Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® Chapter 32-5 Group Riding Operating Procedures

Version A, 1 June 2023

1. Introduction

     a. The purpose of this Group Ride Standard Operating Procedures, hereinafter referred to as the GRSOP, is to           provide a document in accordance with 32-5 bylaws and Ride Captain Operating Procedure. This GRSOP is set           in place to improve safety and provide guidelines and standards for chapter group riding.

     b. As a responsible member of our 32-5 Family, each member will read and familiarize yourself with the                information contained in this GRSOP. Road Captain(s) will provide guidance and education for anyone                requesting it and “REAL TIME” constructive feedback as needed.

     c. This GRSOP will be a living document. As required, it will be amended and changed to ensure                     continued safe group riding. This document is not all inclusive therefore open communication and                     ongoing education is critical. Individual group riding experience and skill varies greatly. No chapter                     member should be made to feel disrespected or demeaned if they don't have experience. Everyone                should feel comfortable to ask questions and improve their skill set. Everyone, no matter experience,                should be open to discussing any situation that may arise during a group ride. To improve safety and                awareness in unpredictable riding environments we must all understand the basics and communicate               openly.

2. #1 or Lead Position      

     a. The Road Captain will lead the ride. If present, Chapter Commander will ride in the # 2 (Deuce)                     position. If the Chapter Commander has been a 32-5 Road Captain and has proven consistent                          competency, he/she can act as Lead Road Captain. i. “Consistent Competency” is determined by Road                Captain Cadre.           

     b. If the group is smaller than 8 riders the Road Captain can defer #1 position to Chapter Commander.

     c. Responsibilities

          i. Road Captain Responsibilities

               1. Overall safety of riders

               2. Complete pre/post ride brief.

               3. Pre-Ride Brief will cover at a minimum the following

                    a. Ride Plan

                    b. Known Hazards or road conditions

                    c. Formation, following distance and lane change procedure

                    d. Lead group in a safe, well organized, and disciplined manner

                    e. using sound judgment during changing and unforeseen challenges.

                    f. Consult with other riders if destination or route is unfamiliar.

               4. DO NOT INTERRUPT ROAD CAPTAIN WHO IS PRESENTING A RIDE BRIEF.

               5. If you have input, please indicate to Road Captain with an appropriate hand gesture and wait.

3. #2 or Deuce Responsibilities

     a. Set interval/spacing example

          i. Assist Lead Road Captain with assessing right side of group for lane changes, oncoming traffic, and                merging when Road Captain's vision is blocked.

4. Mid Road Captain Responsibilities (IF designated by Road Captain)

     a. Assist Lead Road Captain in bringing to the attention of any rider misconduct, disorderly or unsafe riding, or           faulty/unsafe equipment.

          i. Be observant of any hazardous conditions or conduct, take immediate corrective action as appropriate,               and inform the Lead Road Captain at the earliest safe opportunity.

     b. In the event the group becomes split and is in trailing group, will assume the position of Lead Road Captain           for the trailing group until the group rejoins the lead pack.

          i. If the group becomes split and in the lead group, will assume the position of Sweep Road Captain for                the lead group until the group rejoins with the trailing pack.

     c. Will split the group on highways to allow cages to pass through the group and enter or exit the highway           safely.

5. Tail Gunner Road Captain Responsibilities

     a. Be observant of any hazardous conditions or conduct, take immediate corrective action as appropriate, and           inform the Lead Road Captain at the earliest safest opportunity.

          i. In the event the group becomes split and in the absence of a Mid Road Captain, the tail gunner will use                his best judgment to determine in which position (Lead or tail-gunner) to ride. Consideration will be                given to the experience of the group. (Is someone else is available that can assume either position?) How               safely the tail-gunner could move into the Lead position, how far apart the two groups are and how long                it would be before they could rejoin.

     b. Pull over with the rider due to a break down or an event that requires the rider to pull over to the side of           the roadway (unless First RC can pull over.)

     c. Should anticipate the Lead's next move. d. Should always signal the Lead at each stop sign, and throughout           the ride when necessary to show the Lead that the group is together.

6. Rider Responsibilities

     a. Be familiar with and observe all Chapter group riding procedures.

     b. Be on time, fueled up and TCLOCS performed

          i. Show up for each ride with a full gas tank (and an empty bladder).

          ii. Keep a properly maintained motorcycle.

     c. Listen to and follow the instructions of the Road Captain unless those instructions will put him or others in           an unsafe situation.      

     d. Pay attention at all times...minimize distractions. It is ALL rider's responsibility to maintain safety and                situational awareness.

          i. Be prepared for heat, rain, or cold weather, prepared to ride in these conditions comfortably and                     possibly all in the same day!

