Rules, Road Captains and Sweep riders

Phoenix DOB group rules, Road Captians, and Sweep Riders:

We are out here to have fun, but safety is always a priority. If you have been drinking or have taken any drugs, please do not ride with us.
You must have a motorcycle license.
Please have a full tank and an empty bladder in time for clutches out! ;>
We will, on occasion have beginner rides, and more experienced rides for those that want to "let it all hang out."

If we have a big group and come to some twisties, we may or may not separate into 2 groups; those that ride fast, and those that only think fast. ;> We will meet up again down the road. No pressure to ride fast if you are not comfortable doing so.

Road Captains:

Assist in planning routes for chapter rides.
Conducts short preride meetings and discuss the following:
Informs members of any hand signals used on our run or pointing with a foot for obsticles in the road. Please see hand signals for common signals used in group riding.
Discuss road etiquette, and safety within the group.
Goes over the route and any possible hazards that are known along the way. i.e. construction zones, etc. In some cases, Road Captains will distribute maps of the route.
Designates where the line should break in the event that another vehicle needs to merge in the lane.
For liability reasons, Road Captains do not "lead" the ride, but announce the meeting place, destination and time of departure. Everyone can be aware that the Road Captain will be the first to leave, and the rest of the group may choose to leave at the same time. All are traveling to the destination on their own and are responsible for their own safety and actions. As one member put it so aptly; You are all adults and licensed drivers. Each individual rides their own ride within the parametes of safety.
Road Captains may also ride in the middle of the group in case of separation in traffic, and they can also ride Sweep.

Sweep Riders:

Sweep Riders may also ride in the middle of the group in case of separation.
The backdoor sweep rider should ensure that no rider is left behind. If someone needs to pull over, or breaks down, the sweep rider stays with them until the issue is solved.
Sweep Riders should have cell phones, to communicate with the Road Captain, or to call for help if needed.
No rider is left behind!

Riders in the group:

Pass along any signals that come from the front or rear of the group. The riders at the back cannot see the signals from the front and vice versa.
Ride within your own limits.
Keep yourself safe while maintaining lane position.
Give up that position if your can't at least ride the at the speed limit, Dont let the group get separated.
Carry your own tools.
Carry water. This is the desert!
If you don't have the gas, don't continue the ride. Signal up the line that a gas stop is necessary. We'll pull over. We won't leave you behind.
In case of turning a corner and the group gets split by a light, the last one turning, should hold the next corner so the group catching up will know where to go. This is called "holding the corner". This will be discussed in the preride meeting.

Thanks to the national Dykes on Bikes email list and my local H.O.G. chapter for this compilation. Suggestions about any of the above are welcome: info@phoenixdykesonbikes.org

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