HNM Group Ride Protocols

[John Moroney]

Helping New Motorcyclists formal group ride information

Different riding groups have different methods and procedures for conducting group rides. I
have laid out below a list of important things we incorporate into our group rides here in HNM.

1. Every group ride has a leader and a tail end charlie (TEC). If the numbers are higher, then a
TEC Support can be added as well. The TEC and TEC Support will wear high vis vests to be easily
identified. The TEC Support is there to take over if there is an incident where the TEC is needed
to provide assistance.

2. We ride steady... at or below the speed limit. This is the item that sets us apart from most
other groups. If you are only happy riding fast and furious then please do not join our group
rides.

3. We ride in staggered formation wherever it is appropriate. This is not a 'strict' rule but if
you're not riding staggered then you need to keep a safe following distance from the rider
directly in front of you. A staggered formation serves to increase your following distance.

4. Our group rides are primarily organised to assist confident learners and new riders. However,
anyone who enjoys riding steady is most welcome.

5. New learners need to have a reasonable level of confidence to join a formal group ride. You
need to be able to keep up with normal road speed limits and be able to negotiate turns and
bends ok. New riders should stick to one on one rides and small informal groups to build up
their experience first.

6. A personal supervisor is required to escort a learner to and from the ride. But during the ride,
all qualified riders assume a collective responsibility for supervising the learners on the ride.

7. Anyone can lead a group ride under the HNM banner, so long as you agree to adhere to this
list of guiding principles.

8. For larger groups we use corner markers. You are volunteering to be the next corner marker if
you are the bike directly behind the lead rider.

9. The ride leader will point behind when the next corner marker is required. The following bike
should stop on the side of the road, turn off the indicators and point the direction the ride is
taking at the intersection. Please don't get off the bike.

10. It is CRITICAL the the corner maker does not continue on until he or she sees the TEC
approaching. This is the cardinal rule for corner markers. The TEC will create a gap so the corner
marker can move back into the ride group.

11. No corner marker is required if the ride route continues straight ahead at intersections. This
is often the case at roundabouts.

12. A learner may mark a corner, but make sure a supervising rider stops with them. This
prevents the learner from being stopped alone on the road side, which might be considered a
breach of the rules.

13. Overtaking is ok so long as it is done safely and legally. We take a very dim view of people
who like to overtake dangerously crossing continuous centre lines or overtaking to the left of
another rider in the same lane.

14. It is the ride leader's responsibility to try and keep the group together. Gaps occur natually at
traffic lights or where there are slower riders. It's a good idea for the ride leader to occasionally
bring the ride to a temporary stop until he or she spots the TEC... the ride can then continue
without a break.

15. Patience is critical on our rides. Sometimes we are riding slower than we would if we were
riding alone. If this frustrates you, then best find another group to ride with.

16. Our rides are social events so bring a smile and word of cheer. We shake hands and hug lots.