7. Post Ride brief will cover at a minimum:

     a. Any safety issues that were present

     b. Individual rider concerns. IE rider misconduct, disorderly or unsafe riding, or faulty/unsafe equipment. This           can be done in private or during post ride brief.

8. Riding Formations

     a. Staggered – Most rides are staggered unless deemed appropriate by Road Captain.

          i. 2 columns, 2 second gap with rider in front of you, 1 second gap with rider in front of you in adjacent                column.

          ii. Single column – Designated by Road Captain when conditions dictate. Weather, Road Conditions                     (sand/gravel, potholes, construction, etc.), road width, frequent curves, and at any time the Road Captain                deems for group safety.

          iii. Side by Side – When deemed safe by Road Captain for small groups, demonstration, or parade                     formation.

     b. Group Size

          i. General Rule should be no more than 8 total vehicles in one group. When more than 8 vehicles are           present the Road Captain (s) will determine whether to split in several groups and the composition of those           groups.

          ii. At the Road Captains discretion, one group larger than 8 can be formed if there are at least 2 Road                Captains present and they both agree it is safe to do so.

     c. Hand Signals

          i. Will be observed and passed back in a timely and visible manner. When the Lead Road Captain issues a                hand signal, he should hold the hand signal until the rider behind the Road Captain performs the signal.               Upon seeing the signal relayed back, the Road Captain may then resume riding with two hands. Each                subsequent rider will maintain the hand signal until the rider behind acknowledges receipt by also                     performing the hand signal.

          CAUTION: DO NOT MAINTAIN OR PERFORM ANY HAND SIGNAL IF SAFETY REQUIRES TWO HANDS ON                YOUR CONTROLS.

     d. Following Distance

          i. Two second distance from rider in front and one second distance from rider in opposite lane.                     Increased distance is just as unsafe as following too closely.

               1. You should be able to see the riders face in their mirror.

          ii. Rubber Banding effect makes leading the group difficult, it is EXTREMELY unsafe.

          iii. Riders who cannot maintain proper following distance may be asked to ride in the rear of the pack OR               behind the Tail Gunner.

          iv. The logic behind placing riders behind the Tail Gunner is rooted in safety for the entire group.

               1. If a rider cannot maintain proper following distance when placed in the back of the group, the                     Tail Gunner is forced to drop back. As the distance between the Tail Gunner from the Lead Road                     Captain increases, the ability to effectively communicate decreases. This directly effects overall                     safety.

     e. No Crossing Lanes in formation from column to column. Crisscrossing or moving to the opposite column           within the formation is frowned upon.

          i. If the spot in the opposite column becomes open, signal the rider behind you in the opposite column to                move forward.

          ii. The entire column should then follow moving up.

          iii. All riders should be diligent in maintaining lane integrity during this evolution.

          iv. Safely and without increasing speed excessively, fill in spaces and maintain staggered formation.

     f. No jackrabbit starts or heavy throttle leading to hard braking will be tolerated.

     g. NO RIGHT TURN ON RED

          i. This helps minimize the chance of broken group in high traffic areas.

          ii. However, as conditions dictate, it is at the discretion of the Lead Road Captain to initiate a right turn                on red. This will be indicated by a hand signal that the group will be moving forward.

     h. Lane Changes

          i. Lane changes may be performed for a wide variety of reasons including passing slower traffic,                     maneuvering the group into a lane where the traffic speed is the same as the group wishes to travel or in                preparation for turning onto an intersecting roadway or exiting a freeway. Lane changes should be kept                to a minimum and, whenever possible, should be well thought out in advance to minimize the disruption                to the group.

          ii. The Lead Road Captain will initiate lane changes by hand signal and with the motorcycle's turn signal.                Each subsequent rider will hold their position and pass the signal back. Upon receipt of the lane change                signal and when safe to do so, the Tail Gunner (Sweep Road Captain) will move into the middle third of                the new lane. Once Tail Gunner has taken the lane safely the group can begin lane change. THE LAST                ROW will start lane change followed by each row from BACK TO FRONT. Once the group is established in                the new lane, the Lead Road Captain will move over to the new lane last to make the lane change                     complete.

               1. Lane Change may be conducted from the front if the Lead Road Captain deems it necessary. If                     this occurs, the group will follow the row in front as it is safe to do so and return to position behind                     Lead Road Captain in proper formation.

               2. This maneuver may lead to a broken pack so Road Captain will adjust speed accordingly to allow                     all riders to return to formation. Tail Gunner will assist and ensure all riders are able to return to                     formation. Once the lane change is completed, the Tail Gunner will signal to Lead Road Captain to                     resume normal ride conditions.

     i. Incidents during travel

          i. Mechanical

               1. If you have mechanical trouble, safely make it to the shoulder by signaling your intentions using                     turn/hand signals if possible.

