The Chapter plans, schedules and conducts rides to fulfill this purpose. Please remember that safety is everyone’s primary responsibility and that we all share responsibility for the safety of the group. By observing the guidelines presented in this guide, group riding with the Chapter should be safe and enjoyable for everyone. And always remember that our primary objective is to:

Ride Selection and Scheduling

The ride schedule or specific rides can be published in the Chapter Newsletter, discussed at Chapter meetings, and definitely will be noted on the Calendar page of the Chapter web site.  Whenever practical, schedule changes are announced via e-mail and on the web site as soon as possible. The Chapter reserves the right to change the ride schedule without notice and at any time. Rides may be canceled at any time, usually only due to adverse weather conditions.

Ride Leaders

The Head Road Captain, Director, Assistant Director, (other Officers as needed) is responsible for conducting the chapter rides. Prior to a ride, they select the route, talk about any unsafe conditions, insure the destination is suitable and make any arrangements necessary for the group. They also prepare each group by conducting a pre-ride briefing during which they explain the planned route, and provide any other information pertinent to the ride. Each ride has at least two Ride Leaders. Other Road Captains may be present and will ride within the group. For identification during a ride, the Road Captains are encouraged (but not mandatory) to wear bright orange, green or reflective shirts.   All ride participants are expected to follow the directions, instructions and decisions of the Head Road Captain, Ride Leaders and/or Road Captains.

Ride Participation

All members are invited to participate in all rides. It is solely a member's choice to participate in a ride. The Chapter expects all riders to ride safely and ride within their experience and comfort level at all times. New riders should learn the fundamental skills of motorcycle riding and gain some experience before joining a group ride. Taking an approved rider course is highly recommended before joining a group ride.

Harley Event Categories

Chapter events are conducted primarily for the benefit of Harley Owners Group Chapter members. There are three categories of events defined by national H.O.G.:

• CLOSED events are chapter events that are open to chapter members and one guest per member.

• MEMBER events are chapter events that are only open to H.O.G. members.

NOTE: All Chapter rides are “Closed” events unless otherwise specifically stated. This means that you can participate in Chapter rides only if you are a current Chapter member. Members are limited to one guest per ride.

Group Riding

This section explains the rules and procedures used when group riding with the Chapter. Each rider is expected to observe and practice these rules and procedures when participating in a group ride with the Chapter. There are four components to a safe and enjoyable group ride:

• Group Preparation

• The Ride

• Emergencies

Personal Preparation

• Check the web site for schedule changes.

Regardless of the amount of planning done for the rides, a schedule change will occasionally occur. Rides may be changed to a new time, a new place or both. Typically, rides are cancelled due to adverse weather conditions but may be cancelled for other reasons.

• Check yourself.

Make sure you are rested, alert, feeling well and dressed in Hawaii appropriate riding gear. Remember your sun screen and think about hydration. If you cannot pack water, purchase bottled water at one of our "talk story" rest stops. You should be physically and mentally prepared to make the ride. Avoid alcohol or significant stress prior to riding. If you are tired, not feeling well, or just "not up to par", it may be wise to stay home and ride another day. If we’re riding a night ride, it is advisable to wear reflective clothing. A rain jacket is recommended whenever heavy rain is forecasted.  Any Chapter member operating a motorcycle on a Chapter ride, event or other activity must be properly licensed and insured to operate a motorcycle.

• Perform a safety and mechanical check on your bike.

Any motorcycle used on a Chapter ride, event or other activity must be properly licensed, inspected and insured. Check your bike for proper operation including the

• tire pressure

• oil level

• turn signals

• lights

• cables

• brakes. etc.

• Fill your Gas Tank

All members are encouraged to begin the ride with a full gas tank. The start of a ride should not be delayed waiting for someone to “get a quick fill-up”. All rides are planned with ample gas stops considering the smallest tank in the group and that everyone starts with a full tank.

• Make sure you arrive for the ride at the designated meeting time.

Not only is it fun to socialize and talk story prior to the ride, the Head Road Captain and/or Ride Leaders will make any announcements and give the pre-ride briefing during this time. If you arrive at the last minute, you may miss important information about the ride.

Group Preparation

Rides are scheduled to meet at a certain time unless members arrive earlier for breakfast (or other meals depending on the type of ride). During this time you are encouraged to socialize; talk story with your fellow Chapter Members and listen to the pre-ride briefing. The HOG® mission is to ride and to have fun.

• Meet on time

All riders should meet at the scheduled meeting time. All rides leave promptly at the scheduled departure time in order to be considerate to members who came out to ride.

• Fulfill the Event Release Form Requirements

Members: Each member participating in a Chapter ride is required to have a signed “Chapter Membership Enrollment Form and Release” on file with the Chapter. Signing this form is required to join the Chapter or renew membership. If, for any reason, you are not sure if you have this form on file with the Chapter, sign an “Event Release Form for Adults” at each ride.

