MC Group Rides
Ride your own ride. You are responsible for your safety, your speed, your route and the safety of those around you. No alcohol consumption when riding, ever.
Carry and share your ICE data. Carry your “In Case of Emergency” (ICE) contact information. Share it and share your real time location (via Goggle maps, a locator device (SPOT) etc.) with your ICE contact and someone on the ride.
Sub-group. Riders enjoy different routes and different speeds. Consider breaking into sub-groups.
Self-sort according to speed. If you notice a rider behind who wants to get by, when it’s safe, slow down and wave them around, or, anticipate you’ll be passed when it is safe. Conversely, if you are following a rider going slower than you’d prefer, wait for a safe spot, signal your intent and pass with a safe margin. Don’t terrorize your buddies with high speed, hare brained passes. A self-sorted line of riders will naturally form and everyone’s ride will be more fun.
Don’t crowd the rider in front of you. Assuming conditions allow, ride in a staggered formation with at least two seconds travel time between you and the rider ahead. Never ride beside or overlap another rider. If the rider in front of you signals a maneuver, repeat the signals for the benefit of those behind you. Abrupt, unanticipated actions have the potential for chaos.
Ensure the rider behind you is still there. Check your mirrors regularly. If you don't see them for a couple minutes, slow a bit until you do. If they don't show up, stop where it is safe and wait. Double back if necessary. Or, if the route takes a non-obvious turn, ensure that the rider behind you sees you turning. If necessary, stop at the turn where it is safe, make yourself visible and wait for them to arrive and acknowledge the turn.
If you decide to stop, choose a spot where everyone can get totally off the road. Signal your intent way in advance. Use turn signals, hand signals and smoke signals. Make your intent obvious and pull completely off the road. Never stop on the roadway. If you decide to leave the group ride, let someone know in advance so the group doesn't panic when your disappearance is discovered.