               2. Try to make controlled and deliberate movements.

               3. If you see a rider having trouble release the throttle to begin slowing but refrain from heavy                     braking if possible.

               4. As soon as possible, signal riders behind to slow down.

          ii. Accidents

               1. In the event there is accident within the formation, priority is to tend to riders first and direct                     traffic around group.

               2. Pull operable motorcycles to shoulder of the road.

               3. If moving injured riders to shoulder is not prudent, place road markers or motorcycles in lane at                     an appropriate distance down roadway to warn oncoming traffic.

               4. If a rider is down and needs medical attention refer to Attachment A – Down Rider Procedure

          iii. Group

               1. The group behind this incident will remain in place until a plan of action is established.

               2. The riders ahead of incident will pull off roadway at a safe point and establish communication or                     send one rider to recon situation.

               3. Road Captain and Tail Gunner Will take charge and provide direction.

     j. Drug and Alcohol

          i. Road Captain and CEB members with have final discretion when dealing with overindulgence and                     safety issues.

          ii. WE WILL NEVER LEAVE a brother or sister behind or allow them to ride solo.

          iii. If you have a concern, it is your responsibility to bring it to the Road Captain or a CEB member for                action.

          iv. Each situation is different; therefore, proper course of action will be determined at the time. However,                group safety is paramount and will always take precedence.

     k. New or unknown riders

          i. Any new or riders unknown to the Ride Captain will be required to ride in the rear of the group.

               1. This is not meant as disrespect but as a safety issue for the group.

               2. If you are bringing a new rider to a group ride, it is your responsibility to go over basic chapter                     riding guidelines.

               3. Additionally, the Road Captain will address new or unknown riders prior to ride to ensure they                     have a basic understanding of our guidelines.

     l. Cages

          i. Cages will be positioned behind Tail-gunner under normal riding conditions.

               1. Road Captain will determine if conditions warrant deviation.

     m. Hand Signals

          i. The diagram is an illustration for standard hand signals that our Chapter uses during formation and                group rides and is not all inclusive.

          ii. All riders should become familiar with these signals and must use them when needed to ensure a safe                ride.

          iii. Remember, our #1 priority is to ride safely. In order to ride safely as a group, we must communicate                while riding.

9. Tail Gunner

     a. The Tail Gunner is just as important to group safety as the Lead Road Captain position.

          i. Tail Gunner may change lanes without being signaled from Lead Road Captain.

          ii. Tail Gunner responsibilities dictate that he/she must be able to move freely in the rear of the group.                DO NOT FOLLOW THE TAIL GUNNER UNTIL SIGNALED FROM FRONT.

          iii. The Tail Gunner should know the route, pay attention to road conditions ahead of the pack and                     anticipate the Lead Road Captains choice of lanes.

          iv. When lanes merge, the Tail Gunner should move to that lane to prevent cars from moving up                     alongside and merging into the group.

          v. Additionally, if able, the Tail Gunner should anticipate slower moving vehicles ahead of the group and                move to the next lane to prevent vehicles from moving alongside the group giving the Lead Road Captain                a clear lane to move the group into.

               1. NOTE: With the exception of the Tail Gunner, no one is to change lanes until the Lead Road                          Captain signals to do so.

          vi. Follow Tail Gunner instructions It is the Gunner's responsibility to maintain group formation and safety                from the rear.

               1. The Gunner may move to the side of the group to indicate to riders to close the gap or fall out to                    the rear.

               2. The Gunner may signal for the pack to break up and follow for safety or other reasons. Riders                     must comply and do so in a safe manner. The signal to fall in behind the Tail Gunner is pointing                     down and directly behind.

10. TCLOCS      

     a. T - TIRES & WHEELS

          i. Tires Condition Tread depth, wear, weathering, evenly seated, bulges,

               1. embedded objects. Air Pressure Check when cold, adjust to load.      

               2. Wheels Spokes Bent, broken, missing, tension, check at top of wheel: “ring” = OK — “thud” =                     loose spoke, Cast Cracks, dents. Rims Out of round = 5mm. Spin wheel, index against stationary                     pointer. Bearings Grab top and bottom of tire and flex: No free play between hub and axle, no                          growl when spinning. Seals Cracked, cut or torn, excessive grease on outside, reddish-brown                          around outside.

     b. C - CONTROLS

          i. Levers and Pedal Condition Broken, bent, cracked, mounts tight, ball ends on handlebar levers, proper                adjustment. Pivots Lubricated.

          ii. Cables Condition Fraying, kinks, lubricate ends and interior.

          iii. Routing

               1. No interference or pulling at steering head, suspension, no sharp angles, wire supports in place.

          iv. Hoses Condition Cuts, cracks, leaks, bulges, chafing, and deterioration.

