Ride With Tank

Riders should ride in a friendly and courteous manner, showing respect for other road users and refraining from altercations whenever possible.It is the responsibility of riders to insure their capacity to ride is not impaired by alcohol or other influences. In the interest of the welfare of the group a member will be banned from joining a ride if the group feels that member’s capacity to ride safely has been impaired.

Bikes must be roadworthy, gassed up and ready to ride. Riders should assemble at least ten minutes before take off time at which time ride details will be given including route map, contact numbers, scheduled stops, etc.

 Riders should not overtake the lead bike. If the lead bike is accidentally passed in traffic, the erring bike should slow down and allow the lead bike to pass and then safely rejoin the pack

 Recognizing different levels of riding ability and capacity of bikes, riders should ride within their comfort zone. Lead bike and sweeper will endeavor to set a pace appropriate to traffic and road conditions.

Group riding is to be enjoyed by all and is not a race. Riders should stay together as a group to improve visibility, safety and enjoyment. Riders should adopt the “buddy” system by keeping a close watch on bike directly in front and the bike directly in back, watching for mechanical problems, rider fatigue, etc.

Many states require helmets and the group encourages riders to wear them, but it is up to each member to choose to wear or not to wear a helmet.  Many times the group decides to take a different route home that involves passing through a state that requires helmets.  Do not become a burden on the group by not having a helmet with you.

Riders who choose to ride in a group must do just that, ride with the group. If a navigational mistake is made (e.g., missed turn or exit), continue with the group until the error can be safely corrected. Formation is mandatory. Most of the time riders should be in a staggered formation.  In heavy, slow moving traffic a side by side formation is acceptable and many times preferred.  Twisty back roads call for riding single file with plenty of space between bikes to allow each of the riders the ability to use all the road.  Be particularly careful about following distance under these conditions – you do not want to rear end the person in front of you when he brakes much harder in a turn than you are willing or able to.

Maintain approximately two bike lengths between bikes, weather and road conditions permitting.  If a vehicle wants to break through the group on a multi-lane road, give them space to safely do so.  Close formation once the vehicle has exited the lane. If the vehicle does not move, cautiously and carefully pass to reform. Bikers do not own the road. Be considerate of other vehicles. Give them space.

Maintain a steady pace with as few dramatic speed changes or sudden moves as possible.  Changing lanes on a freeway should be done from the rear then moving forward to the clear lane.  Ride as if your motorcycle were as long as the entire group.  If two groups merge, let the lead group lead.  Motorcycles with sidecars (and trikes) ride at the rear of the group.

 Be extra cautious when rain first begins to fall.  The road is slickest at that time. Avoid riding in the “glossy” (oil stained) area of the road at all times, but especially in the rain.

Stones on the road are dangerous…be careful.  Gravel acts like ball bearings on a hard surface.  Avoid potholes when you can safely do so. Potholes can damage bike rims, and cause accidents. Signal others with a finger pointing down of road hazards.

The group is not responsible for accidents, injuries, thefts, etc. Each individual is responsible for any violation of the law. Riders ride at their own risk.  Everyone should meet before and during the ride regularly to pass along information. If you do not understand something, get clarification.  Experienced riders should get to know riders with whom they are riding. Encourage new riders to be cautious, and to ride at the group pace, but not unsafely or beyond their comfort level.  Everyone should ride to the ride destination maintaining formation. If you do not wish to stay with the group at the end of the ride, wait until all bikes are parked before you leave the group.  If you leave your place in the group, re-enter at the rear.  Riding in an unsafe manner with a group should not be tolerated. The safety of the group is everyone’s responsibility. Showoffs should not ride in a group.

Our reason to ride is simply to have fun, but our first obligation is to always ride safely.  Try to cause as little disruption to the group as possible.  If the group stops at a gas station, fill your tank unless you are certain someone who is filling their tank will run out of gas before you do.  If the group is at a rest area take advantage of this stop to get a drink or to relieve yourself.  If you do need to make an unplanned stop, do not be afraid to signal the group that you need a stop.  Everybody needs to make an unexpected stop from time to time, but it is frustrating when someone signals they need gasoline when we just left a gas station 20 miles back.

Click the thumbnail below for a image of hand signals.