Ride-outs and Safety
Whether you’re a new rider or an old hand it is always useful to update yourself on the latest techniques and ideas of group riding in the Thames Valley Chapter.
Remember The Ride-Out Rules
Rule 1.
If you join the ride-out, stick to the rules.
Rule 2:
Ride no closer than 2 seconds from the bike in front of you in your column.
Rule 3:
Only a fool breaks the two-second rule.
Rule 4:
Use the Buddy System and keep the column together.
Rule 5:
See And Be Seen: All bikes shall have their front and rear lights on at all times when moving.
Rule 6:
Do not break rank except by pre-arrangement, or in case of emergency or difficulty.
Rule 7:
If it ain’t safe - don’t do it!
Rule 8:
Do not leave your “drop off†position until indicated by the ‘Tail’
What is a Ride-Out?
A Ride-out is an organised motorcycle trip where we ride together as a group from specified start point(s) to specified destination(s). This may be simply for the pleasure of riding in company, or because we are visiting, say, a dealership or a venue, or we are participating in a larger HOG event. If the Chapter magazine, website or hotline says ‘make your own way there’, then this is not a ride-out and is not covered by this document.
Nevertheless, if you want to organise a small group to ride together, you can, and you should use these guidelines.
In all cases, we want everybody to;
Have fun and enjoy the ride and each other’s company;
Arrive safely, with no problems en route, and preferably together.
To achieve this, we’ve set out some simple rules and procedures in this document. We do not want to over police ride-outs, but make no mistake: a safe and successful ride-out requires discipline, control, restraint, concentration and constant alertness from everybody.
Rule 1. If you join the ride-out, stick to the rules.
If you don’t like the rules, it is better not to join the ride-out; you don’t have to and it doesn’t suit everybody. If you will be happier riding separately on your own or with friends, then by all means do so and meet the rest of us there.
If you can accept and observe the rules, a good ride-out can be a very rewarding and enjoyable experience.
There are few spectacles as impressive as Harleys moving en masse, and the only sound that’s better than a Harley engine is lots of Harley engines!
Who Organises Ride-outs?
Formal or Official Ride-Outs
Formal or Official Ride-Outs are announced in the Chapter magazine on the Chapter Board in the Thames Valley Dealership and/or via the Web or Chapter hot-line. They will be organised under the auspices of the Chapter Committee, Activities Officer and marshalled by one or more Road Captains with assistance from the Road Marshals.
Informal Ride-Outs
Any Chapter member may organise an informal ride-out. Any member who does so is advised to use these guidelines for their own safety and that of the group. Informal ride-outs may also be publicised on the hot-line, or on the Chapter Board (must state informal) but will not necessarily be led or marshalled by a Road Captain or Road Marshal. For a detailed document on planning and organising ride-outs; see the Safety Officer.
Don Wibberley: Thames Valley Safety Officer