Join Miami Motorcycle Riders
You'll get invited to our Meetups as soon as they're scheduled!
About Miami Motorcycle Riders
Riding motorcycles is an inherently dangerous activity. You have not been coerced, asked, or have been compensated to ride with Miami Motorcycle Riders. As a condition of your voluntary participation of Miami Motorcycle Riders for myself and my heirs and assigns, I hereby release and discharge Miami Motorcycle Riders, and their respective Organizer, and Assistant Organizers, agents, and volunteers from any and all claims, demands, damages, or liabilities arising from injury to my person or property as the result of participating in event rides or other activity sponsored by Miami Motorcycle Riders. I currently hold a valid drivers license with proper motorcycle endorsement. If I choose not to wear a helmet, even after being encouraged to do so, I also carry sufficient bodily injury insurance as required by state law, I also carry comprehensive motor vehicle liability insurance covering the vehicle that will be in operation on any Miami Motorcycle Riders Organized Ride. Miami Motorcycle Riders is not a legal entity in any state, but a forum where finding other motorcycle enthusiasts was facilitated through the internet. The Organizer and Assistant Organizers are not employees but volunteers to facilitate the meeting of individuals for the purpose of motorcycle riding.
Quite simply the propose of this group is to meet one another so we may share our common hobby; motorcycling. Your profile should express your enthusiasm, knowledge & experience so that you may be able to pass it on to your fellow members. The posting of at least one picture on your profile is so that you can be recognized by members you have not yet met, and those that you would like to remember. If you fail at any of these criteria, you fail as a member, affecting the group as a whole. Your picture(s) on your profile will only be of yourself and/or your motorcycle, should be in good taste, rude or degrading to others. The Organizers shall be the final authority on what is permissable, failure to change pictures that are deemed inappropiate will result in deletion from the group.
It has always been and will continue to be the policy of this group that no internal strife (infighting, bickering, squabbling or name calling) will be broadcasted in open forum.(message board) We all have our differences, and we will have our disagreements, but those altercations, quarrels and arguments will be held privately and resolved in whichever means possible, other than in open forum. So if you see your threads edited or deleted it was done so by in an effort to keep the peace & harmony. The Organizers will edit the forum from time to time to ensure the enjoyment of all members.
You have joined an open site that is for your enjoyment, it provides information, resources and activities at no cost to you. Keep in mind others dedicate hundreds of hours for your satisfaction, and personal enjoyment, therefore please conduct yourself accordingly, tactfully and in good taste. We ask that you keep the site respectful.
MMR is a social club of people (independent riders) who use the internet, namely Meetup.com, to organize group rides and social events. The purpose of pack riding is to take advantage of higher visibility and safety on the roadways of Florida. With this in mind, safety takes priority on every ride. MMR is not a motorcycle club, and has no intention to ever become one. MMR has merchandise that can be purchased online. MMR does not issue any "colors" that can be interpreted as being earned.
The purpose of riding in an organized group instead of an undisciplined pack is to provide the additional safety that a well-organized group inherently generates. This comes from within the group and from the outside. When a group rides in an orderly fashion, people don't get in each others way, and the organization of the formation itself discourages cars from attempting to cut in. Once riding rules have been adopted by a group, EVERYONE riding with that group is expected to follow them. Anyone violating the rules and compromising safety, will be warned, and if their actions continue, will no longer be welcome to ride with the group. The following rules are compiled from a number of sources. Most groups that ride in orderly formations follow similar rules. Details may vary from one group to another, sometimes because of the style of riding they do, or sometimes because there are a number of reasonable options, so they choose the one they prefer.
Here is a link for a group riding video from the MSF foundation, good for riders of all levels; http://http.vitalstre...
1) Formation
Riding will be in a standard staggered formation unless the Road Captain calls for single file. In staggered formation, the bikes form two columns, with the Road Captain (ride leader) at the head of the left column. The second bike will head the opposite column, and will ride approximately 1 second behind the Road Captain (and in the opposite side of the lane). The other riders will position their bikes 2 seconds behind the bike directly in front of them, which puts them 1 second behind the bike diagonal from them. This formation allows each rider sufficient safety space, and discourages other vehicles from cutting into the line. The last rider, or Tail Gunner, may ride on whichever side of the lane he prefers. He will wave to change sides during the ride, based on the situation at the moment.
