1st Officer Michael Hames
2nd Officer Chad Blake
Group of people who just like to get together and ride motorcycles. We are not a MC we are a Riding Club and are not affiliated with any MC's. Please go to www.southerncruisers.net to join. We have members from all walks of life. We have current and former Law Enforcement Officers, Firemen, Military Vets, Construction Workers, Office Workers, Factory Workers and Professionals
The intent of this guideline is to provide the Southern Cruisers Riding Club Chapters and SCRC members information to help to ride together safely. Please keep in mind that these guidelines are not intended to restrict your freedom, but instead, to help ensure that we all return home safely. Please remember that YOU have the ultimate responsibility for YOUR safety, and always ride within your capabilities and that of your machines
While this guideline states that the Road Captain is in charge, it is the 1st Officer and/or the 2nd Officer of the Chapter that are overall in charge of their chapter and all functions concerning the chapter. This includes rides. All the officers should be intimately familiar with this guide and the safe riding practices. (Note: Ride Leader may be substituted for Road Captain. ALL GROUP RIDERS' RESPONSIBILITIES:
A) Will observe the objectives and guidelines in order to assure the safety and the welfare of every individual within the group, and any surrounding motorists or pedestrians. B) Will follow the instructions of the Road Captain in all situations, unless those instructions place the rider or any other individual in an unsafe situation. C) Will maintain their motorcycle and other equipment in a safe riding condition. D) Will ride with headlights on or IAW the state laws. Will ride with a "safety first" attitude. The safety of all individuals, whether or not they are a part of the group, is of paramount importance. F) Will ride with a helmet where the state law requires a helmet
G) Each individual rider is 100% responsible for:
G1) Safely operating their vehicle in accordance with all applicable
Federal, State and local laws. G2) Making sure that they and their vehicle are un-impaired, and are
currently functioning safely. G3) Making sure that they can perform and maneuver safely in the riding
environment that they are in. Should they be not 100% sure of their
ability in the current ride, they must remove themselves from the
situation. At all times, each rider must ride within their capabilities. G4) Section (1) - (3) above and thus, ultimately, their own safety, actions
and/or lack of action. It is the duty of every rider to make sure the
environment is safe for themselves as well as for other riders. In
doing so, every ride will be as safe as possible. H) The Southern Cruisers Riding Club does not condone drinking and
riding. Anyone participating in a Southern Cruisers ride or event who
consumes alcoholic beverages or any other substance that may impair
their ability to operate a motorcycle or any other motor vehicle does so
without the consent of the Southern Cruisers Riding Club. Everyone
that participates in a Southern Cruisers ride or event must follow the
laws regarding driving under the influence set forth by the state(s)
within which that ride or event will take place. I) The Southern Cruisers Riding Club requires all members to follow and
observe all State and Local Laws while participating in a Southern
Cruisers Event. The Southern Cruisers does not condone any illegal
activities or practices while riding in or holding an event or ride including
but not limited to parading and road blocking. Whenever possible, event
or ride organizers will coordinate with their local law enforcement or
department of transportation for their assistance in road blocking for
large processions. If law enforcement assistance is not available, large
groups must be split into smaller groups that will be manageable without
blocking any intersection, streets or drives. Any violation of this article
will be reviewed by the Board of Directors and/or the National Officers
and could lead to dismissal from the Southern Cruisers.”
k) Any officer recognized by the constitution for the Southern Cruisers
Riding Club may dismiss anyone participating in a Southern Cruisers
ride or event if they are impaired or are endangering the safety of ride
participants. Ultimately it is the individual’s responsibility to maintain
themselves in a safe and lawful manner. MEETING PLACE AND DEPARTURE TIME:
A). Meeting place and departure times will be posted to the membership either by e-mail or phone preceding the scheduled event. RIDING FORMATION AND INDIVIDUAL POSITIONS:
A) The standard formation, under good conditions of road, traffic, and weather, will be a double row, staggered, in one traffic lane. The interval will be no less than one second between staggered riders, which will automatically make a 2 second interval between you and the bike directly in front of you. The SCRC Road Captain will be at the head of the group, and typically will ride just to the left of lane center. The Tail Gunner will ride at the rear of the formation. New members, guests, and any riders with little experience in group riding will be positioned at the front of the group, just behind the Road Captain. Each rider should maintain his or her starting line up position in the group until arrival at the destination. This allows each rider to become more familiar with the riding style and habits of those nearest him or her in the group, and is particularly important for the new or inexperienced riders. SPEED, INTERVALS, AND DISTANCES:
A). The Road Captain will attempt to establish and maintain a uniform speed; consistent with the ability of the least experienced rider, surrounding conditions, the posted speed limit, the bikes at the ride, and safe riding practices. The Road Captain should establish before the ride the abilities of the people and the bikes themselves prior to departure, especially concentrating on new riders, new members and visitors to the ride. The Road Captain should continually check his mirrors to insure the formation is in good shape. All riders will make an effort to maintain the same speed to minimize the effect of irregular speeds on riders at the rear of the group. All riders will maintain a safe distance and lane position between themselves and the rider directly ahead; to be consistent with existing road, traffic, and weather conditions. UNSCHEDULED OR EMERGENCY STOPS:
A). Unscheduled stops for gas, restroom, or rider fatigue can lead to confusion in the group, and confusion can lead to accidents. The SCRC Road Captain should be informed that a stop is necessary in order to lead the group in an organized fashion to the next convenient and safe place to stop. Any rider with an equipment problem should inform one of the Officers,
Road Captain or Tail Gunner as quickly, and as safely as possible. When the Road Captain is informed, he or she will stop the group at the earliest possible moment, when and where it is safe. If the rider must pull over immediately, only the Tail Gunner or assigned formation mechanic will accompany that rider to a stop. If there is an assigned mechanic, they should be at the rear of the formation. The Road Captain should be informed if he or she is not aware of this situation. Once the Road Captain is informed, he or she will pull the group over as soon as it is safe to do so. Any rider observing a problem with another rider's equipment should inform that rider as quickly and safely as possible. If it appears that a stop is necessary, the Road Captain should also be notified. The Road Captain should use good judgement and common sense when choosing a spot to pull over. Try to avoid an area with hazards to motorcycles, such as heavy traffic, broken glass, trash, loose sand, gravel, and fresh asphalt. SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
A). As mentioned previously, it is assumed that all riders will come to the ride with a well-maintained motorcycle. All riders should show up with appropriate riding apparel for the weather conditions. All group riders are encouraged to bring a well-stocked tool kit to all club rides
D). All group riders are encouraged to bring a well-maintained first aid kit to all club rides.
13. TIPS and Past experience:
Nothing can replace Good Judgement and Common Sense !!!!! If you are new to group riding or are uncomfortable riding in a Southern Cruisers Ride, please let the Road Captain know. Excessive following distance defeats the purpose of maintaining an equally spaced stagger formation. If you are new to group riding or have a handicap (visual, etc.) and prefer/need to ride on the left or right side of the lane, let the Road Captain know in advance. Also, make sure you line up in the proper position for where you need to be (odd-numbered bikes will ride on the left and even-numbered bikes will ride on the right). If you need to switch with another bike, do so before the ride begins and explain to them why you are doing so. If necessary, until you become more comfortable with group riding, it may be much better for your safety and the safety of the group that you ride individually 1/4 mile behind the group. We want to encourage you to be comfortable about making that choice. Any SCRC member that needs to leave the ride early, please notify the Road Captain AND the Tail Gunner where you plan on leaving the group. If possible be at the rear of the formation (ahead of the Tail Gunner) prior to leaving the group. Any bikes following should move up into the standard group riding positions.
