• All rides are led by a Lead Road Captain assisted by other qualified Road Captains – the Road Captain riding at the back of the pack is called the Sweep Road Captain & there are normally Middle Road Captains also.  They will serve as Lead Road Captain should the riders become separated.

• The Lead Road Captain will give a pre-ride briefing which will include the route, gas and rest stops, a review of riding rules, an introduction of Road Captains for the ride, mention of any hazardous conditions discovered on the pre-ride and the destination plan.  The Lead Road Captain will also review the group riding guidelines.

• Manchester rides in a double row, staggered formation – the Lead Road Captain will ride in the left hand side of the lane and the next rider in the right hand side and so forth.

• Riders will maintain at least a 2 second distance from the rider directly in front of them and 1 second behind the rider to their right or left.  The actual distance will increase as speed increases – Note:  if you can not see the face of the rider diagonally in front of you in their mirror, you are too close.  You are in their blind spot.

• You “own” your entire lane – if a rider needs to swerve to avoid an obstacle or use another line through a corner the lane must be clear.  Do NOT slide up on the bike in front of you!

• If gaps occur in the formation, (example; when people leave the ride) maintain your position, do not change sides or  try to pass the rider in front while riding,  as this is dangerous (remember that the rider in front of you “owns” the whole lane) --  at the next stop, simply slide up to fill in the slot -- it will automatically sort itself out.

• Hand signals will be used as appropriate – these will be demonstrated at the pre-ride briefing,

• Riders should try to maintain their starting position in the group for the entire ride.  This will allow them to become comfortable with the riding style of those riders around them.

• No one will be expected to ride beyond his or her comfort level. 

• Manchester H.O.G does not block lanes at stop signs and traffic lights.  Do not run red lights or stop signs in an attempt to remain with the pack. If riders become separated the LRC will either slow down or stop and wait until the ride is reunited.

• If a rider has any problems they are encouraged to approach either the Lead Road Captain on a ride or any other available Road Captain.  A problem cannot be solved if it is not addressed.

• Ride your own ride:  do not be tricked into being a lemming & blindly following the rider in front of you.  Remain aware – you are responsible for your own safety!

• All rides end at the destination.  Every effort will be made to ensure that all riders know where they are and how to get back from a destination.  However it’s always a good idea to carry a map of the local areas in case you are separated on the return.

• If there is a problem or a breakdown, the Sweep Road Captain will stop with the disabled bike and all other riders will continue on with the Lead Road Captain to a safe location before stopping.

•  Manchester rides are drug and alcohol free events.

Manchester Chapter Alcohol Policy