RidgeRiders is not a motorcycle club nor do you need a membership; rather they are motorcycle riders with a Christian base, whose core values mirror those of NorthRidge Church. This ministry is a friendly, positive Christian influence to many seekers who are motorcycle enthusiasts. Age and status are not factors in riding with the Ridge Riders. The purpose and goals of the RidgeRiders is to talk to people, develop relationships and invite all to church after the ride. It’s a non-threatening way of inviting Christ into many lives, which may not otherwise be available. The Ridge Riders meet at the church at 11:30a then leave at noon on the 2nd Saturday of the month during the traditional riding season May thru Oct.
Rider Rules
The highway is not a place to socialize. Motorcyclists riding in groups do not have any special rights. If you ride with others, do it in a way that promotes safety and does not interfere with the flow of traffic.
Keep the Group Small
Small groups make it easier and safer for car drivers who need to get around them. A small number isn’t separated as easily by traffic or red lights. Riders won’t always be hurrying to catch up. If your group is larger twelve to twenty riders, divide it up into two or more smaller groups.
Keep the Group Together
There are several ways to keep riders from being separated from the group:
A. PLAN AHEAD:
If you are the group leader, look ahead for changes. Give signals early so “the word gets back” in plenty of time. Start lane changes early enough to allow everyone to complete the change.
B. PUT BEGINNERS UP FRONT:
Place inexperience riders behind the leader, where they can be watched by more experienced riders.
C. FOLLOW THOSE BEHIND:
Let the last person set the pace. Use your mirrors to keep an eye on the person behind you. If he or she falls behind, everyone should slow a little so the group can stay together.
D. KNOW THE ROUTE:
Make sure everybody knows the route. Then if someone is separated for a moment, he or she won’t have to worry getting lost, making a wrong turn, or losing the group.
E. KEEP YOUR DISTANCE:
It is important to keep close ranks at a safe distance. A close group takes up less space on the highway, is easer to see, and is less likely to be separated. However, it must be done properly.
F. DON’T PAIR UP:
Operating directly alongside another motorcycle is a dangerous practice. If you have to avoid a car or something in the road, there will be no place to go. If you need to say something to another rider, wait until you are both stopped.
G. STAGGERED FORMATION:
Use a “staggered” formation to keep close ranks and maintain an adequate space cushion. In a staggered formation, the leader rides in the left side of the lane while the second rider stays a little behind and rides in the right side of the lane. A third rider would take the left position, a normal two or three second (depends on speed) distance behind the first rider. The forth rider would be a normal two or three distance behind the second rider. This formation keeps the group close without reducing following distance and having riders drive alongside one another. Staggered formation can be safely used on an open highway.
H. RETURN TO SINGLE FILE FORMATION:
Resume a single file formation on curves, during turns, and when entering or leaving a highway.
I. PASSING IN FORMATION:
Riders in a staggered formation should pass other vehicles one at a time. Here is one way; when it is safe to do so, the lead rider should pull out and pass. When the leader returns to the lane, he or she should take the left lane position and keep going to open a gap for the next riders. As soon as the first rider has safely passed the vehicle, the second rider should move to the left position and watch for a safe change to pass. After passing this rider should return to the right lane position and open up a gap for the next rider.
Some people suggest that the leader should move to the right side after passing a vehicle. This is not a good idea. It encourages the second rider to pass and return to the lane before there is a large enough space cushion in front of the passed vehicle. It is simpler and safer to wait until there is enough room in front of the passed vehicle to allow each rider to move into the same position held before the pass.
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