don't worry you won't get left behind, see 7 below)
- Ride your own ride.
You are responsible for your safety. Likewise any tickets you collect are your responsibility. If you are not comfortable with the pace of the rider in front of you, SLOW DOWN. If you wish to ride a faster pace and a gap is opening in front of the rider ahead of you, make a SAFE pass (not in a curve, careful head check, move completely into adjacent lane, etc.). If you feel you are holding up the rider behind you, you may wave him/her around at the next safe location.
- Maintain safe following distances.
Don't crowd the rider ahead of you. Most routes will be primarily on secondary roads,; allow a 2-3 second gap between you and the rider ahead of you. When on multi lane roads, maintain a staggered formation.
- You are responsible for the rider BEHIND you.
The ride leader can't keep track of any more than 4-5 bikes behind him/her. That means that we each have to watch out for the one behind us. If he/she stops or appears to have problems, then drop back or go back and see if help is needed. When you reach a turn, check your mirrors. DO NOT make the turn until you're certain the rider behind you sees you. At several points throughout the route, the leader will stop so that everyone can regroup.