RIDE ETIQUETTE.

General Information

Member safety is always the prime consideration whenever planning, leading or taking part in an organised ride.  Ride leaders and organisers of rides should always take into account the age of participants, riding abilities, road and weather conditions and any other issue which may affect the ride.

The Ulysses Club does not carry insurance for members on rides, as members are required to comply with State laws in relation to registration and insurance of their vehicles, and to comply with the requirements of the various laws and also the conditions of their insurance policies.

Ulysses Club policy is that the Club does not endorse any ride procedure, rather a meeting place for rides to leave from, and individual's choice as to where and how they ride, subject to road and traffic conditions and regulations.

When on Club or Branch rides there are a few recommendations that should be adhered to.  Remember, riding is enjoyable and exciting and should remain so even though there are risks involved. What follows on this page are suggestions only and are not to be misconstrued as rules or regulations.

 Etiquette

• Arrive for the ride at least 15 minutes before the departure time with a FULL tank and an EMPTY bladder.
• There is usually a ride leader at the front and a Tail-end Charlie at the rear of the group.
• The ride leader should give a short outline of the route to be taken and the proposed stops along the way.  Tail-end Charlie should make himself known to all participants
• If you're leaving the ride before the destination, please inform Tail-end Charlie, and if possible, the ride leader.
• On some rides, a corner marking system is used.  Usually, the rider immediately following the ride leader is the assigned (next) corner marker.  If the ride leader turns at an intersection, then the second rider stops at that corner until all bikes have turned and then takes up a position in front of Tail-end Charlie.  It is not necessary to resume your place behind the ride leader as the bike now in second place takes the corner marker's job.

 I've never ridden in a group before.  What should I do?

• It's always a good idea to follow at least three bike lengths behind the bike in front of you, but more is always better. 
• Adding an extra couple of bike lengths in wet weather will allow you more reaction time & braking distance.
• Staying in the same place within the group is a much safer option than blasting past everyone in front of you.  Usually the slower riders begin (and remain) towards the rear of the ride group anyway.
• If you do need to overtake, remember you have a responsibility to obey normal road rules.
• Every rider has his or her own skill level.  Ride to your own ability and skill level at all times.
• Obey the road rules and speed limits. 
• Ensure your bike is roadworthy. 
• It is a Ulysses Club rule that no other rockers, rollers or badges of any description are allowed on the back of a jacket or vest bearing an Old Man patch.
• Above all, ride safely and be alert and aware of what is happening around you. 
• Scan constantly for danger.  Never ride when you are tired or after drinking alcohol. 
• Take regular breaks every hour or so.
• Wear All The Gear All The Time. (WATGATT)  Falls can occur anywhere at anytime. Road Rash hurts.
• There are many tips for riding safely in groups.  The above are just some of the main ones.  If you have access to a computer and the Internet, Google Motorcycle Ride Etiquette and you will find lots of information on common hand signals used in groups etc.