How should I ride with a group?
1st- Never ride over your personal comfort zone no matter what.
2nd- Always be alert, scanning front to back and side to side for the unexpected
obstacles, other vehicles, and other bikers.
3rd - Watch for everything as you would if riding solo.
4th- Watch for hand signals given first by the Road Captain and passed back
through the group to the Tail Gunner at the end.
5th- Leave a 2 second space between yourself and the next biker in front of
and opposite side of your bike (stagger).
6th- Learn and use all appropriate hand signals.
7th- Relax and keep your speed down and the rpm's up to insure good traction
on your back tire. Otherwise you can low side your bike when cornering.
8th- Curves should be taken one bike at a time whether in stagger or single
file formation to allow enough radius for each bike to turn.
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Why should you ride in a staggered formation?
Safety issues: There are many unforeseen conditions that can arise while riding
such as: Animals, vehicles failing to yield right of way, debris on the road, unexpected
debris falling into your lane, oil spots, gravel, sand and more. Riding staggered
gives each biker time and space to react to the potential unexpected mishaps without
compromising or endangering the safety of his/her fellow bikers in the group.
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Why is riding in a group safer than alone?
The more visibility and number you have on the road the safer you are around other
vehicles. More noise from pipes also calls attention that something out of the norm
is near to approaching vehicles not always watching for others. Visibility includes
flags, clothing, lights and more. The best offense is a good defense.
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Why do most bikes have loud pipes?
To be heard by other vehicles whether riding as a group or solo. Most motorists
are not keenly aware of motorcycles unless they themselves have one. Loud pipes
have been proven to save lives.
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How will I be judged as a potential member wanting to join your chapter?
1st- Your riding style and ability to ride safely in a group without jeopardizing
the safety of others.
2nd- Are you S.T.A.R. quality. [See what we mean below]
3rd- Your willingness to participate in chapter events.
!-- STAR Quality --!
S = Safe, scenic, sensible group riding and family oriented fellowship
T = Teaching the public, our children and grandchildren about responsible biking
while promoting a positive image
A = Always willing to actively help others including members and those less fortunate
while promoting STAR. Always treating others equally and fairly.
R = Respect for others no matter their life style, beliefs, or opinions without
discrimination, dissention or arguments. Ready to protect, promote, and uphold the
Chapter Charter, By Laws and Guidelines.
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I have never ridden with a group can I still join?
Yes. You will be afforded at least 3 opportunities to ride with us on a trial basis
before being considered for membership in this chapter. You will also be partnered
with one of our experienced veteran members "Shepherd" to help you learn
the ropes. You may also receive extra help from other chapter members to bring you
up the speed, enhance your comfort zone, exchange tips and tricks for a particular
bikes features and more. This is to insure both your safety and those of our members.
When we all ride safely, we can return to ride again and again as a group and continue
to enjoy each others fellowship.
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I just bought my first motorcycle ever, will your chapter teach me to
ride?
No. We can give you tips, tricks, pointers, stories and more from our experiences
solo or as a group about riding safely. We do not have the expertise, time or formal
training to operate a school for new riders. We suggest that you contact the MSF
(Motorcycle Safety Foundation) They offer courses
on how to ride with highly qualified trainers. Once you have completed this course,
your license will be issued. In fact, taking the course will get you an extra discount
on motorcycle insurance with most companies.
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