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Ride Protocols
This is a guide only as the Club has determined there can be no ride rules as such simply because the rues of the road will always prevail
but a guide to helping each other never goes astray
(Edits by John Cook)
Rides
One of the principle purposes of the club is to enable older motorcyclists to get together for companionship and mutual support, and one of the best ways to do this is on an organised branch ride. Members love to ride their bikes and to socialise with other members, talk about their bikes and rides they have been on. An organised ride enables them to achieve these ends.
Most branches have organised rides at least once a month, with many branches having rides one day every weekend or second weekend, as well as mid week rides, of various length and duration.
There is no specific format for rides, length or appropriate destinations, as each branch differs in its needs and environment, and these issues dictate the type of rides most suitable to the members of the particular branch.
Ride Practices. – Ride Rules.
Member safety is always the prime consideration whenever planning, leading or taking part in an organised 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 when leading or planning a ride, and plan accordingly.
The ride needs to be well publicised ahead of the departure date in order for potential participants to review whether they will feel comfortable enough to attend that particular ride or not. For example, a ride length in excess of 200 kilometres may not be suitable for everyone as each rider has their individual limits. Likewise, a ride in a twisty or challenging environment may not suit all riders, especially those new to motorcycling. Therefore clear notice needs to be given well in advance for the precise location and times for the start of the ride as well as the proposed destination point.
All persons taking part in a ride should be licensed to ride their mount of choice, and such motorcycle should be registered. Any ride leader, or committee member who becomes aware that a person intending to take part in the ride or taking part in the ride is unlicensed or riding an unregistered bike should ask that person to leave the ride forthwith. The presence of an unlicensed person or an unregistered machine places the safety of other persons on the ride at risk. Likewise, riders of machines that are clearly un-roadworthy, for example with bald tyres, should be asked to leave the ride as these pose a serious threat to other road users.
Members on a ride should be reminded that they are to adopt safe riding practices and to ride within their limits at all times. They should be reminded that as they are riding on public roads or anywhere defined as a road under the various State acts, or Private Parking Area acts, they are required to comply with the relevant State laws at all times. The destination of the ride, any stopping points and route to be taken should be made clear to ride participants prior to the ride commencing, especially newer riders who may not wish to ride in a group formation.
The National Committee has advised and directed that branches are to abolish any Branch Ride Rules, either written or otherwise.
The 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. The 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.”62
Members are also reminded here again of the Club rule regarding the wearing of the ‘Old Man Logo’ as a back patch in that no other patch, badge or symbol can be worn with it.
The Club has appointed an Ex-Officio Road Safety Coordinator for matters concerning road safety; members are encouraged to bring their concerns to his attention. Contact details are listed in the Club journal and on the Club website.
The following protocols have been developed by the branch for the benefit of all members.
Edit - Update December 2019
The following links advice no longer work and or are obsolete so I have to look into them 
John Cook - Website Editor
* How to organise a ride
* Corner Marking Explained
* Riding in a Group
* Experiencing problems
* Fuel stops, breaks etc
* Unmarked Intersections
* Overtaking and Cornering
* Tips when Assisting at an Accident