RIDING IN A GROUP

Before the Ride

Arrive prepared:

Fill up motorcycle tank

Download route onto GPS when available

Wear protective riding gear

Do pre-ride inspection of motorcycle

Pre-ride briefing:

Understand the route and any special arrangements - ask if not clear

Know who the ride leader, tail-end and marshals are

Understand where regroup, rest points and planned refuel stops will be

Select the group you wish to ride (as available)

Brisk

Leisurely

Dirt Road

On the Road

Ride in loosely staggered formation

Maintain a proper space 2 second space between riders

Position yourself in the wheel track opposite the rider ahead to have maximum visibility beyond – that is then slightly staggered but not completely to the left or right of the bike ahead in the lane

Do not lose sight of the bike behind you

Take responsibility for those following you at route changes of direction

The general rule at intersections is to proceed straight ahead unless a Marshal or other rider from the group indicates otherwise

The rider behind the leader will stop at the intersection until Tail End Charlie arrives, and then rejoin the group

Assist Marshals by letting them pass and being aware that they are there

Look out for, and show to rider behind, by hand or leg, hazards you note along the path

Transfer signals (indicators, hazard-lights or show hand/leg) back along the line

Move to the left and wave others past if you wish to maintain a different pace, always remaining between the Lead Rider and TEC

NEVER pass others on their left hand side

Ride within the group towards the front for a more consistent pace and towards the back if you wish to play “Catch-up” from time to time

More Riding Tips

Ride defensively – take every sensible precaution beyond just the legal ones

Be orderly and conservative – ride so as to prevent incidents despite errors made (yours and others) and despite adverse conditions

Exercise tolerance and restraint towards other road users

Make yourself highly visible – use reflective gear at night, use reflective tape on your bike, always ride with lights on, use the hooter ‘politely’

Know the controls and handling characteristics of your motorcycle, under a wide variety of conditions/circumstances

NEVER compromise on riding gear

SIPDE rule

Recognize hazards, understand their defense and act in time –:-

Scan

Look for trouble & hazards, see everything but stare at nothing

Identify

Pick out those things likely to cause you to change course

Predict

What is likely to take place & know the means of escape

Decide

What to do to avoid the hazard/s

Execute

Take the proper action (i.e. change direction and /or speed)

Shoulder check and check mirrors frequently

Give signals early enough for others to react – apply the 300m rule

Never

Ride in another vehicle’s blind spot

Apply a distinctly sequenced system of bike control

Hazard Practices

Course

Decide placement & speed to traverse the hazard

Look

Use mirrors and shoulder check to ensure it is safe to deviate

Signal

Show other traffic your intention to deviate

Place

Shoulder check and take up the correct position

Brake

Approach the hazard at a safe speed

Gear

Be in the correct gear to negotiate the hazard

Accelerate

Leave the hazard safely and smoothly

While Riding

Brake & shift gears in a straight line, apply brakes progressively with both front and rear together

Learn to use paced braking (in case you’re ABS fails or is switched off)

Turn by counter-steering

Push handlebar left and/or pull right – to go left

Push handlebar right – and/or left – to go right

Shift your weight into the corner

Look through the corner - as far as possible and plan for braking, turn-in, apex and exit points

Slow into corners – accelerate out

LOOK THERE – GO THERE

Look at the escape route around hazards, not the hazard itself