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CHAPTER RIDE POLICIES
 
1.  NO alcohol or prohibited substances are acceptable prior to or during any Chapter sponsored rides. The ride(s) is considered to be over when the kick-stands are down upon reaching the predetermined destination.  Any person(s) who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or prohibited substances will be asked by the Road Captain not to participate in the organized ride.
 
2.  A release/waiver form MUST be signed prior to participating in the organized ride. A signed Chapter Membership Enrollment Form & Release is considered to be on file for current Pittsburgh H.O.G. Chapter members.  A parent, step-parent, or legal guardian are the ONLY persons able to sign a release form for minor children. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, any other relative, or friend CAN NOT sign a minor release form.
 
3.  The Road Captain has the authority to cancel the ride based on weather or unforeseen circumstances. Whenever possible, cancellations will be posted on the Pittsburgh H.O.G. Chapter website and/or members may be notified by e-mail from the Editor.
 

 

GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES

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1. Always do a pre-ride check of your motorcycle before you head out every time. Things to check are:

  •     Lights - Make sure turn signals, brake lights, and head light are operational.

  •     Horn - Make sure your horn is working.

  •     Brakes - Check your brakes to make sure that you have pressure.

  •     Tires - Check tire pressure and tread depth. Also, check the age of your tires. The manufacture date can be found on your tire in an elongated      oval. It is four digit number. The first two numbers are the week made and the second two digits are the year made.  Tires over five years old      should be replaced regardless of tread due to dry rot.

  •     Fluids - Mainly your oil but also your brake fluid level.

  •     Controls - Make sure your clutch, throttle, and brakes operate smoothly.

  •     Drive Belt or Chain - Check your drive belt or chain.

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2. When you leave your house, apply your brakes separately to make sure they are working.

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3. Find a vacant parking lot and practice your crash avoidance skills which are the swerve and emergency quick stop. Activate your ABS if you have it to make sure it’s working and you know what it feels like. This is also a great time to practice your slow speed maneuvers such as U-turns.

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4. Take additional training and refresher courses. Remember, amateurs practice until they get it right. Experts practice it until they can’t get it wrong.

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5. When entering a curve, slow to an appropriate entry speed. You never want to override your sight distance. You are overriding your sight distance when you are unable to stop within the distance you can see.

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6. When entering curves, always turn your head and look through the curve as far as you can see to search for any hazards.

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7. Ride your ride every time you head out on your bike. Know your limitations. Do not ride above your skill set. 

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8. Dress for the slide, not just the ride. Gear saves lives. Wear appropriate riding gear every time you ride. 


 

CHAPTER IMPAIRING SUBSTANCE GUIDELINES

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Safe and responsible motorcycling activity is a major H.O.G. goal. In this regard:

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  • The consumption and use of Impairing substances is a serious personal responsibility involving the safety and welfare of family, riding friends and the individual H.O.G.® member.

  • Impairing substance consumption before or during motorcycling activity is not safe responsible behavior. • Any incident occurring during a motorcycling activity as a result of the participant consuming impairing substances results in no insurance coverage.

  • National H.O.G.® has no direct operational control over Chapter operations. Consumption of impairing substances after a riding activity or at non-riding events is a matter to be decided by the sponsoring Dealership and H.O.G.® Chapter leadership. All such decisions are subject to final review and approval by the sponsoring Dealership.

  • If the sponsoring Dealer and Chapter decide that impairing substances may be consumed at a Chapter activity, then the recommended approach is either to “Bring Your Own” or to “Buy Your Own” from a vendor licensed and insured to sell the impairing substance.

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The most important part of any ride is to get to the destination safely. If you have any concerns you should talk to the Road Captain before the ride begins. Being a novice motorcyclist or having little experience with group riding should also be mentioned to the Road Captain. This is not meant to single you out but rather to make sure you are comfortable and enjoy the ride.

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