Always remember the aim of our chapter is to RIDE & HAVE FUN – SAFELY!
Introduction to Mid-Maine Lewiston HOG Group Riding
We want you to know how we organize and operate our rides. Most of the rides start out at L-A Harley-Davidson & there are a few things you need to know before you show up for a ride.
- Arrive prepared: full gas tank, proper gear and a good attitude
- The posted run times are the DEPARTURE times! Please get there at least 30 minutes before the departure time.
- All current chapter members need only to sign in on the run sheet with their name and National HOG number. Typically we will have a member list with your name to sign next to. As a member you are allowed guests, who MUST sign an Adult Waiver form prior to going on the ride. Prior to the ride date a waiver can be downloaded for our Forms page.
- Non-chapter members need to sign the sign-in sheet & make the notation that they are a guest. All non-chapter members are required to sign an Adult waiver release form. Minors have two special releases: one to be signed by a parent or guardian and the second (for minors between the ages of 12 and 18) – a Minor’s Assumption of Risk – to be signed by the minor involved. These forms are also available under Forms.
Mid-Maine Lewiston HOG group rides function under the following general guidelines:
- All rides are led by a Lead Road Captain assisted by other qualified Road Captains – the Road Captain riding at the back of the pack is called the Sweep Road Captain & there are normally Middle Road Captains also. They will serve as Lead Road Captain should the riders become separated.
- The Lead Road Captain will give a pre-ride briefing which will include the route, gas and rest stops, a review of riding rules, an introduction of Road Captains for the ride, mention of any hazardous conditions discovered on the pre-ride and the destination plan. The Lead Road Captain will also review the group riding guidelines.
- Mid-Maine Lewiston HOG rides in a double row, staggered formation – the Lead Road Captain will ride in the left hand side of the lane and the next rider in the right hand side and so forth.
- Riders will maintain at least a 2 second distance from the rider directly in front of them and 1 second behind the rider to their right or left. The actual distance will increase as speed increases – Note: if you can not see the face of the rider diagonally in front of you in their mirror, you are too close. You are in their blind spot.
- You “own” your entire lane – if a rider needs to swerve to avoid an obstacle or use another line through a corner the lane must be clear. Do NOT slide up on the bike in front of you!
- If gaps occur in the formation, they will be filled by moving to the other side of your lane (turn your head and look, then use your directional before moving) – do not “slide up” and pass the rider in front of you – this is illegal and unsafe. If you are not comfortable moving from side to side, maintain your position and at the next stop it will automatically sort itself out,
- Hand signals will be used as appropriate – ask for a demonstration at the pre-ride briefing if you are not familiar with them,
- Riders should try to maintain their starting position in the group for the entire ride. This will allow them to become comfortable with the riding style of those riders around them.
- No one will be expected to ride beyond his or her comfort level.
- Mid-Maine Lewiston HOG does not block lanes at stop signs and traffic lights. Do not run red lights or stop signs in an attempt to remain with the pack. For larger rides, Road Captains carry radios and the Lead Road Captain will be aware that the ride has become separated and will either slow down or stop and wait until the ride is reunited.
- If a rider has any problems they are encouraged to approach either the Lead Road Captain on a ride or any other available Road Captain. A problem cannot be solved if it is not addressed.
- Ride your own ride: do not be tricked into being a lemming & blindly following the rider in front of you. Remain aware – you are responsible for your own safety!
- All rides end at the destination. Every effort will be made to ensure that all riders know where they are and how to get back from a destination. However it’s always a good idea to carry a map of the local areas in case you are separated on the return.
- The Lead Road Captain will appoint someone with a cell phone as a 911 designee in case of a problem.
- If there is a problem or a breakdown the Sweep Road Captain will stop with the disabled bike and all other riders will continue on with the Lead Road Captain to a safe location before stopping.
- Mid-Maine Lewiston HOG rides are drug and alcohol free events.