PARR Group Riding Rules

PARR GROUP RIDING RULES

1. The Road Captain should review the PARR Riding Rules with any riders new to PARR group riding.

2. Each operator is responsible for the condition of his/her own machine. If at any time anyone points out a potential problem or performs a repair, it is done as a courtesy, with no responsibilities or warranties implied.

3. No one shall be compelled to ride in a group if they feel they are at risk by doing so.

4. Riders leaving a group before the group has reached its destination should notify the Group Leader.

5. Anyone operating his/her motorcycle not in accordance with these rules, or in a manner considered by the Group Leader to be hazardous to the other members of the group, may be expelled from the group.

RIDING FORMATIONS

1. When riding en masse, PARR should divide itself into groups each consisting of not more than 6 motorcycles. The Road Captain, or, in the absence of the Road Captain, the most senior PARR Officer present (as seen in secession in the Constitution), will appoint Group Leaders and Tail-Gunners for each group.

2. As directed by the Road Captain, group riders will ride in one of two formations, staggered or single file:

A. Staggered: Riders will ride in staggered position, basically in the left and right car tire tracks, each rider 2 seconds behind the rider directly in front of him/her and one second behind the rider to his/her side.

B. Single file: Riders will ride single file, each rider not less than two seconds behind the rider in front, keeping the headlight of the following rider in sight. If the road doesn't have a lane dividing stripe painted on it, riders should be in single file.

3. Riders should maintain their position within the group. Passing within the group is not allowed.

4. Riders in each group should stay close enough together to discourage other vehicles from cutting between riders. Groups should allow room for other vehicles to move between groups. If the driver of another vehicle insists on cutting between riders, riders should yield the right of way.

5. Group Leaders should stay in the left part of the lane for the best view of the road ahead unless in the far-left lane of a divided highway, in which case leaders should be in the right part of the lane for the best view. Other riders in the group should adjust their position in the lane according to the rider in front of them.

6. A rider who cannot see the headlight of the following rider should slow until the headlight comes into view. If the group makes a turn, each rider should make certain that the following rider sees the turn. If there is any question whether the following rider has seen the turn, the last rider in the group should stop and make sure the following rider sees the turn.

OBSTACLES

The Group Leader should point out hazards on the road. Riders should repeat the gesture to warn riders behind them.

MECHANICAL PROBLEMS

Riders that experience mechanical problems should safely pull over to the side of the road and wait for the group to return. The group will make every effort to obtain service and transportation for a broken-down rider. The group will not abandon a rider.

LANE CHANGE

1. When it is necessary to change lanes, the Group Leader will use his/her turn signal, giving adequate advance warning to the group. Each rider should repeat the signal.

2. The last rider in the group, known as the Tail-gunner, should check to see if it is safe for the whole group to change lanes and then move to the next lane. The Group Leader will check to make sure the group can safely change lanes, then give a hand signal for the group to change lanes in unison. The other riders in the group should stay in their original position until the Group Leader has given the signal to change lanes.

SEPARATION

If a group is separated by traffic signals or other causes, the delayed riders should continue straight when traffic permits until they catch up with their group. If the lead group makes a turn, the last rider in the group should make certain that the delayed riders see the turn.

CB RADIOS

It is advisable for Group Leaders and Tail-gunners to have CB radios. Group Leaders and Tail-gunners have priority on the use of one selected frequency. Other riders should only transmit on the same frequency in the event of an emergency, such as a rider dropping out of the group.

PLANNED AND UNPLANNED STOPS

Riders in the group should make every effort to minimize the need for lengthy or unplanned stops. The Group Leader should keep in mind the shortest range of the motorcycles in the group and stop for gas accordingly.

PARKING

Riders arriving in a parking area should go to the far side of the chosen area to avoid creating a hazard for others entering the area. Riders should make efficient use of the spaces available.

PARR OVERNIGHT RIDE GUIDE

General Requirements. PARR Tours should be planned and conducted for maximum safety and fun. Tours are motorcycle riding, touring and social events. All of these make a Tour successful. The PARR Executive Committee will approve all PARR Tours in advance and will authorize Ride Leaders for these tours.

Planning the Ride.

General. Excellent communication and coordination among the Tour Leaders, Road Lieutenants, Tour members, and PARR Officers is paramount to the success of the Tour. The Ride Leader may solicit assistants to help with tour planning, meals and lodging, rider supervision, and leadership on the tour. The Ride Leader is expected to obtain advice from PARR Officers and to keep the President and Road Captain informed of the Tour development, progress and outcome. The Ride Leader appoints Group Leaders and Tail Riders from PARR Road Lieutenants.
The Ride Leader’s Duties.
1. Select and plan the route. This includes pre-riding the route when possible. The mileage per day should be reasonable for all riders. Generally, 250 miles per day is a maximum, with lower mileage as the difficulty of the roads increases. The route should include stops at places of interest with adequate time allotted for visiting. When possible, determine gas and rest stops in advance. Avoid cities, highways, and congestion when possible. Look for 3 or 4 digit rural low-traffic roads.
2. Make route sheets and, if possible, maps for all riders. Route sheets should include both street names and the route numbers. Many routes will have one or the other; very few will have both.
3. Have a pre-ride briefing for Road Lieutenants. Assign duties. Explain the plan.
4. Work with the PARR Webmaster to publicize the Tour. Write the Tour announcement. Include description of the route, points of interest, cost of rooms, ferries, tolls, entrance fees, and any other costs. Include Internet links to lodging and points of interest; addresses and telephone numbers of lodging; deadline for registration; where to send checks.
5. Reserve all ferries or tours, if necessary.
Lodging.
1. Reserve rooms. The challenge is to find the best hotel for a reasonable price. Use discounts such as AAA, AARP, and group discounts when possible. Look for amenities such as free breakfast, swimming pool, hot tub, exercise room, scenic view, etc. Interesting locations are also desirable, e.g. dairy farm in Lancaster, Susquehanna Lodge; ocean view on Virginia Beach. It is wise to reserve a block of rooms for about 20-30 people early in the Tour planning. Guarantee these rooms but insure that you can cancel unneeded rooms with no penalty. Find out the cancellation policy.
2. Obtain advance payment from Tour participants. Determine cost, including tax, and request checks made out to PARR. Assign roommates and ensure the proper configuration of single and double beds in the rooms. Make a room list and send it to the hotel in advance. At check-in, supervise the clerk to make sure the rooms are assigned correctly.
Meals.
1. Lunch. Ensure that the restaurant can accommodate the size of the group. Food should be served quickly.
2. Dinner. Dinner is a social as well as food occasion. Plan an optional group dinner in a restaurant that can serve the entire group and will please the majority. Reserve if necessary. Make sure that all Tour members know the time and place. A good dinner is important for a good day of touring.