Guests: Each member is allowed one guest per ride. Each adult guest must sign an “Event Release Form for Adults” at the ride.

• Night rides - Headlights to low beam, other "running" lights off

All riders except the Sweep should set their Headlights to low beam and turn off any other "running" lights. This makes it much easier for the Rider Leaders to see the Sweep and determine if a problem has occurred requiring the Sweep to stop.

• The pre-ride briefing

The Ride

Riding with a group can be fun and exciting, when everyone in the group observes the same rules. The Ride Leader and co-leader, followed by Road Captain’s will leave first from the starting point and are followed by all other bikes, which fall into the riding abreast formation as soon as possible, unless signaled to ride staggered or single file. The Sweep(s) will usually provide pull out lane protection when leaving, then fall in and follow the group.

Riding within your ability and comfort level is very important for the safety of the group. If at any time you feel that the ride has exceeded your riding ability or comfort level, or you have safety concerns, you should consider pulling off to the side at a safe place. The Sweep will stop with you. You can then decide whether to continue the ride or not.

• Obey all laws (Speed limits, Stop signs, Stop lights, etc.)

Expect the rider ahead of you to make FULL stop while also watching for directions from Road Captains if they are protecting lanes. Obey all laws including traffic regulations.

• Group Riding

The key to a successful group ride is communication between all participants.  Riders who choose to ride in a group must do just that, ride with the group.  If a navigational mistake is made (e.g., missed turn or exit), continue with the group until the error can be safely corrected. 

• Two Abreast Riding

In Hawaii, a majority of groups ride two abreast (side-by-side) due to short ride distances and traffic because we’re on an Island.  Your Ride Leaders will make the call as to when the group will ride staggered, abreast or single file. In general, if you are new to group riding, please ride in a manner you feel comfortable with. It is suggested riders new to the group or uncomfortable with riding abreast, ride towards the rear of the group and learn how the group rides.

There are very limited resources for the side-by-side riding style.  As a result, we will try to cover the basics here.  There are many debates about the safety of side-by-side or staggered styles. We will not debate them, but try to give information for individuals to learn from. In general, two abreast riding formation is as follows:

The Ride Leader is at the "point" (Left Position). This person conducts the ride, lane of travel, rest stops, etc.  The Co-Leader is immediately to the right of the Ride Leader.  The Co-Leader keeps watch on everything to the right of the group, acting as a second pair of eyes and ears for the Ride Leader. The 2nd (and sometimes 3rd) row are for Road Captain positions (dependent on group size and availability of Road Captains).  These individuals are also aware of destinations and stops and will assume leader/co-leader positions should the group become separated. Experienced Road Captain Sweep Riders will be at the rear of the group to maintain order and provide a secondary leader should the group become split. Sidecar bikes and Trikes should ride towards the rear of the group. Again, novice and inexperienced riders should ride towards the rear, (in front of the Road Captain Sweep) staggered or abreast, based upon the individuals skill and comfort level.

Maintain a safe distance between bikes based upon weather, road conditions and road speed. If a vehicle wants to break through the group on a multi-lane road, give them space to safely do so. Close formation once the vehicle exits the lane. If the vehicle does not move, cautiously and carefully pass to reform. We do not own the road. Be considerate of other vehicles.

• Fill gaps by changing column

• Use hand signals

The Ride Leaders will use hand signals to indicate a change of course, hazards or other information to the group. Each rider uses the same signal to pass the information back through the group (Form the signal so that it is clearly visible to the riders behind you). The common hand signals used by the Chapter are:

• Pass with care only when it is safe and you have ample room and visibility

Maintain a steady pace with as few (dramatic) speed changes or sudden moves as possible. Changing lanes on a freeway should be kept to a minimum. Long freeways runs will usually be done in the second lane from the left. When lane changes must be done, Road Captains will be sent out to take possession of the lane when the lane is clear and safe to do so. Road Captains will have their 4-way flashers on prior to movement. Once the Road Captains have possession of the lane the group will accelerate slightly to pass the Road Captains and move over as you pass them. Signal your intention prior to your movements.  On freeways, the group can change lanes as a unit when there is no traffic directly behind or to the sides of group and if a Road Captain is not sent out to take possession of the lane.

