1. STAGGERED FORMATION shall be the basic riding formation under normal conditions. (Other formations may be called for by the Road Captain based on traffic and road condition). 2. All Riders are to execute hand signals indicating their intentions of movements. 3. “Horse Play” while in riding formation is strictly prohibited. Acts of acceleration (i.e. “wheelies”, “burnouts” and etc.) will be grounds for immediate dismissal from the ride. Any member observing another member conducting illegal or unsafe riding act should discuss it with the offending member, in a courteous manner. If the conduct continues, the member is to bring it to the attention of the Road Captain (or an Asst. RC) or the first available Club Officer. 4. The Road Captain shall have the unchallenged authority to terminate a member’s participation in a ride or riding event should the member’s conduct be deemed unsafe, or an embarrassment to the club, or our law enforcement profession. (Additional club sanctions may be implemented by the Club Officers at a later date, including termination of membership). 5. The Road Captain shall have the authority to post other Asst. Road Captains or regular members to an assigned position, including “Lead”. In the absence of the Road Captain, all ride authority is transferred to the Asst. Road Captain. Should both RCs be absent the authority transfers to the highest ranking Club Officer or senior member. 6. No ride will be officially sanctioned by Blue Knights, Chapter XXXI without approval of the President or Road Captain. 7. Types of official sanctioned rides: a. “Club Rides” – Members of Blue Knights, Chapter XXXI and family only. b. “Closed Rides” – Members of Blue Knights only (any chapter). c. “Open Rides” – Known guest of any BK XXXI member may participate 8. Riding Positions (during formation) and general instructions: a. Road Captain – Normally will be found in the “Lead” position, but may ride in any position within the riding group as determined by the ride conditions. . b. President – The President shall ride no further back than the number three position. c. Assistant Road Captain – The Asst. Road Captain will normally ride in the next to last position (directly in front of the Tail Gunner), unless otherwise directed by the Road Captain. The Asst. Road Captain will (along with the Tail Gunner) be responsible holding the open lane pending a signaled lane change. He will assist any member that falls behind or breaks down and may summons assistance from other members as deemed necessary. d. Tail Gunner – This is not an “official” (or Officer) position with the club. Any member may be requested to serve as Tail Gunner. It is suggested that an experience group riding member “ride” in this position. This position is critical in keeping the rest of the group safe from traffic approaching from the rear and making safe lane changes. e. Ride “Line up” Positions (normal conditions) – The Road Captain, The President, full “color wearing” members, the Sergeant At Arms, Prospective members, non-members (when applicable) and bringing up the rear will be the Asst. Road Captain and Tail Gunner. Once the ride begins you are to remain in your designated ride position sections for the remainder of the ride. 9. Pre-Ride Briefing – The Road Captain (or his designee) will give instructions to all riders regarding the “Ride Leader”, destination, the duration of the ride, and identify the Asst. Road Captain and Tail Gunner. The Asst. Road Captain will conduct a “head count” before each ride to obtain a total number of riders (including passengers) and again upon reaching the destination to insure that all bikes are riders are accounted for. 10. Each member should make it their business to become as familiar and knowledgeable about the ride route as possible. 11. Common Sense – Is the RULE. Each rider is fully responsible for their own motorcycle. Anticipate your moves and those of the group. “Head checks” are a must behind initiating any movement within the group. “Err” on the side of caution. 12. All members are expected to learn safe, controlled riding techniques and procedures, as well as all applicable traffic laws. 13. ALERTNESS – Riders must remember that the Road Captain will be giving signals (both hand and mechanical) to execute specific maneuvers (i.e. slowing, stopping, turning, etc.). Each member’s assistance in passing the signal back to the following members is paramount for completing safe maneuvers. 14. Leaving the Group – If any rider needs to stop (mechanical failure, etc) or “leave” the group, they are to inform Road Captain, the Asst. Road Captain or the nearest riding member. As soon as possible the Road Captain will be notified. If the stop is unplanned (mechanical problem) the Road Captain will bring the group to a stop at the earliest and safest location. Members designated by the Road Captain will return to assist the stopped rider. The Road Captain will make the decision to continue the ride, only after arrangements have been made for the stopped rider and his motorcycle. If a rider “plans” on leaving the group early, they are to inform the Road Captain prior to the departure of the group. 15. Gas Stops – Every rider is expected to know the cruising capacity of their motorcycle’s gas tank. Making unscheduled gas stops are time consuming and therefore cause undue delays. All riders are to arrive at the ride’s starting point with a full tank of gas and “top off” at all designated gas stops. The scheduled gas stops for the ride will be at intervals of approximately 100 miles (and no more than two hours between stops). 16. Bike Maintenance – This is of course the responsibility of the rider. Regularly scheduled preventative maintenance goes a long way toward the safe and reliable operation of your motorcycle. This does not preclude the rider from inspecting his/her motorcycle (tires, belts, chains, and fluids) before each ride. Such delays due to poor maintenance take away from the pleasure of the ride. It is the responsibility of the rider to bring tools for their motorcycle on the ride. 17. Riding Apparel – There is a saying in Texas; if you don’t like the current weather, wait a minute, it will change. Each rider is responsible for having appropriate riding apparel for a possible change in the weather. It is strongly urged that all members wear the club “colors” when riding in an official BK event. Proper riding attire such as gloves, long pants, boots, protective glasses or goggles can make the difference between a minor injury and a serious injury. HELMETS ARE MANDATORY ON ALL OFFICIAL BK RIDES! 18. Strict adherence to these rules, the rules of safe riding and all traffic laws will help to provide for a successful riding adventure! Page Updated: 01/04/2017