Group motorcycle riding is a great experience when common sense, respect for other riders, and safety prevail. Please review these riding rules and tips for your personal and group riding safety.

The following are a set of common sense rules to make riding in a group workable and relatively safe:

You

  • Do not mix alcohol and motorcycle riding at any time, especially when riding in a group.
  • You must be licensed to ride the bike you are riding.
  • Everybody is responsible for his or her own safety on the ride.
  • The ride will be on public roads therefore road rules apply. You break them at your own risk.
  • You will not see any grandstands beside the road and there are no trophies at the end of the day. There are no flag marshals indicating what is around bends, nor is there an ambulance handy. The ride is NOT a race. Irresponsible riders will be asked to leave the ride.
  • No attitudes while with the group. Motorcyclists are a very diverse bunch, we all share the love of riding.
  • Every ride will have a lead rider. If you want to overtake the lead rider then please move on ahead and don’t stop until the next stop.
  • Every ride will have a tail end rider. The tail end rider will not overtake the last rider; so feel free to ride at your own pace. There is no need to keep up with faster riders.

Your Bike

  • Your bike must be registered and roadworthy. Do a personal and bike safety check before beginning a ride. Bikes should be in good running condition before riding (anytime).
  • Be fuelled up and ready to go at the advertised start time.
  • Please ensure you have:
    • Suitable tools for minor repairs;
    • Puncture repair supplies (and preferably, know how to use it!)
    • A map or GPS unit.

Riding

  • Listen carefully to the route description before the ride so you understand and can name where the group is going. If you don’t know where you are going, buddy up with somebody that does know and who preferably rides at a similar speed.
  • If you are a novice rider or never ridden in a group before, talk to one of the ride organisers about buddying up with somebody.
  • Know hand signals, and pay attention to them. Signals are passed back by every rider so that everyone is informed. Be certain it is a real signal, and not a wave to a passing motorcycle.
  • Maintain a steady pace with as few (dramatic) speed changes or sudden moves as possible.
  • Remember you are riding in a group, so be conscious of other rider’s differing abilities and need for space. Do not ride close behind another rider. If you want to go faster than them, wait for a safe overtaking opportunity and then overtake.
  • Conversely, if you believe the rider behind wishes to get past, stay left and indicate (with your foot) that they should pass.
  • If you think you are lost, slow down and let somebody that knows where to go pass you. Eventually the tail rider will catch up and guide you.
  • Continue on the same road at all times, unless you see a corner marshal indicating (usually with their indicators, or by the direction of their bike) the direction you should take.
  • If you are requested to mark an intersection, do not leave that point until the tail end rider or a corner marshal indicates to you to leave it. Failure to follow this rule results in people getting lost.
  • If you wish to leave the ride at any time just TELL SOMEBODY, preferably the ride leader, or one of the ride organisers that you are going. We don’t want to spend hours looking for you.

Weather and Road Conditions

  • Ride to the conditions and to your ability.
  • Consider the potential for changing weather and light conditions; carry suitable apparel for bad/cold weather and low light.
  • Be extra cautious when rain first begins to fall. The road is slickest at that time.
  • Avoid riding on the “glossy” (oil stained) area of the road at all times, but especially during or after a rain.
  • Stones + gravel on the road are dangerous: They behave like ball bearings.
  • Mechanical/electrical breakdowns can happen to any motorcycle. Designate someone to help, or have someone with a tool kit and mobile phone stop to help the problem motorcycle. Other riders should continue the run.

Accidents

  • In the event of an accident, pull over with the group where it is safe to do so!
  • Do not panic stop or rush to the scene as this may cause more problems. If necessary, provide traffic management to ensure safe passage for other vehicles
  • Do not move an injured person or remove their helmet.
  • Call Emergency services as quickly as possible
  • Administer first aid if appropriate

By joining our rides you agree to abide by these rules. If you disagree with those rules, we won’t take it personally if you decide not to join us.