Make sure you've checked your tire pressures, topped-off your gas and oil, and seen to it that everything is working properly. We'll discuss our route and planned rest/regrouping stops at the riders' meeting. Riders will be asked to pair up and keep track of their riding partner throughout the ride. If there's an odd number of riders, the odd person can partner with the group leader. If we have a big turnout, we will break into smaller groups of six to ten riders. Each of the smaller groups should have designated lead and sweep riders who can follow the route guide. It is advisable for each subgroup of riders to have detailed area maps, some basic tools and a cell phone. A GPS unit would be a bonus.
Our goals are to be safe and have fun. Each rider must assume responsibility for their own safety and comfort. Decide with your partner how fast you'll want to travel, especially in relation to speed limits. Remember, we're day-touring, not racing, so leave your ego at home. Riding alone is dangerous enough. The risks should not be increased by the people with whom you're riding. Squidly stunts, drugs, alcohol and riding beyond your ability invite carnage. Please think of our group as a team, and show respect for the other riders. If you can't ride safely, then don't ride with us!
Try to plan your fueling and restroom breaks for the rest/regrouping stops. However, it is better to ask the group to wait for you while you make detour to a gas station, than to get left behind. If you hit reserve before the next planned stop, let the group leader know that you'll be stopping at the next gas station by pulling alongside and pointing to your gas tank. That way, your riding group can stop at the gas station and wait for you.
Ride defensively! It's safer to assume that everyone else on the road is deaf, blind, stupid, crazy and homicidal. To increase your chances of being seen by someone who doesn't want to kill you, have your high-beams on, especially in areas where there are intersections. If you are moving with the flow of traffic and are right behind a car or truck, dim your headlight and stay on the left side of your lane. On a two-lane highway, slow drivers are more likely to pull over to let you pass if they see your headlight in both their left-side and rear-view mirrors.
While moving, ride in a staggered formation with the leader on the left side of the lane. Make sure to keep a large space cushion around you. Other riders may not see what you see. Scan as far ahead as you can, and don't blindly follow the riders in front of you. Your following distance needs to increase as your speed increases. Maintain at least a two-second distance behind the rider directly in front, and at least a one-second distance from the diagonal rider just ahead of you. Drafting is never acceptable on a road ride. Try to travel at a constant speed to avoid the rubberband effect.
Each rider is entitled to use their entire lane. Never pass or pull alongside another rider on turns! Maintain a high visual horizon and actively search for potential hazards at least 12 seconds ahead. Be prepared for anything around the next bend, and leave yourself a substantial margin for error. If your skills in cornering, swerving and braking are not up to par, please play it safe and slow down.
Please give some consideration to the riders behind you. For example, point out road hazards. If you've spotted some greasy road-kill, then point to it and reduce the risk of your buddies becoming road-kill themselves. Before passing slower moving vehicles, see if there is enough road visible ahead for your partner to also pass safely. If there isn't, it's better to wait for another opportunity to make the pass, rather than put yourself too far ahead of your partner. We don't want people feeling pressured to keep up, or taking chances in order to do so.
When passing traffic, the lead rider should pass first and then the other riders follow one by one, each taking their turn. Each rider should signal their intention to pass, look in their mirrors and do a head-check before pulling out of their lane. Don't just pass and then immediately move back into your lane. Remember, there are other riders behind you that are going to be passing. If you inadvertently block their path by slowing too early or staying on the left side of the lane, you will be putting them at risk. Pass quickly, giving the vehicle you are overtaking plenty of room, and don't slow down until you are sure that you've allowed enough room for other riders to follow.
Staying with your riding partner when passing slow-moving vehicles on a long section of twisties can be difficult. After you've made your pass and allowed enough room for another rider behind you, choose a pace that lets your partner easily catch up after they have passed. Cross intersections individually, not as a group. If you're separated from your partner because of traffic or changing signal lights, you may need to pull over at the first safe location you come across. Remember, getting there is far more important than how long it takes to do it!
One final point: If you are not having fun, are not feeling up to par, or things just don't seem to be going the way you'd like, then please trust your feelings. Let your riding partner know that you want to break off from the ride, and then do whatever is necessary to get yourself home safely. Your partner should let the ride leader know that you've bailed at the next regrouping stop.