• Keep the group together without heroics

Often the group will get separated by a stop light, traffic congestion, etc. It is not necessary or advisable to take heroic or exceptional steps to regroup. In the event the group is separated, the Ride Leader will adjust the ride (either by slowing down or stopping at a safe location) until the ride is regrouped. In some circumstances, this may take several miles... BE PATIENT. Do not ride beyond your limits or break any laws while trying to regroup. If the group becomes separated and you are the LAST BIKE IN THE FRONT GROUP and the group makes a turn off the road being traveled, STOP AT THE TURN AND WAIT FOR THE OTHERS BEHIND YOU (but only if it safe to do so). You will be the "Turn Beacon". As they approach, attract their attention so they follow you and catch up with the group. If you find yourself LEADING a separated part of the group, WATCH FOR A MEMBER OF THE GROUP (the "Turn Beacon") STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION TRYING TO GET YOUR ATTENTION. Follow the turn beacon until everyone catches up with the group. If you do not see a turn beacon or are not sure of the route, PULL OVER IN A SAFE PLACE. Everyone behind you will pull over and the Road Captain Sweep will either choose someone to lead or lead the group until it catches up with the group ahead.

• Tighten up and pull side-by-side at stops - start together on green lights

This helps move the group through stops quickly and get as many bikes through a stop light as possible.

• Negotiate intersections as an individual

When approaching an intersection, if necessary, Road Captains should be dispatched to assure a safe transition through the intersection. If so, the group should ONLY continue through a red light only if Road Captains have the intersection secured. If there are no Road Captains out, it is your responsibility to insure that you safely have the right-of-way. Never blindly follow the bike in front of you through an intersection, especially when making a left turn. When turning in an intersection, use a tight staggered formation, never turn side by side. If the light changes, DO NOT run the light. Flash your brake lights before stopping to communicate your intent to stop to those behind you. Use hand signals if time and safe practice allow it. Sound your horn to let the forward portion of the group know you did not make the light. The lead portion of the group will either slow-up and wait, or pull off somewhere it is safe to do so until the group is once again whole.

• Yield to cars (especially at entrance ramps and lane changes)

This is very important. When a car needs to enter from an entrance ramp or is signaling to break into the group, yield and give them plenty of room. Remember the old expression: "Because you have the right-of-way, doesn't mean you are going to get it". Most drivers (and even bikers when in cars) proceed down entrance ramps assuming that they will be able merge in between two cars. When confronted with a line of motorcycles and no clear space in which to merge, some drivers may become unsure, confused and even intimidated by the situation.

You can lessen the possibility of an unsafe situation by simply giving them plenty of room. Once a car merges into a line of motorcycles, it will generally get out as soon as possible. In almost all cases, you will not need to pass the car to regroup, it will move out of the way. Once the car is gone, close the gap while maintaining a safe speed.

Another case of needing to yield happens when an inattentive driver pulls alongside the group and then realizes that they have to take an upcoming exit. If a driver signals to break in, LET THEM IN. In a lot of ways, this is an even more dangerous situation than the entrance ramp. People will go completely crazy when they think they may miss their exit. Think about it... it's much easier to just back off and let them in. They will be out of the way shortly and you can close the gap.

• Signal all turns/lane changes with signal lights and hand signals; Make visual checks before you move.

The Ride Leader will signal for turns and lane changes. You, in turn, make the same signal to pass it back through the group and to signal any other vehicles near you. Before making a turn or changing lanes and after you have signaled for an appropriate amount of time, look with your head (not in your mirror) to see if you have clear space. If so, then make the turn or lane change. NEVER MOVE WITHOUT LOOKING!

• Park as a group whenever possible

Park as a group whenever possible when stopping for a break. This way the ride can be smoothly resumed. Don't park with the front of your bike facing downhill. Don't park where you will have to back up over slippery gravel. When turning off a roadway into a parking lot or fuel stop, pull as far into the area as possible to let other riders get off the street faster. Then find a place to park or fill up. Wherever possible, pull in and turn facing the outside at a diagonal in the spaces, pulling side by side so that you do not necessarily have to back up. BE CAREFUL backing up while your bike is running. If you slip and accidentally pull the throttle, you can injure yourself, your bike and other people and bikes near you.

• The ride officially ENDS when it’s called “end of ride” by the Ride Leader(s)

You can return home at any time and by any route you choose. If you are not sure how to get home, ask a Ride Leader or another member for directions.  If you are leaving the group ride early, let a Ride Leader or ask Road Captain to relay your need to leave the group at or before the next stop – preferably before the group leaves for the next leg of the ride. 

If the police stop the group, the Ride Leader should lead the group to a safe place.  Riders should stay in formation (by or on their motorcycle).  Allow the officer to come to you. The ride Ride Leader should be the only one who approaches the officer and should promptly identify himself.

In the event of an emergency requiring a stop, observe the following procedures so that the emergency may be resolved in the safest manner possible. Remember, we do not want a group of motorcycles on the side of the road in an unsafe manner under any circumstances.

