Ride Guidelines

These guidelines keep our rides safe, predictable, respectful, and united. We ride as a pack, looking out for each other.

Ride your own ride.
Comfort and control always come first, ride within your skill level, keep your space, and never let the group pressure you into a decision you are not comfortable with.

Predictable beats fast.
Smooth throttle, smooth braking, and clean lane positioning keep the entire pack stable, sudden moves create chain reactions and put everyone at risk.

Zero impairment.
If you are not 100 percent sober you do not ride, no exceptions, if you are even slightly impaired you are a danger to yourself and everyone around you.

Ride authority and compliance

During organized rides, the Road Captain and designated leadership have final authority regarding route, pace, formation changes, regroup points, and safety decisions. This keeps the ride unified and prevents confusion while moving.

All riders are expected to follow ride leadership direction immediately and calmly. Disagreements, concerns, or adjustments are handled at the next safe stop, not on the move, and never through aggressive riding or sudden lane changes.

If the Road Captain calls single file, a regroup, or a pace reduction, the entire group complies. Structure protects the group, the public, and the reputation of the Club.

Ride roles and leadership

Every group ride needs clear leadership so the ride stays calm and predictable. The Road Captain sets the pace and route, and the Tail Gunner rides last and watches the group. When ride leadership gives direction, follow it immediately and calmly.

Road Captain

Sets pace, route, lane choices, formation calls, and regroup points. Communicates expectations at the ride briefing and keeps decisions simple and consistent while moving.

Tail Gunner

Stays last, watches spacing, assists with breakdowns, and coordinates safe stops when needed. Helps keep the group together without pressuring riders to exceed their comfort level.

Guest and visiting club positioning

Guests and visiting clubs ride behind the hosting Rocky Mountain Renegades RC formation. This keeps ride leadership communication clear and prevents unknown riders from drifting into the front portion of the pack.

This positioning is not negotiable mid ride. It is part of how we keep spacing stable, regroup decisions clean, and responsibility clear when something goes wrong.

Any variation must be discussed prior to the ride, approved by the President, and communicated to the Road Captain before departure. If it is not approved in advance, it does not happen.

Blocking procedures

Blocking is a designated role and is only used when leadership decides it is necessary for safety and ride control. If blockers are planned, it is discussed in detail prior to departure during the ride preparation briefing.

Designated blockers coordinate directly with the Road Captain before leaving the start point. The group must understand who is blocking, where they will position, and what the expectations are so nobody is surprised by actions in traffic.

Under no circumstances will any rider, including Rocky Mountain Renegades RC members, visiting clubs, or guests, initiate a block without prior approval and assignment during the pre ride meeting.

Unauthorized blocking is extremely dangerous and creates serious risk of injury. If a rider blocks without approval, they may be removed from the ride immediately and reviewed by leadership after the ride.

Core riding rules

Formation: staggered formation is standard when conditions allow. Maintain consistent spacing and position.
Single file: tight roads, poor visibility, gravel, rain, construction, traffic, or anytime the Road Captain calls it.
No weaving: no bouncing positions, no cutting inside the stagger, no sudden moves.
Lights and intersections: do not run lights to stay together. Ride legally and regroup at the next safe pull off.
Passing: no passing within formation unless called. When allowed, pass one at a time and return smoothly.
Signals: use hand signals, point out hazards early, and pass signals back.
Break offs: if you must leave the ride, notify the Road Captain or Tail Gunner before you exit.
Mechanical issues: signal, safely pull over, and the Tail Gunner will coordinate support.

Bottom line: predictable riding keeps everyone safe. If you cannot follow these rules, you cannot ride with the group.

Removal from a ride

Leadership may remove a rider from a group ride if behavior, equipment condition, impairment, or conduct creates a safety risk. This is done to protect the group, the public, and the reputation of the Club.

Removal decisions are not debated while moving. If a rider is asked to drop out, they will do so calmly and safely at the next appropriate location. Follow up conversations happen after the ride, not in traffic.

Repeated refusal to follow direction, reckless riding, or unauthorized blocking can result in immediate removal and a leadership review after the ride.

Safety, readiness, and respect

Bike and license

Arrive fueled, legal, and ready. Riders must have the proper license for a motorcycle, and bikes must be safe to operate. If leadership determines a bike is unsafe, that rider may be asked not to ride until it is safe.

No impairment

Zero tolerance for impairment before or during rides. If someone is not safe to ride, keys are handed over and a plan is made to get them and their bike home safely.

Respect and conduct

Respect the public and each other. No reckless behavior, no harassment, no intimidation. Do not touch or sit on someone else’s bike without permission.

New riders

If you are newer to group riding, say so before we roll. We will place you where you are comfortable, keep the pace respectful, and help you learn the flow.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to keep up with the fastest riders

No. Ride your own ride. We would rather slow down than lose a rider. Speak up early if you need space, a slower pace, or a regroup.

What happens if the group gets split by traffic or lights

Ride legally and safely. We regroup at the next safe pull off or agreed regroup point. Nobody gets left behind.

Can I pass inside the formation

No. Passing inside formation is not allowed unless ride leadership calls it for a specific reason. When passing is allowed, it is one at a time with clear space.

What if my bike has a problem mid ride

Signal and safely pull over. The Tail Gunner will stop with you and coordinate support so the rest of the group stays safe.

Is alcohol allowed at stops

Not during the ride. If you are impaired, you do not ride. If someone is not safe to ride, keys are handed over and a safe plan is made.

Questions before a ride? Reach out anytime. We would rather clarify early than fix problems on the road.