The purpose of riding in an organized group instead of an undisciplined pack is to provide the additional safety that an organized group generates. When a group rides in an orderly fashion, riders don’t get in each other’s way, and the organization of the formation itself discourages cars and other vehicles from attempting to cut into the group possibly causing a hazardous situation. When a large number of members are riding we will break into smaller groups.

1. Prior to and during the Chapter ride NO Alcohol will be consumed!! This is a Rule of STAR Intl. and a good one at that. Once the ride is complete you are all adults choose wisely.

2. All motorcycles will be kept in a safe working condition. Any motorcycle not in safe working order will not be permitted to participate in Chapter rides.

3. All motorcycles will be fueled (topped off) PRIOR to arriving at the Chapter sponsor.

4. All traffic laws will be strictly enforced.

5. When a large number of members are riding we will break into groups of 6 motorcycles. The second and subsequent groups will leave together, but try to leave the equivalent of two semi truck lengths between the groups.

6. Each group will be led by a Ride Captain. The Ride Captain will occupy the front left position in the group.

7. Each group will have a Tail Gunner. The Tail Gunner will be the last motorcycle in each group. If any rider in the group has to pull out only the Tail Gunner will pull over to assist them.

8. Any rider who elects to drop out of a ride, i.e. they do not desire to go on, time constraints, prior commitments, will notify the Tail Gunner before doing so.

9. Passing.. The procedure for passing is as follows: On 4 lane roads and freeways--The Ride Captain will initiate the lane change by signaling for the change. All riders will turn on the appropriate turn signal while remaining in their lane. The Tailgunner will secure the lane when it is safe to do so. The Ride captain will then initiate the lane change once the tailgunner has secured the lane.. Only after the ride captain has initiated the change will the rest of the riders follow.. In the case of changing from a left most lane to the right lane the person in the staggered position just behind and to the right of the ride captain (his or her wingman) will watch for the Tailgunner and initiate the change to the right lane. When passing and eighteen-wheeler, i.e. tractor/trailer, be aware of the possible retread tires on the trailer.

Passing on a 2 lane highway.  When there is a need to pass a vehicle on a two lane road the Ride Captain will first bring everyone to Single file.  Then when it is safe to Pass the Ride Captain will pass. All members are now responsible for their own safe pass. In order. DO NOT PASS THE PERSON IN FRONT OF YOU. DO NOT PULL OUT TO PASS UNTIL THE RIDER IN FRONT OF YOU HAS MOVED OVER! Once the vehicle is passed go back to stagger formation. Make sure you are riding fast enough to insure the rest of the  group can safely move back into the proper lane but not so fast that you leave everyone behind. Once you verify that all have successfully passed the vehicle resume your normal riding speed.
 

Single File — Arm straight up with one finger pointing straight up. Lead bike will show left or right side of lane by their bike position.

Staggered Formation — Arm straight up with index & pinky fingers pointing straight up. This puts you back into normal formation.

Pull Over — Pat your head.  This signal is in case an individual needs to pull over, they will initiate the signal and all others should give that person plenty of room.  If someone sees something wrong with another motorcycle that person should pull over, point at them, and pat their head.  The two riders and Tail Gunner will pull over

Turn Signal On — Pinching your thumb and fingers together repeatedly.

Right/Left Turns — Use your blinker and/or the correct hand signal.

Road Hazard Right Side — Point with right foot extended — Do This Safely!

Left Side — Point with left hand, arm extended — Do This Safely!

Slow Down — Using either hand move in a downward motion, palm open.

Tighten Up — Closed fist pumping up and down. Only the lead bike will start this signal.

Police — (Emergency Vehicle) Extended left arm over head, hand in a circular motion