Ok maybe we should call them guidelines.  Anyways to join a wasteMC ride, certain conditions have to be met.  These guidelines are inspired by those found on the STMC site http://www.sporttouringmc.com/rules.htm 

 

1.  Mechanical Condition.  I have already talked about what bikes are sport-touring capable.  However, one thing we ask is that your bike be in good mechanical condition before we set out for a ride.  Tires with decent tread and up to pressure, brakes in good working order, lights and turn signals functioning correctly.  It doesn't matter how pretty or ugly the bike is, only that it works.  Breakdowns happen, but a breakdown due to poor maintenance practices can be an inconvenience to the group at best, and dangerous to the group at worst.  Yes, we WILL look your bike over before we take off.

 

2.  Riding pace.  Ride a pace you are comfortable with.  I would much rather have you fall behind or split early with the group than ride a pace that is over your head.  We will try to keep straightaway speeds and acceleration to a reasonable minimum so that nobody is left behind {and maybe avoid some expensive tickets that way!}

 

3.  Personal Protective Equipment.  A minimum standard is full-face helmet, motorcycle-specific riding jacket AND pants of either leather or textile variety, gloves, and boots {preferably motorcycle specific gloves and boots}.  We do not judge anyone who wishes to ride without a helmet or gear, we just don't want to face the consequences of having such a rider take a minor spill on one of our rides.  If you have a $600 Arai or Shoei helmet and $800 Aerostitch or Dainese suit that's just great, but an inexpensive DOT-approved full face helmet and bargain-priced suit will work just fine.  Show up in wranglers and you will be asked to leave...  "draggin jeans" are ok though.

 

4.  Passing.  Do not pass another group member without being signaled by first. 

 

5.  Leaving a Ride.  Do not split off on your own from the group without first letting somebody know.  We don't want to spend hours looking for you.

 

6.  Riding Under the Influence.  No alcohol, no drugs, 'nuff said.

 

7.  Formation.  Ride staggered on divided highways, single-file on two lane. 

 

8.  Ego management.  There is a large difference between "spirited pace" and "racing".  If a car or another bike passes the group, it does not mean we have to go into pursuit mode.  If you have something to prove that's fine, go prove it on the track.  We're out there to have fun and get home in one piece.

 

9.  Out-of-Group Invites.  We welcome new members and encourage non-members to join up for rides and check us out.  However, the ride rules apply to anybody who wishes to join a ride.  Please check with the person who is organizing the ride before you invite non-members along.

 

10   Running from "the man".  What you do on your own is your business.  Fail to obey instructions from Law Enforcement Officers on a wasteMC ride, and it will be your last.  We may crowd the speed limits from the top side from time to time, and might even pull off the occasional double-yellow pass, but we do not want to be associated with riders who run from the police.

 

Note: These guidelines are subject to change, and in fact I welcome input and expect the guidelines to change as time goes on.  Certain ones are non-negotiable {like #3 PPE} but I am open to discuss and explain any of the rules.