Formation
Advise the group we ride in a staggered formation. Exception example: Slow moving vehicle on shoulder, pedestrian on the highway etc. – then call out single file. Keep a 2-second space between you and the bike directly in front of you. Keep a tight formation during the ride. If a bike drops out, just pull forward – do not use lane swapping to reorganize the group. It is also a good idea to put your less experienced riders in the front of the group so they can control the pace.

Departure
Pre-Ride Briefing: Announce the destination. Make sure all have gas. Describe the route. Get release forms signed. Demonstrate the hand signals. Get bike count, if needed. Advise anyone going to pull off early to ride in the rear. New or slow riders should be placed in the front, right behind the lead Road Captain (RC). Announce that the ride ends when the first alcoholic beverage is opened. Tell the group when we are planning to stop and which are gas stops. Sweep RC is to make sure all riders are ready and signal the road captain to depart.

Riding Pace
Start the ride at a moderate pace. Watch the group behavior and adjust speed as needed. Ride with consistency and obey speed limits, or reasonably close to it. Keep pace with traffic – do not become a group hazard.

Planned Stops
Slow gradually, 1/8 to 1/4 mile ahead, to allow the group to tighten and tune in for signals. Signal well in advance - use hand and bike signals. Scout the parking area for sufficient room to park and park them with a plan in mind as how you will exit without causing chaos.

Pullovers
With 3 RCs: Right sweep joins the bike. Left sweep does A or B, depending on conditions and what happened:

(A) Rides ahead to tell lead.

(B) Tells lead situation at the next stop.
With 2 RCs: Sweep joins down bike. If rider is ok, ride ahead to advise lead of conditions or call for assistance/ get help as required.
Never stop a group on the side of the road - find a safe place to pull over!

Passing
2Lane: Small groups, only when you have safe opportunity, 2 bikes at a time max.
Large groups, rarely a good idea, if you must, 2 bikes at a time maximum.
4 Lane: Large groups, watch for space needed on 4 lane, sweep can pull left on 4 lane to give lead go ahead to pull left on 4 lane roads. Never keep your left signal on or hand signal others to continue passing – let them decide if sufficient room is available.

Being Passed
Small Groups: RC slows the group to allow passing without the vehicle having to split the group. Large Groups: RC in center should identify the vehicle needing to pass and slow the rear half of the group to allow a space for him if needed.

Expressways
Adjust speed when entering to synchronize group with available opening. You may have to split.

Ramps
Maintain the speed limit, or less, so a disbanded group can catch up. Maintain the left lane in city areas so traffic can merge without splitting the group.

Rural areas: Look for oncoming ramp traffic and pull left well in advance.
Exiting: look for traffic opening to move group into right lane well ahead of exit ramp.

Traffic Signals
Pace the group to avoid splitting. If group splits, slow and allow them to catch you. Pulling over at a safe place may be required in unfamiliar areas or where you are traveling through many signals. In small towns, you can regroup outside of town limits. Gauge traffic signals and adjust your speed to get the group through without splitting. Gauge your speed and signal other traffic to move ahead at stop sign intersections to avoid splitting the group.

Ride Planning
Consider: Other events / traffic problems in the area, weather, and the number expected. Is there going to be a return trip? Are maps necessary? Schedule meeting time 1/2 hour before departure. Be sure to secure a first aid kit and cell phone if available - sweep rider should carry these. Have enough RCs to safely lead the size of group expected. All RCs to know the route before the briefing

Hand Signals

Left Turn Left arm and hand straight out.Back of hand to rear. Fingers together and straight out.		Right Turn Left arm straight out with forearm and hand pointing up. Back of hand to rear. Fingers together and straight up.
Left Hazard Left arm angled down. Index finger pointing at hazard. Back of hand to rear. Arm remains still.		Right Hazard Right leg extended out at an angle pointing at hazard. Both hands remain on handlebars.
Single File Left arm straight up, Index finger pointing up, Back of hand to rear.		Staggered Formation Left arm straight up, Index and little fingers pointing up, twist wrist back and forth.
Slow Down Left arm angled down with up and down motion. Back of hand angled slightly to the rear.		Stop Left arm out with forearm and hand pointing down. Palm of hand to the rear.
Pull Off Start by pointing with left arm straight out and move arm to point forward, then return to starting position. Repeat. Point with index