Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® Chapter 32-5 Road Captain Operating Procedures

Version A, 1 June 2023

Purpose:

The Road Captain Operating Procedures, hereinafter referred to as the RCOP, will provide a document in accordance with Chapter 32-5 bylaws and Group Riding Operating Procedure. This RCOP is set in place to define the duties of the Chapter Road Captains (RC).

1. Welcome! and Thank You! You have just volunteered for the most challenging and rewarding position within the CVMA®. Once you have been appointed or elected as a Road Captain, you will have joined an elite team that plans, organizes, and executes CVMA® rides. The following guidelines have been developed to give you a basic understanding of the responsibilities and recommended qualifications expected of Road Captains. The methods employed will help standardize ride procedures and ensure everyone's safe return home after an enjoyable ride.

     a. Duties and Qualifications of the Road Captain

          i. Road Captains are Ambassadors of CVMA®.

          ii. The leader of a group of CVMA® motorcyclists and guests on a CVMA® ride

               1. Must have a valid license with a motorcycle endorsement

               2. Must have current state required insurance

               3. Has successfully completed an MSF Rider Course

               4. Experienced and proven to be proficient in fundamentals of group riding

               5. Promotes safe riding practices

2. Responsibilities as a Road Captain

     a. Implement CVMA® 32-5 Road Captain guidelines to the best of his/her ability

     b. Ensure safe travel to include appropriate speed, group control and communication

     c. Maintain control of the group – resolves problems promptly and tactfully

     d. Enforces CVMA® and CVMA® 32-5 policies

     e. Oversees accident scenes

     f. The Road Captain may assign someone to be the Deuce and Tail-gunner (assigning a Road Captain as           Deuce or Tail-gunner will depend on the number of Road Captain available on a particular ride)

     g. Will instruct any rider to ride in a specific position within the group, or leave the group entirely, for                reasons of misconduct, disorderly or unsafe riding, or faulty/unsafe equipment.

     h. During rides, the senior Road Captain shall act as a ranking association officer, deferring only to the                Commander, Executive Officer or Sargent at Arms, if present, when addressing non riding situations.

3. Responsibilities as a Deuce

     a. The Deuce rides in the formations second position to right of Lead Road Captain.

     b. This position is reserved for ranking CEB member on ride or a Road Captain in training depending on           the ride.

     c. Actively participate in the pre-ride coordination.

     d. Assist the Road Captain in determining when the group is prepared to depart.

     e. During the ride, the Deuce should work to maintain the required spacing between Lead and Deuce.                Thereby setting the example for the entire group.

     f. Act as the Lead Road Captain’s eyes when he cannot see to right of group.

     g. Supports the Road Captain.

4. Responsibilities as a Tail-gunner

     a. Actively participates in the pre-ride coordination.

     b. The Tail-gunner rides in the formations last position.

     c. If an individual rider in the group pulls out of the group and gives the thumbs down signal, the                     Tail-gunner will also pull out to assess the situation. The Tail-gunner will give assistance to the rider and           return to the group when possible.

     d. In concert with the Lead, the Tail-gunner will protect the group from the rear during lane changes.

     e. Will guide the group to maintain interval, lane position and speed during ride when safe to do so.

     f. Supports the Road Captain.

5. Things to consider when reviewing intended route

     a. Adjust start times and route accordingly for rides going to a rally or festival

     b. Determine rest, fuel, food and point of interest stops

     c. Plan fuel stops to accommodate smallest tank

     d. If rider’s bikes are not known plan for 100-mile fuel range.

     e. Identify potential problem areas (e.g., congestion, rush hour)

          i. Road construction and detours.

          ii. Poor parking at intended stops.

          iii. Review weather reports before ride and monitor weather during ride.

     f. Use map software to create a route with directions and sharing this with the CPRO to publish on the                Chapter website and/or social media when possible or prudent to do so.

     g. Pre-ride if possible.

6. Responsibilities on Ride Day

     a. Show up at least 30 minutes early and assess the group noting the motorcycles and riders make                appropriate alterations to ride plan as necessary.

     b. Motorcycles

          i. Note the bikes with small fuel capacity.

          ii. Visual inspections of motorcycles for potential of mechanical failure or safety problems.

     c. Riders

          i. Greet them!

          ii. Try to identify new or inexperienced riders before the pre-ride briefing.

          iii. Determine the riders experience level from personal knowledge of rider preferences and                          requirements or other Road Captains experience with the rider.

     d. Pre-Ride Briefing

          i. Review riding standards:

               1. Staggered position and safe distance

               2. Highway entrance and exit

               3. Lane changes

               4. Single file procedures

               5. Hand signals

               6. Mechanical breakdown procedure

               7. Introduce Tail-gunner, Deuce and other Road Captains.

               8. Explain the ride, destination, stops and any technical portions.

               9. Brief route and speed of travel.

               10. Give ride specific safety brief (in town, interstate, current weather etc…)

               11. Make it clear that everyone is responsible for the mechanical safety and safe operation of                     their own bikes

               12. Encourage use of the buddy system where two riders will inspect each other’s motorcycles                     in more detail before departure.

