|
ROAD CAPTAIN POSITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
POSITIONS
There are four Road Captain positions. As a Road Captain you will be called on to do all four.
Ride Leader – Plans and leads the ride. This includes mapping the course, scheduling and conducting pre-ride check-outs, finding rest stops, destination, lunch stop (and making reservations if needed), as well as making sure the group stays together. Plan the return route to get the group back to the Willowbrook Mall area.
Shot Gun – Supports the Ride Leader and rides in the number 2 position. This calls for spending a lot of time engaged with your mirrors! This is a very important job because it backs up the Ride Leader. Shot Gun should know the ride as well as the Ride Leader. You make sure the Leader knows what the group is doing so the he or she can focus on the leading the ride. You need to make sure the Leader doesn’t ride too fast or hasn’t lost riders at a light or intersection.
Mid-Pack- Keeps the group TIGHT. Makes sure that riders in the middle keep up with the group. Has an awareness of the ACCORDION AFFECT –what causes it and its result, that the middle or end of the group ends up exceeding the speed limit to play catch-up. Keeps an eye on the riders to make sure that there are no issues, which need to be addressed. If issues cannot be communicated safely at a traffic light, they can be addressed at the butt rub. The more Road Captains in this position the better.
Tail Gunner. Brings up the rear. This is the anchor of the group and keeps everyone together. The Tail Gunner is responsible for stopping to assist or check on a rider who leaves the group. The Tail Gunner can initiate lane change when it is safe to do so. Ideally you should know the ride as well as the Ride Leader.
REQUIREMENTS
Road Captains must:
1. Have damn good riding skills. You have to demonstrate that you can handle your bike and that you are comfortable and confident. You can’t support or lead a group if you are at all concerned about your own ability.
2. Have at least 10, 000 miles of riding a motorcycle.
3. Be a member of both Essex County Chapter and National H.O.G. in good standing.
4. Have ridden with the Essex County Chapter for a minimum of 1 year
5. Know safe group riding practices and procedures (i.e. hand signals, riding in tandem and understanding the two-second rule). You must be completely familiar and adhere to these rules and requirements.
6 Have completed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation approved Experienced Rider Course within the previous 24 months.
7. Lead a ÒRide of Road CaptainsÓ to show us that you can plan a ride (it doesn’t have to be long unless the weather is nice) and handle your bike. Remain open to suggestions. Road Captains agree to work toward improving each other as Road Captains. We provide constructive feedback as appropriate, concerning personal riding skills and judgment to each other and the group, without ego.
8. Your main responsibility and priority at all times is safety.
9. It is recommended that you certified in First Aid and adult CPR.
10. Awareness and assisting in HOG requirements such as guest waivers, insurance requirements and no-drinking policy.
11. Attend at least 1 ride a month.
12. Attend some pre-rides.
13. As a Road Captain your main goal is to be the best rider you can be. Plan to develop an informal or self-directed training that consistently improves your personal as well as group riding skills. Do research on the web, HOG officer training Group Riding seminar (or booklet). Periodically review the Essex County HOG Ride Guide.
14. Read, understand and know the Essex HOG Ride Guide
If you are interested and fulfill the above requirements, contact the Head Road Captain.
|
