Harford-Cecil County H.O.G.
ROAD RULES
The following tips are being offered to make all of you aware of the techniques that will allow a group of six (6) or more motorcycles to stay together, ride safely and enjoy the trip. Some of these tips may already be part of your everyday riding habits, but some may be new to you and will certainly make any group ride more enjoyable.
All participants are to arrive ON TIME and be ready to ride, including a FULL TANK OF GAS, bathroom stop, and motorcycle maintained, so as to have minimal problems.
The ROAD CAPTAIN is responsible for speed, lane changes, gas and food stops, and bathroom breaks. The Road Captain should be aware of the group he or she is leading and will schedule accordingly.
THE MAXIMUM SPEED OF ANY EVENT WILL BE TO KEEP UP WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC OR AS POSTED BY LAW!
Normal group formation for Harford-Cecil County Harley Owners Group will be STAGGERED, as it allows for a greater safety cushion between riders at all times. Normal space between riders will be between 2 to 3 seconds by count or the preferred method of seeing the rider's face that is in front of you in his rear view mirror. Riding 2-up will be at the discretion of the Road Captain leading the group. And only when signaled by hand (two fingers pointed upward) by the Road Captain and relayed back. This might be used for tightening the group when traveling in city traffic for instance.
Ride in 2-up formation to allow plenty of maneuvering room for all riders. Always stay in line with the bike in front of you and do not switch between the left and right side of the lane, no matter where the bike next to you may wander.
On mountains and curves, single-file formation when signaled by the Road Captain (one finger pointing upward) to allow plenty of maneuvering space until reaching a straight away, or until a 2-up signal (two fingers) is given by the Road Captain.
No racing past or switching positions. Stay in your starting positions unless signaled to change. NO CLOWNING AROUND. Remember, there are newer riders, we ride for fun and don't want anyone to get hurt.
Obey all signals of the Road Captain - he/she is your road boss. Always signal to the rider behind you by the use of hand signals from the person in front of you so that the information can be passed along. THIS IS IMPORTANT NOT ONLY FOR STOP AND TURN SIGNALS, BUT ESPECIALLY FOR ROAD HAZARDS THAT MUST BE AVOIDED. The first rider to spot a road hazard should identify it to those riding with you,, and pass the signal along.
Remember the "BUDDY SYSTEM" - If your riding partner has problems or needs to pull over, pull over with him, or signal the Road Captain so he can find a safe place to pull everyone over. In the event the problem cannot be resolved in fifteen minutes, the Road Captain or chapter officer will determine the next step. Also, if you decide to leave the group for any reason while the ride is in progress please be sure to notify the Road Captain or an assistant.
Group riding requires safe habits. Safety and fun is the number one rule, and endangering other riders will NOT BE TOLERATED. Anyone doing so will have a MAJOR discussion with chapter officers at the earliest, safest opportunity.
Keep a safe distance from the bike in front of you. KNOW THE STOPPING POWER OF YOUR MOTORCYCLE. Try to maintain a constant speed to avoid "rubber-banding."
Stay close to each other in the group through intersections and traffic lights, so that the group doesn't get cut in two. If there are outriders controlling traffic at an intersection, DO NOT stop unless directed by the outrider.
When leading a group, especially with traffic at intersections, always make sure that ALL riders in the group can make it through the intersection before pulling out, if, for any reason, all riders can't make it, pull over at the first available SAFE place to regroup.
The Harford-Cecil County Chapter of HOG does not use outriders at anytime!
Participants must be 12 years or older to participate on a motorcycle at any chapter event, and sign all waivers that apply.
THESE ARE THE RIDING PROCEDURES THAT WILL BE FOLLOWED BY OUR GROUP FOR THE PURPOSE OF SAFETY OF ALL PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN A RIDE WITH OUR CHAPTER.