There are 2 types of Emergency stops:

• Mechanical or Personal (non life threatening)

• Mechanical or Personal (non life threatening)

Problem bike and one Road Captain Sweep stops - All others continue. If a bike encounters a mechanical or rider problem that requires a stop, it should signal and stop in as safe a place as possible, preferably well off of the road. All other bikes are to continue with the Lead Road Captain to avoid having a group of motorcycles on the side of the road. To insure that the Ride Lead is aware of the problem, pass a signal to the front of the group by flashing your high beam and sounding the horn.

• Only the Road Captain Sweep stops to help

• Ride Leader leads the group to a safe location

If the Ride Leader deems it necessary to check on the problem, he will stop the group at a safe place and call the Road Captain Sweep to determine what action to take.

• Ride Leaders have mobile phones and first aid kits

Ride Leaders use their mobile phones to communicate when necessary. They also carry small first aid kits if equipped.

Ride Leaders behind the accident and Sweep stop, all others continue.

The Road Captain Sweep is in charge and will determine who needs to stay to accomplish the following:

• Insure everyone stops in a safe location

• Notify the authorities by calling 911

• Get the names and addresses of witnesses whenever possible, and

• Take pictures of the accident scene.

The Ride Leaders are responsible for completing an Injury Report and submitting it to the Chapter Secretary, Director or Assistant Director. Injury reports are filed in accordance with Harley Owners Group requirements (now is the time to review the HOG Handbook in PDF on the Member’s Only page of the Chapter website.)

As an active full or full life H.O.G. member, you are covered by the H.O.G. Roadside Assistance Program. See your H.O.G. membership manual for details. When you need a tow, call the Roadside Assistance number (toll free) on the back of your H.O.G. membership card to arrange for a tow. There is no reimbursement if you choose another towing option. Also, your motorcycle insurance policy may cover towing expenses.

Chapter Ride Disclaimer

The Officers of the Chapter hereby advise that any and all rides, runs, events and activities sponsored by this Chapter are solely intended for the benefit and participation of our current members and guests (limit one guest per member).

Members are responsible for insuring that their guest has a properly executed release form on file with the Chapter. Check with the Chapter Secretary, Activities Officer, Assistant Director or Director well before the ride is to start.

Release Forms

The Chapter uses the following forms to fulfill the release requirements for participation in Chapter events. These forms are available from the Chapter Secretary, Director and/or from the Chapter website.

Chapter Membership Enrollment Form and Release

Every member is required to sign this release form when joining the Chapter and when renewing their membership.

Chapter Event Release Form for Adults

All adult participants in a ride must sign this release form at the ride if the individual:

1) Is not a Chapter member (i.e., a guest), or

2) Is a Chapter member and is not sure if they have a signed “Chapter Membership Enrollment Form and
    Release” on file with the Chapter. A new form must be completed for each ride.

Chapter Event Release Form for Minors

A minor’s parent or guardian must sign this release form whenever a minor participates in any chapter event other than a chapter meeting. A new form must be completed for each event. If the minor is aged 12 or above, the minor must also sign the “Minor’s Assumption of Risk Acknowledgement.”

Minor's Assumption of Risk Acknowledgement

A minor, aged 12 or above, must sign this form when participating in any chapter event other than a chapter meeting. A new form must be completed for each event. The minor’s parent or guardian must also sign the “Chapter Event Release Form for Minors.”

Group Riding Checklist

Each rider is expected to observe and practice the following items when preparing for and participating in group rides with the Chapter. This section is a two page checklist of the rules and procedures designed so that you can easily carry it for reference during a ride.

A ride consists of four components:

Personal Preparation

• Check the web site for schedule changes.

• Check yourself. Are you ready for this ride?

• Perform a Safety/Mechanical Check.

• Fill your Gas Tank.

• Fill your Gas Tank.

Group Preparation

• All riders meet at the designated time.

• Fulfill the Event Release Form requirements.

The Ride

• Ride within your ability and comfort level.

• Obey all laws (Speed limits, Stop signs, Stop lights, etc.).

• Use hand signals (See next page for illustrations).

• Fill gaps by changing column.

• Use hand signals and pass to the rear.

• Keep group together without heroics.

• Pull to side-by-side at stops.

• Negotiate intersections as an individual.

• Yield to cars (especially at entrance ramps).

• Signal all turns and lane changes with signal lights and hand signals.

• Make visual checks before you move.

Emergencies

• Problem bike stops; all others continue.

• Only the Road Captain Sweep stops to help.

• Lead Ride Leader leads group to a safe location.

• Ride Leaders have mobile phones and first aid kits.

• Use H.O.G. Roadside Assistance for towing (Toll free number on back of your HOG membership card).

• Accidents: Group stops in a safe location - Call 911 – Render aid (Do not move an injured person or remove
  their helmet; this should be done by trained emergency response personnel) -  Get the names and addresses of
  witnesses whenever possible. Take pictures.