Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association

Rhode Island Chapter

Ride SOP

We are a motorcycle association.

We will set the example, and present ourselves as a professional appearing motorcycle group.  We will operate our motorcycles in a safe manner, and maintain our motorcycles in a safe, legal manner.  We will not ride erratically or at excessive speeds as a group.  No individual will ride in an inappropriate manner while wearing our colors.  Inappropriate hand signals will not be given to motorists.  At no time will our actions on the road bring discredit upon the CVMA.

When riding as a group to any occasion, it is highly encouraged to wear your patch.  This will help promote the organization.

A cage will never lead us anywhere.

We will rally at a pre-staging area, WITH A FULL TANK OF GAS to enable us to arrive at the main function as a group.  At the pre-staging area, the Road Captain or Assistant Road Captain will give a safety briefing, which will include the order of march, routes, destination, etc.  Normally ride info will be put out via email prior to the ride, so it is everyone’s responsibility to know times, routes, destinations, etc.  We will line up in the pre-staging area prior to departure.  Order of march will normally be the Road CPT, Chapter Commander, State Rep, main body, and Tail Gunner/Sweep (normally the Asst RC).   If more than one Asst RC is present, the 2^nd one will ride in the middle of the formation.  Ride formation will always be the staggered formation, to allow us to change into a single file in the event of road hazards, etc.  Turn signals and/or hand and arm signals (AMA) will be used at all times.  Everyone should be capable of performing duties as blocker, and pull clear of the line of march and put themselves between the main body and oncoming traffic at designated intersections.   Blockers will either fall back in to the rear of the formation, or make their way back to the front.  That will be determined at the ride briefing.  When a lane change is needed, especially on a highway, the signal will be quickly passed back to the Tail Gunner, who will pull in to that lane to block traffic approaching from the rear.  The main body will then execute the lane change, ideally from REAR to FRONT, as a unit.  If a gap occurs, it will be filled by moving forward – never by moving from one side to the other.  The Tail Gunner will always ride with high beams on, to be easily recognized in our rear view mirrors.   When we approach an intersection, we will stop, pull up side by side.  Situation dictates.  We may pass through as a group, or might post blockers, then proceed. 

When we arrive at the occasion start point, we will go from a staggered formation to a signal file, the RC will lead us to the park point, and we will either park tire to tire or back up against the curb.  If we back in, we do that as a group – not one at a time.  When we pull out, we pull out as a group – not one at a time.  Non members will be discouraged from riding in our main body, for safety reasons.  We will maintain a safe interval – close at slow speeds, open at highway speeds, for safety.  The first 2 bikes (RC & CDR) will set the distance/interval.  Everybody will guide off them.  Cages will not drive within our group, but if one merges in while on the road it will be allowed to do so safely.  If a cage enters the body of the formation, the rider directly in front of it will slow down, to allow the remaining riders to pass the cage.  This will be done in a safe manner, especially at a “squeeze point”.   Don’t try to compete.  Be safe.

If a member goes down, the next available member will stop to assist.  At the same time, the Tail Gunner will ride to the front of the group, to alert the RC.  The group will then pull over in a safe manner.  The RC will assess the situation, and put safety measures in place, and contact 911 if needed.

If a member pulls out of the formation to stop, one other member AND the TG will stop to assess the reason why.  If it is for maintenance reasons (fuel, oil, or some other quick fix), they will attempt to correct it and get on the way.  If for a nature break – the rider will wave off the TG.  If it is for a more important reason, such as a medical emergency, or major maintenance issue, the TG will take ownership of the situation and contact 911 or have the member call roadside assistance.  Ideally another member will be available to stay with that person, allowing the TG to catch up to the main body.

We will never leave a member stranded on the side of the road.

Motorcycles will always be properly maintained and presentable.  We will conduct a annual maintenance stand down in the Spring, to ensure everyone is ready for the upcoming ride season.

Refuel on the Move (ROM).  If we ride to a function that spans more than one tank of gas (120 miles for planning purposes), we will determine a gas station to stop at along the route.  We will line up at and use all available pumps.  If we are many in number, and time is a factor, we may roll through, one after the other, and put it all on one tab, to be worked out later.  If an Auxiliary Member or Supporter is present, that person may be asked to stand at a pump to help keep track of gallons per bike/member.  This will expedite the process and get us in and out quickly.

Tolls will be handled in a similar fashion.  Ideally we will plan ahead for them and the RC will collect the money at the ride briefing.  Most booths will still expect us to go through one at a time.

Be safe, take care of yourself and your bike, and always be ready to help a member out on the road.

Regards,

John “JAGER” Westlake

RI Road Captain