Ride Guidelines

It is the aim of the Club to promote safe and enjoyable motorcycling. The Ride Leader and Sweeper on the day must promote and address these two primary objectives.

Due consideration should be given to both the standard of the group they are leading, as well as the pre-planned route. Adjusting the route may on occasions be a consideration if the predetermined schedule is not being achieved. The likelihood of this will be reduced if the route is pre-ridden at a reasonable pace.

Breaks every 1½ hours are essential to reduce fatigue, aid concentration and improve road safety.

Individual tank ranges must be taken into consideration.

Half day rides should not turn into whole day rides that start very early or finish very late.

On Arriving at Rendezvous

Ensure that all riders have fuelled up or at least have ample fuel to reach the first fuel stop.

Check for guests and new members - make yourself known to them, make sure they know you are 'in charge'. Verbally establish their riding standards, explain the Advanced riding system we adopt and the 'drop off' system.

An 'observer' (an experienced club member) is to be appointed to guests and new members. They are not allowed to overtake other members of the group until after the first stop, and then only after the agreement of the 'observer'.

Appoint Sweeper, discuss route, stops etc., keeping them informed at each break stop as to where you are planning to go next.

Ride Brief

1. Introduce yourself
2. Introduce your Sweeper.
3. Introduce guests / new members.
4. Explain the route, the stops and how far to the first fuel stop.
5. Explain the 'system of riding', in particular when guests and new members are present. Remind the group that when dropped off, riders should make themselves conspicuous when pointing the way.
6. Where guests and/or new members are present, explain to the rider that they are being 'observed' and will therefore not be overtaking other ride members until at least after the first stop.
7. Advise the group that overtaking is permitted between ride members as well as other road users, provided that this is done safely and courteously.
8. Advise the group that this is a ride and not a race, and that riders who wish to adopt a steadier pace should not obstruct those wishing to pass them.
9. Advise the group that it is not the Club's policy to flaunt speed limits.