               1. Routing No interference or pulling at steering head, suspension, no sharp angles, hose supports                     in place.

          v. Throttle Operation Moves freely, snaps closed, no revving when handlebars are turned.

          vi. Battery Condition Terminals: clean and tight, electrolyte level, secure Vent Tube Not kinked, routed                properly, not plugged

     c. L - LIGHTS

          i. Headlamp Condition Cracks, reflector, mounting and adjustment system.

          ii. Aim Height and right/left. Hi beam/low beam operation.

          iii. Tail lamp/brake lamp Condition Cracks, clean and tight. Operation:

               1. Activates upon front brake/rear brake application.

               2. Turn signals Operation Flashes correctly. Front / Rear left and right

               3. Mirrors Condition Cracks, clean, tight mounts & swivel joints. Aim and

               4. Adjust Lenses & Reflectors Condition Cracked, broken, secure, no condensation.

               5. Wiring Condition Fraying, chafing, insulation. Routing Pinched, no interference or pulling at                          steering head or suspension, wire looms and ties in place, Connectors tight, clean.

     d. O - OIL

          i. Levels Engine Oil, Hydraulic Fluid Brakes, clutch, reservoir, or sight glass.

               1. Coolant Reservoir and/or coolant recovery tank, fuel Tank or gauge.

               2. Leaks Engine Oil Gaskets, housings, seals. Hypoid Gear Oil, Shaft Drive

               3. Gaskets, seals, breathers. Hydraulic Fluid Hoses, master cylinders, calipers. Coolant, hoses, tanks,                     fittings, pipes. Fuel Lines, valves, carbs.

     e. C - CHASSIS

          i. Frame Condition Cracks at gussets, accessory mounts, look for paint lifting. Steering-Head Bearings                Swing arm Bushings/Bearings Raise rear Suspension Forks smooth travel, equal damping, and anti-dive                settings.

          ii. Rear Shock(s) Smooth travel, equal pre-load/air pressure/damping settings, linkage moves freely and is                     lubricated.

          iii. Chain or Belt Tension Check at tightest point. Lubrication Side plates when hot. Note: don't lubricate                belts. Sprocket Teeth not hooked, securely mounted

          iv. Fasteners Threaded tight, missing bolts, nuts. Clips Broken, missing Cotter Pins Broken, missing.

     f. S - STANDS

          i. Center stands Condition, Cracks, bent. Retention Springs in place, tension to hold position.

          ii. Side stand Condition, Cracks, bent (safety cut-out switch or pad equipped). Retention Springs in                     place, tension to hold position.

11. Parking

     a. Riders should pull up to the left of each rider ahead, so that everyone can

          i. immediately back into the parking space without waiting. With a little experience, the whole group can                get parked quickly, which helps move everyone off the road efficiently.

          ii. When the group pulls into a parking lot, don't try to be creative. Follow the parking drill with everyone                else. Don't ride up behind the next rider, but pull alongside to the left, and immediately roll your                     machine back into the parking space.

Group Riding Standard Operating Procedure – Attachment A

SUBJECT: DOWN RIDER PROCEDURE

1. In the event of a down rider the following protocols are to take place

     a. Notify CEB member of down rider

          i. Commander, Executive Officer, Sergeant at Arms

     b. Stay with the rider and if rider is being taken to a hospital find out location of the hospital and meet rider at          the hospital.

     c. Stay with rider at the hospital and keeping CEB apprised of status on rider

     d. Do not leave the rider until CEB has given the all clear

     e. Do not post to Facebook messenger, Facebook, or any other services. This event is considered a blackout.

2. Notification to emergency contact      

     a. During blackout CEB will notify emergency contact of the down rider and give updates on where rider is and           who is with rider.

     b. AUX to meet family member and go with family member if needed to hospital

     c. CEB to meet family member at hospital and offer assistance as needed

3. Notification to state rep

     a. CEB will notify state rep regarding down rider and give update on rider

4. Visiting down rider and emergency contact

     a. CVMA member will notify CEB regarding visiting down rider while in the hospital

     b. AUX/CVMA offer support to emergency contact

     c. CEB to find out wishes of emergency contact regarding visiting and support after discharge

5. Keeping CEB apprised of status

     a. Emergency contact and/or visiting CVMA will keep CEB updated on status of rider

     b. CEB will keep state rep apprised of rider