Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club Sacramento, California
Introduction to Group Riding
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The purpose of riding in an organized group instead of an undisciplined pack is to provide the additional safety that a well-organized group inherently generates. This comes from within the group, as well as the outside. When a group rides in an orderly fashion, people do not get in each other’s way thereby creating unnecessary hazardous conditions. In addition the organization of the formation itself discourages cars from attempting to cut in, or as demonstrated by the gnu as it tries to cross the croc infested nile, there is safety in numbers.

Riding rules have been adopted by the organization, EVERYONE riding with the organization is expected to follow them. Anyone violating the rules, and compromising everyone else's safety, will be warned, and if their actions continue, will no longer be welcome to ride with the chapter. Members will be subject to fine.

The following rules are compiled from a number of sources. Most organizations that ride in orderly formations follow similar rules. Details may vary from one group to another, sometimes because of a particular style of riding by the group, or sometimes because there are a number of reasonable options, so they chose the one they prefer.

• Be considerate - have a full tank BEFORE arriving at the departure point(unless the departure point is a gas station)


• Tell the Road Captains if you have any special concerns, i.e. speed, sharp corners, etc

• Tell the Road Captains if you plan to leave the group before the destination. Also tell the persons riding in front and behind you so they do not think you are having a problem.(particularly if you ride a honda,yamaha,suzuki)

• When a rider leaves the group while in staggered formation, the best way to compensate for the hole  made by the absence is for each rider behind the missing bike to switch their lane position.

• Tell the Road Captain if your bike (or bladder) has an unusually short fuel range

• Bring adequate clothing for the weather conditions expected during the day.

• Remember to take some clear eye protection if the ride will extend into the evening.

• When exiting a freeway, keep up the pace so the riders behind you aren't forced to slow down while still on  the freeway, thus becoming a traffic hazard.

• The position of new (inexperienced with GROUP riding) riders within the group is significant. New riders should be positioned as close to the front as possible.

• In the unlikely event of an emergency condition, the Road Captain will make every attempt to move the formation to the shoulder in an orderly manner. If a bike breaks down, let the rider move to the right. DO NOT STOP. The Middle or Rear Road Captain will stop with the problem bike. The ride Leader will lead the group to a safe stopping place.