2) Road Captain
The Road Captain (ride leader) is responsible for the safety of the entire formation. He must be aware of the length of the columns, and must gauge the passing of merges, highway entrances and exits, est. to allow for maximum safety and for keeping the group together. He must make sure that he leaves enough time/space for the formation to get into the appropriate before exits or turns. All directions come from the Road Captain. The Road Captain makes all decisions regarding lane changes, stops for breaks and fuel, closing of gaps, turning off at exits, any concerns of what lies ahead. NO individual will assert himself independently without direction from the Road Captain to do so.
3) Tail Gunner
The Tail Gunner serves as the eyes of the Road Captain. He watches the formation, and informs the Road Captain of any potential problems within the group. He watches other vehicles, and informs the Road Captain of hazardous conditions approaching from the rear, such as vehicles trying to cut into the formation and trucks passing with potentially dangerous wind blasts. He will watch for merging lanes, and will move into a merging lane (or stay in a merging lane just vacated by the group) in order to "close the door" on other vehicles that may otherwise find themselves trying to merge into the formation. At the Road Captain's request, the Tail Gunner changes lanes before the group, to secure the lane so the group can move into it.
4) New Riders
The position of new (inexperienced with GROUP riding) riders within the group is significant. New riders should be positioned as close to the front as possible. New riders should be teamed up with an experienced rider. It's the experienced rider's responsibility to instruct the new rider on all ride signals and rules.
5) Lane Changes
All lane changing starts with the Road Captain or the Tail Gunner. The Tail Gunner will (when it is safe to do so) move into the desired lane and the Road Captain will make the lane change when the lane is clear. At this point the Road Captain has three options.
A) Simple Lane Change. This is an ordinary lane change, and can be used in most situations.
After the tail gunner has secured the new lane, the Road Captain will put on his directional signal as an indication that he is about to order a lane change. As each rider sees the directional signal, he also turns his on, so the riders following him get the signal. The Road Captain then initiates the change. All other riders change lanes too. The important concept is that NO ONE moves until the bike in front of him has started moving.
B) Block Lane Change. This can be used interchangeably with the Simple Lane Change.
It requires a little more work, but it is well worth the effort. Its quiet impressive to watch, and gives the riders a tremendous feeling of "togetherness". This sounds a little complicated, but is actually very simple to do. After The Tail Gunner has secured the new lane, the Road Captain will put on his directional signal as an indication that he is about to order a lane change. As each rider sees the directional signal, he also turns his on, so the riders following him get the signal. The Road Captain then raises his left arm straight up. Each rider repeats the signal. Then, as the leader lowers his arm to point to the lane into which he's moving, he actually initiates the change. All other riders lower their arms at the same time and change lanes too. This allows the entire formation to move from one lane to another as a single block.
C) Rear Fill-in. This is sometimes necessary if a long enough gap cannot be maintained in the new lane, for example when trying to move from the right lane to the center and vehicles from the left lane keep cutting into the opening.
After the Tail Gunner has secured the new lane, the Road Captain (usually at the suggestion of the Tail Gunner) will call for the group to fill in the space from the rear. He signals this by raising his hand and "pushing" it towards the new lane. All riders repeat the signal, and the last bikes move into the space in the new lane ahead of the Tail Gunner, then the next bikes move in ahead of those, and so on until the Road Captain finally moves into the space ahead of the entire formation.
6) Emergencies
In the unlikely event of an emergency condition, the Road Captain will make every attempt to move the formation to the shoulder in an orderly manner. If a bike breaks down, let the rider move to the right. DO NOT STOP. The Tail Gunner will stop with the problem bike. The road Captain will lead the group to a safe stopping place.
7) Tolls
The Road Captain should be aware of tolls and collect money from all riders in advance. When the formation arrives at the toll booth, the Road Captain pays for all bikes, and the bikes proceed through the toll booth. Many toll booths have counters that count the number of vehicles coming through. To accommodate these, ride through the toll booth one at a time.
If some people in the group are using SunPass, they will split out from the group, and they will regroup on the other side of the toll booth without stopping but lowering their speed for the rest of the group to catch up. The Road Captain will retake the lead position with the rest of the paying toll group falling behind the Sunpass group.
1) It is IMPERATIVE that you RSVP for rides and also to read the RSVP section before leaving for last minute event changes.
2) Familiarity with Group Riding Skills is a must! When it's done right, riding is better and safer! Make an effort to seek the knowledge as it's available to you.
3) The Road Captain and Tail Gunner are in command during rides, they are the front ride leader and the last rider.
4) There is no room for independence if you want to ride with the Group.
5) Come with your fuel tank full and your bladder empty and on time as we sometime meet at various locations and have others waiting.
6) Expect a briefing and pointers from the Road Captains prior to departure.
7) Try to stay in your same position you start in.
