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UMME Mansfield Road Rules

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1.   Ride in a Precise Formation: As road conditions permit.
a.) Standard formation will be staggered riding positions.  The Road Captain (R/C) will ride in the left side of the lane with the second rider behind and in the right side of the lane (distance adjusted by road speed and traffic conditions) and third rider in the left and so on for the entire group.

b.) As road conditions change (bad road services, curves etc.)  the R/C may signal for single file (left arm up – one finger) and then return to staggered formation when safe (left arm up – two fingers).

c.) It is important to stay grouped as tight as road conditions, speed and traffic safely permit. 

d.)  If you have not ridden in this group formation or you are uncomfortable in any way with riding in formation discuss this with the R/C or Sgt-at-Arms before the ride.  You will be placed in a position where you will be comfortable and maintain the safety of the group.

e.) On all large group rides the R/C and the Sgt-at-Arms will be in communication by radio. If the R/C or Sgt-at-Arms are not so equipped the number two bike and the bike in front of the Sgt-at-Arms should have radios.

2.   Execute Signals and Turns Properly.

3.   Do Not Fool Around: No horseplay when riding with the group.   Any member observing another member fooling around in formation should bring it to the attention of the R/C or Sgt-at-Arms.

4.   Riding Positions:
a.)   While on any run, the R/C will ride in front.   The President may ride just behind the R/C.  In the absence of a R/C who ever the President appoints will ride point.

b.) The Sgt-at-Arms will ride at the rear unless otherwise directed by the R/C.   The Sgt-at-Arms will be responsible for holding a lane open while making a lane change.   He will also assist any member who may break down or fall behind.   The R/C and Sgt-at-Arms will operate as a team and watch for problems within the group.   Watching for all signals and seeing the need for changes are major parts of the Sgt-at-Arms job.

c.) Line up for a ride as follows: R/C, President, full color wearing members, followed by, prospective members, and non-members. Bringing up the rear, the Sgt-at-Arms. Once you are in a position, keep it for the remainder of the ride unless instructed to change by R/C or Sgt-at-Arms.

d.) The R/C will give instructions to all riders prior to the start of a ride.   This will include, if known, the name, address, and phone number of the destination.   When you arrive at the destination point, check in with the R/C.

e.) Each member shall make it his business to know the route to be taken.


5.   Use Common Sense At All Times:
a.)   Anticipate your next move as well as those of the group.

b.) We are all aware of the proper safety procedures and the need for them.   Let us exercise caution, at all times, and obey all traffic regulations.

c.) With regard to remaining alert, as one of a group, you must remember that the R/C from time to time will be giving a hand signal to execute a maneuver (pass slow moving vehicle, make a turn, etc.).   He will be taking into consideration the size of the group and the distance necessary to get the club from one lane to another safely.   Each member's assistance in executing the maneuver safely and smoothly will be of great help.   Sgt-at-Arms will help the group by getting out into the lane following the forward R/C's signal.   By doing this he will help secure the chance to execute the maneuver freely and safely.   Stay in position during any lane change or direction maneuver.

6.   Leaving The Group: If stopped, let your intentions be known to the R/C or Sgt-at-Arms. The Sgt-at-Arms will remain with the stopped rider.  The convoy will be pulled into the nearest and safest rest area.   The R/C and/or members he designates will return to the stopped rider.   After ascertaining the problem, the R/C will then decide when to get the group on its way as soon as possible and make arrangements to have the stopped rider and his bike taken care of, if necessary.

7.   Gas Stops: Get to know your machine's cruising range with regard to gas.   Running out of gas or making gas stops with large groups is time consuming.   Therefore everyone will arrive for the rides with a full tank of gas and will top off their tank at every gas stop.   This will avoid staggered gas stops and possibly save time.

8.   Bike Maintenance: Maintain it carefully, this is considered a must.   One person failing to check for loose wires, shorts, dead batteries, worn tires, or worn chains/belts, can take away from the pleasure of the club ride.

9.   Wearing Apparel: It is strongly urged that on club rides each member wear his club   colors. He/She should also wear the proper clothing when riding.   Helmets are preferred.   Strict adherence to these guidelines will provide for a long, successful and safe riding season.  

Parts copied from The Blue Knights Motorcycle Club Road Rules and printed with their permission and blessing.
Thank you