The Ride Captain/Leader must be aware of the riding skill level of the members of the group and set the pace accordingly.

If riders are present who are not familiar with riding with the Wanderers, those riders will be assigned to a "Ride Buddy". The intent is to introduce the "new" rider with a member of the Wanderers who will be able to answer questions, make the new rider feel comfortable, and serve as an example of our riding style. During the course of the ride, the buddy and new rider will partner up on the road with the buddy in a lead position.

The Ride Captain/Leader is responsible for keeping the group together at all times and arranging rest and gas stops. The Ride Captain/Leader will be aware of the number of riders and be sure that all are accounted for throughout the ride.


TO BE READ ALOUD AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH RIDE:

The Ride Captain/Leader will read the Rules of the Road and give an example of the basic road signals before each ride. Each rider, when seeing a signal from the rider in front of him/her, should pass that signal on to the following riders. Typical hand signals used by the Wanderers are:

Click Here For Animated Demos

Left and right turn signals: Arm out to left for left turn or left arm bent at elbow to indicate right turn
Let's Go: Arm raised over head and hand rotating in a circular motion
Slow the pace: Arm extended, palm facing downward with up and down motion of hand
Stop: Arm extended upward clenching fist
Single File Formation: Hand raised over head with single finger pointing up
Staggered Formation: Hand raised over head with two fingers pointing up
Tighten Up Formation: Raise your left arm and repeatedly move up and down in a pulling motion. 
Pointing at obstacles: Point downward on side of bike where obstacle or hazard is located
I need a rest stop (preferably one with a toilet): Arm extended to the left clenching fist
Waves to other motorcycle riders: Anything goes (except maybe the princess in a parade wave)

During Wanderers rides, traffic laws and regulations are to be followed at all times. This includes the wearing of helmets. Anyone refusing to obey these laws and regulations will be asked to leave the group.

If any rider must leave the group for any reason, whether it is during the course of the ride or at a rest stop, it is the rider's responsibility to inform the Ride Captain/Leader.

The Wanderers employ a staggered ride formation when road conditions permit.

A staggered formation consists of the Ride Captain/Leader in the lead position on the left side of the traffic lane. The number two rider follows at a safe distance (usually 1 to 2 seconds) behind the lead rider on the right side of the traffic lane. The number three rider is in the left side of the traffic lane 2 to 4 seconds behind rider number one and 1 to 2 seconds behind rider number two. And so it goes with all subsequent riders.

While riding on multi-lane roads, if there should be a car entering from or wishing to exit onto a ramp, allow them room to do so. When road conditions ( such as very narrow traffic lanes or roads with sharp turns or twists, etc.) do not permit staggered riding , the Ride Captain/Leader will signal for single file riding. A minimum of 3 to 4 second interval between riders is recommended for single file riding.

Some Don'ts

Don't crowd the rider in front of you. We're all going to get where we're going at the same time, and you can make the other guy/girl nervous if you're riding too close. If he/she has to swerve to miss an obstacle, you will want him/her to have room to do so without endangering you or other riders.

Don't lag too far behind the rider in front of you. Each rider needs to pay attention not only to what's in front of him, but also be aware of the rider following him. If you're falling too far behind, you could be giving a signal to the rider in front that you're in some kind of trouble. If you do experience trouble or become separated, stop. Each rider must be aware of the riders following, and upon noticing that there are no riders in sight behind must stop also. This will create a ripple affect, which will reach up to the Ride Captain/Leader who will then turn around and lead the riders back to the rest of the group.

Don't pass other riders of the group while riding in a group formation. If you want to ride in close proximity to a friend, or you have a preference as to which side of the traffic lane you wish to ride during staggered riding, then use the opportunity at a rest stop to arrange yourselves accordingly. Once on the road, stay in the order you started in.

If you'd like to know more than the basic information above, please check out the "Ride Captains" page by clicking the appropriate button below.

When you have digested that you might want to learn the importance of that person riding trail for your group.

The Wanderers encourage other groups to print these pages and use the tips as they see fit.