8) When pulling into a stop with the Group, don't park in the first spots, pull all the way in to allow the entire Group to leave the roadway. Think "safety for all".
9) Keep a constant distance, don't drift up and back as this causes "rubber banding".
10) You are ultimately responsible for your own safety, keep scanning and don't only focus on the bike ahead of you. Do not sacrifice your safety for the sake of staying in formation.
11) When the group changes lanes, follow the bike ahead of you into the new lane, don't change independently when you see the signals. The lane change should be like a snake's body following its head.
12) Propagate all hand signals to the back of the Group.
13) If a bike in the group has trouble, allow it to exit the road and stay in formation. The Tail Gunner will attend to the bike with trouble.
14) The Road Captain will collect toll money from all riders in advance, pays for all bikes, and the bikes proceed through the toll booth one at a time. SunPass user will split out from the group, and they will regroup on the other side of the toll booth without stopping but lowering their speed for the rest of the group to catch up.
15) If you have any questions, ASK before leaving on a ride! Help out at any event and HAVE A FUN SAFE RIDE!
Prior to every ride there will be a briefing, the destination and route will be explained. The group will not depart until the ride captain feels certain that everyone is well aware of the route. Unless noted otherwise all times given for rides should be considered a "kickstands up" time. All bikes are expected to be ready to depart by the time listed on the site. Be considerate, some rides can have large numbers of riders and you don't want to keep your friends waiting. If you RSVP, then please show up. If your plans change please call someone so we know to not expect you.
MMR asks that if you choose to consume alcohol on the ride you do so with moderation. At no time will anyone be allowed into the formation if they appear intoxicated. This will be at the sole discretion of the ride captain. We do not allow people that did not start the ride with us to later join the formation, unless this was planned in advance.
MMR rides are all about safety first. If you haven't already place emergency contact information under the name ICE (In case of Emergency) in your cellular phonebook. We will use that information to call your contact in the unlikely event that you require medical assistance. Also visit the Florida Driver's License Website, and add emergency contact information tied to your Florida Driver's License Number.
https://www6.hsmv.sta... Lastly, consider carrying an emergency contact card in your wallet or saddlebag.
MMR highly recommends that all riders wear a DOT approved helmet at all times. However, MMR does respect your individual freedom; therefore we ask that if you prefer to not wear a helmet then comply with Florida State Statute 316.211:
* A person over 21 years of age may operate or ride upon a motorcycle without wearing protective headgear securely fastened upon his or her head if such person is covered by an insurance policy providing for at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of a crash while operating or riding on a motorcycle.
* The ride captain reserves the right to examine individuals who wish to refrain from using a helmet for insurance documentation, motorcyclists who do not wish to show the proper documentation, or do not have the insurance will be asked to not ride with the formation.
Hand signals are mandatory on MMR rides, on most rides you will only need one or two hand signals this will be discussed before the ride by the road captain. Below are some of the hand signals you may see when riding with MMR:
START ENGINES - With your right or left arm extended, move your index finger.
LEFT TURN - Raise your left arm horizontal with your elbow fully extended.
RIGHT TURN - Raise your left arm horizontal with your elbow bent 90 degrees vertically.
HAZARD LEFT - Extend your left arm at a 45 degree angle and point towards the hazard.
HAZARD RIGHT (A) - Extend your right arm at a 45 degree angle and point towards the hazard.
HAZARD RIGHT B - Extend your left arm upward at a 45 degree angle with your elbow bent to 90 degrees and point towards the hazard over your helmet.
SPEED UP - Raise your left arm up and down with your index finger extended upward. This indicates the leader wants to speed up.
SLOW DOWN - Extend your left arm at a 45 degree angle and move your hand up and down.
STOP - Extend your left arm at a 45 degree angle with the palm of your hand facing rearward.
SINGLE FILE - Position your left hand over your helmet with your fingers extended upward. This indicates the leader wants the group in a single file formation. Usually this is done for safety reasons.
STAGGERED or SIDE-BY-SIDE FORMATION - Extend your left arm upward at a 45 degree angle with your index and pinkie finger extended. This indicate that it is safe to return to staggered formation.
TIGHTEN UP - Raise your left arm and repeatedly move up and down in a pulling motion. This indicates the leader wants the group to close ranks.
Recently updated pages
| Page title | Most recent update | Last edited by |
|---|---|---|
| Rules for Group Riding | April 21, 2007 6:05 AM | Jorge |
| Club Ride Important Facts | April 21, 2007 5:58 AM | Jorge |
| About this Meetup Group | June 13, 2008 8:40 AM | Jorge |