               13. T-CLOCS

                    a. Tires & wheels

                    b. Controls & cables

                    c. Lights

                    d. Oil & fuel

                    e. Chassis

                    f. Side stand

               14. Be sure to clearly state to all riders that they need to “Ride their Ride.” Ultimately safety is                     an Individual responsibility.

               15. Locate and brief first aid kits.

               16. Provide Road Captain cell number.

7. Forming the Group

     a. Establish groups in appropriate numbers based on situation and in accordance with 32-5 Group Riding           SOP

     b. Pair riders -- inexperience with experience if possible.

     c. Perform a bike count and a passenger count (Leave No One Behind!)

8. Riding

     a. Pull out from the staging area when all riders are ready, preferably with a right turn or at a light

     b. Maintain a steady speed to prevent yo-yoing within the group, use cruise control whenever possible.

     c. Never make erratic or sudden moves or stops except in an emergency.

     d. Try to cross grated bridges in single file.

     e. Obey all traffic laws and traffic control devices.

     f. Note white vs. yellow speed limit signs.

     g. Be alert and signal the group when road hazards are encountered.

     h. Be aware of what is happening within the group.

          i. Note if there has been a separation for an extended period.

          ii. Find a safe place to pull the group off the road.      

          iii. Send a scout back to investigate and return/call the Road Captain with a report.

     i. Decide to wait, continue to the next stop or cancel the ride completely.

     j. Rely on the tail-gunner and the other Road Captains to maintain group safety.

     k. If you miss a turn or get lost, continue riding until you find a safe location to pull the group over.

          i. Inform the group of the situation, assess the circumstances and then inform the riders of the                     updated plan.

     l. When passing, ensure there is a safe distance between the group and oncoming traffic.

          i. Ensure riders know the rules and what to expect in a passing sequence

          ii. Look as far down road as possible and be aware of lane collapse

          iii. Avoid tailgating prior to passing

     m. Keep group tight in traffic to avoid fragmentation.

     n. Single file in tight turns, cyclists, vehicles parked on shoulders, hazard situations and passing.

9. Stops

     a. Try to park all bikes together.

     b. Right turn into and out of the stop areas. This is preferred to avoid oncoming traffic.

     c. Try to avoid gravel, dirt or hills.

     d. Conduct a bike/personnel count and wait for any stragglers.

     e. Identify and remedy any problems during the ride.

     f. Ask other Road Captains, or Chapter Officer for assistance, if required.

10. After Ride Reports (Hotwash)

     a. Give real time feedback both positive and constructive to riders in group.

     b. Seek feedback from riders to ensure two-way communication

     c. Note any positive or negative issues to be shared with other Rode Captains for future briefings.

11. Road Captain Essentials

     a. Cell Phone

     b. Basic tool kit

     c. Camera

     d. First Aid kit

12. Summary

     a. Being a Road Captain is exciting, fun and rewarding but it’s more than a patch!

          i. Be a leader – Be respectful and leave your biases at home.

          ii. Don’t bring your personal issues with you. They are distractions. Focus.

          iii. You are the decision maker and have final say so. Make sure you’re willing tomake the hard calls                regarding group conflict and rider safety.

          iv. Be aware of careless riders or inexperienced riders possibly putting the group at risk

          v. No attitudes.

          vi. Get input and support from your Deuce, Tail-gunner and other Road Captains on the ride. Utilize                anyone with information on local roads with which you are not familiar

          vii. You are responsible for the ride, so ride smart, think ahead, look ahead, be alert at all times.

          viii. If you’re tired – stop! Don’t push it and possibly jeopardize the safety of others. Safety is the #1                priority and not being the tough guy or gal!

          ix. Be prepared for the worst and expect the unexpected.

          x. Make sure you’re mentally capable of dealing with potential illness or accidents. Everyone will look                to you for leadership.

          xi. Extreme heat, cold, thunderstorms, rain – you must be capable of riding in all these conditions                     comfortably and possibly all in the same day!