Group Riding Tips
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The group should ride in staggered formation unless otherwise indicated by the lead road captain.
- Maintain a two second interval between you and the rider directly in front of you.
- Do not change your position within the lane, i.e.: if you are in the left side of the lane, do not move to the right
side of the lane. If a gap develops due to a departing bike,
the space can be left open, or the rider in
line behind moves up to fill the space. Each rider in that lane position should move up sequentially as soon
as it is safe to do so. A stop light or stop sign is the most logical place to do this as you are generally moving up
to a side-by-side formation at that time anyway.
- When making a left or right turn, maintain your position within the lane. For instance, if you are in the left side
of the lane, and making a right turn, stay in the left side through the turn. "Left turns accentuate the
stagger formation, and a right turn inhibits stagger" (Dave Hansen, Waterford HOG. Group Riding
Techniques).
- If you are a new or inexperienced rider, let the road captain know so you can be placed towards the front of the
pack. If you think you will not be comfortable with any portion of the planned ride, let the road captain(s)
know before leaving.
Let the road captain know if you intend to leave the group before the end of the ride.
Passing (Freeway or Interstate) – The group may
pass as a unit when safe and legal. The Primary RC (Lead) will signal the
lane change when the entire group can change and pass as a unit. The other
riders will follow this lead, signal and move one at a time. (This is the
recommendation per the MSF Guide to Group Riding)
The Primary RC may direct you at the pre-ride
presentation that the Sweep on the ride will capture the lane for the group.
Even in that case, do not move when the Sweep moves, wait and move when the
Primary RC (Lead) moves.
Passing (2 lane Highway) – The group should pass
one at a time as it is safe and legal. (This is the recommendation per the
MSF Guide to Group Riding)
The Primary RC may direct you at the pre-ride
presentation that the Sweep on the ride will capture the lane for the group.
Even in that case, do not move when the Sweep moves, wait and move when the
Primary RC (Lead) moves.
Tips for Ferry Travel
-
Always wait your turn at the ticket booth. Do not ride around vehicles that are actively purchasing tickets for the
current or next ferry unless directed by a dock worker. If unsure how to proceed, ask the person in the ticket booth.
It is not necessary, however, to sit in line with automobiles on hold.
- Wait for the dock worker to direct you before boarding. Motorcycles are treated as an HOV vehicle. If the ferry is
already loading when you arrive, the workers will make every attempt to load you on that one.
- Use caution when embarking and debarking; watch for water on the ramps and on the ferry. Some ramps are metal grates and
can be challenging when wet. Watch for oil and other fluids left behind by automobiles (and other bikes).
- Keep your bike in first gear while parked on the ferry. Keeping your bike in gear will help keep it stable while the
ferry is in motion. (Remember to put it in neutral before starting your engine!) Do not start your engine until
directed to do so by a ferry worker.
- Keep your bike on the kickstand until the ferry has completely docked. In case of a hard "docking" it
could keep you and your bike from falling over.
Motorcycle Safety Classes
The Motorcycle
Safety Company's primary goal is to provide the best possible
motorcycle training experience for both novice and experienced riders in
a fun environment. Phone: 206-838-1010
http://www.motorcyclesafetycompany.com/
The Evergreen Safety Council website offers class descriptions and dates for Motorcycle Safety Training in
beginner, advanced, sidecars and trikes. Their phone number is 206-382-4090 or 1-800-521-0778. Check ‘em out on
the web: http://www.esc.org/cycle.html
Rider's Edge- The Harley-Davidson Academy of Motorcycling.
Classes now offered at Harley Davidson of Seattle. Start
your adventure today and register for the Rider's Edge New Rider Course. Call
425-921-1100 or send
an email Or <Click
here> for more info. Find out when the next classes will
start.
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