Riding.

The PARR Constitution and Riding Rules govern overnight tours as appropriate. If questions arise the PARR Road Captain, President or Vice President should be consulted and will advise.
The Ride Leader is responsible for the overall safety of the Tour members. The Ride Leader should attend to the comfort and general welfare of the Tour members and maximize the fun of the Tour.
Groups.
The Tour members should be divided into groups no larger than 10 bikes. This facilitates recovering from missed turns, crossing intersections, gas and meal stops. Each group has a Group Leader and Tail Rider with CB. If the Group Leader does not have CB, the second rider in line should have CB. Groups may self-select based on pace. Tour members may change groups for variety or to change pace. Within groups, try to place any novice or weaker riders behind more proficient riders
Each Group Leader should carry emergency information on all Tour members.
Each Group should have 1 set of First Aid supplies.

THE RIDE LEADER IS ACCOUNTABLE FOR ALL PERSONS ON THE TOUR. If you leave with 25 people, you must return with 25 people or be able to account for the location of any persons not present. Ensure that all Tour members know the time and place of departure each day, as well as plans for meals and lodging. You may not leave unless all Tour members are present or accounted for. The Ride Leader should know the location of all the Groups during the ride. Although the Tour may have 2 or more groups, the Groups still constitute the Tour and rejoin each night and from time to time in the day.

PARR DOES NOT ABANDON RIDERS. If a rider has a mechanical or personal problem, try to assist or arrange for fixing the problem. If the time needed to resolve the problem is short, wait for the rider. Otherwise, if possible, leave another Tour member with the rider and make arrangements for them rejoin the group. If a Tour member wants to leave the tour, either temporarily or permanently, determine the cause, address any problems, if necessary, and attempt to provide escort if appropriate.

The Ride and Group Leaders must deal with problems. They should how their group is doing. If a Tour member has a problem, deal with it. Safety is paramount. You have a duty to advise any rider who needs help with riding skills. This is a safety issue and is irrelevant to ego. Tours do not have "prima donnas." We can all be better riders and can all use help from time to time. If someone has a problem being on time or getting their gear together, ask another rider to give them reminders or help them out. We must all be considerate.

Each morning have a pre-ride briefing for all Tour members (put the groups together). Discuss the schedule, the route and points of interest. Answer questions. Remind everyone of proper riding formation, etc. Discuss any problems experienced on the previous day.

Gas and Rest Stops. Plan gas stops for the smallest tank in the group. Stop where there are sufficient pumps and bathrooms for the group. Tell everyone how much time they have. Warn them when you are almost ready to leave.

Tolls. If possible, have the lead rider pay the toll for the whole group and get reimbursed at the next stop.

End of Ride. Let Tour members know when they should say goodbye. Remind everyone to continue riding safely.

Communication.

CB. PARR uses CB to communicate between Group Leaders and Tail Riders. Rider 2 of the group may substitute for the Leader as the CB communicator if the Leader does not have CB. CB should be used among riders to inform of road hazards, interesting sights, or rider problems.
All riders must use hand and turn signals, in addition to CB. Not all riders have CB.
Cell phone and pager numbers should be exchanged among Group Leaders. They are important for advising of location, schedule and problems.

Tour Members.

Have your motorcycle and gear in good working order and maintain it. Do the "walk-around" before you begin the Tour and each morning thereafter. All lights and turn signals should function. Check your tires and air pressure. Refuel your motorcycle as needed at all gas stops. Clean your windshield, visor, and glasses.

Have rain gear. Be prepared for hot or cold weather as necessary.

Know times and places of departure and be on time. Do not delay at rest stops. Have bike packed and ready to go in the morning.

Stay alert. Stay in the formation as directed by the Group Leader. Do not lag. You are lagging if you ride so far behind the person before you that you cannot see their hand signals. Pass signals down the line. Do not rely on other riders to alert you to road hazards, and point out hazards to others. Use SIPDE (Scan, Identify, Predict, Determine, and Execute).

If you want to leave the group or have any problem, inform the Group Leader and the Ride Leader. Otherwise, be where you are supposed to be.

Be considerate of your fellow riders. Do not criticize but help others. Be helpful. Bring any safety concerns to the attention of the Group Leader and/or Ride Leader. Ask questions. Voice any concerns. Inform them of any problems. Ask for help if needed.