OMC Pages...
Guide to Group Riding
Download the "A Guide to Group Riding" document below:
This guide is intended for explaining how OMC's "drop off" system works, along with how to ride on dual-carriageways & motorways - and how to do this all in a fun and safe manner!
Download our Ride-out & Overtakes documentation (composed & adapted by Dick Peake):
Not sure about European motobike regulations? Download this PDF:
Europen Motorcycle Regulations
Ride Out Meet...
Enroute to the Assen World Superbike races...
Visit to the South Coast...
Observer Days
We are aware that some people are put off coming on the rideouts as they have only recently passed their test or feel that they don't have the experience and confidence.
This need not be the case.
Firstly, during the rideouts, we all ride to the abilities of the riders in the group. We do not and will not coerce riders into riding faster than they feel comfortable with, as this is a major cause of accidents and none of us want that!
Secondly, OMC members Colin Measures has kindly agreed to hold observer sessions whereby he will show you defensive riding. Colin has been trained by Bedfordshire Police and has ridden for more years than he can care to remember. Colin is now also an Instructor of CBT Instructors. Some members have already taken advantage of this and now feel far more confident on their machines.
For a nominal fee, you can choose to have a either a two and a half hour or a four and a half hour stint.
If anyone wishes to have a further half hour concentrating on town centre work, this will be free of charge!
For further information contact Colin at colin.measures@oakleymc.net
Risk Assessment
Risk_Assessment_for_Shows.docx
Ride Out Definitions
Composed & adapted by Dick Peake
Introduction to Ride-out Levels and Overtaking Protocols
- Oakley MC operates 3 levels of Group Ride Outs and 2 Internal Group Overtaking Protocols.
- A suitably experienced Leader and Tail End Charlie (TEC) control all ride outs.
- No rider should drop out of a ride-out partway through without telling TEC.
- The Ride-Out level and the Internal Group Overtaking Protocol being applied will be published, in advance, so that riders can decide, in advance, if they wish to take part.
- Riders should only attend a ride-out in the full knowledge of the Ride Level and Internal Group Overtaking Protocol being applied to that ride-out.
- Riders should be HONEST with themselves about their abilities. Select the appropriate level.
- The over-riding requirement is SAFETY.
- Each rider is responsible for his or her OWN safety AND of those around them.
- RIDERS SHOULD NEVER GO FASTER THAN THEY ARE COMFORTABLE WITH.
- Riders and bikes must be licensed, insured, taxed and tested.
- Riders must conduct themselves in a manner that does not endanger themselves, their fellow riders or damage the name and good standing of Oakley Motorcycle Club.
Ride-Out Level 1 - Advanced
- For experienced road riders who have been on multiple ride outs and are able to ride SAFELY within a more demanding group ride, in terms of the route and road conditions that are likely to be encountered.
- Also for Level 2 Riders who are looking to improve their group riding skills.
- Riders will be expected to already have a good practical knowledge of OMC Group Riding techniques, including the Drop-Off Scheme, Staggered Formation and Internal Group Overtaking protocols.
Ride-Out Level 2 - Intermediate
- For intermediate riders who have lesser group riding experience and are looking to improve their group riding skills in a comfortable and safe group-riding environment.
- Also for riders who don't want to go on a Level 1 or level 3 ride-out
- Riders will be expected to have some knowledge of OMC Group Riding techniques, including the Drop-Off Scheme, Staggered Formation and Internal Group Overtaking protocols.
- Riders can expect, where appropriate, to be given friendly tips and advice by the Leader and TEC.
Ride-Out Level 3 - Social and Training
- For riders who have little or no group riding experience and are looking to improve their group riding skills in a comfortable, leisurely and safe group riding environment.
- Also for riders who like plenty of time to 'smell the air' and enjoy a leisurely & sociable ride.
- Riders will be expected to be willing to learn and use OMC Group Riding techniques, including the Drop-Off Scheme, Staggered Formation and Internal Group Overtaking protocols.
- Riders can expect, where appropriate, to be given friendly tips and advice by the Leader and TEC.
Internal Group Overtaking Protocols
- These protocols cover the manner in which one rider may, or may not, overtake another rider within the group.
- These protocols do NOT cover overtaking other road users - normal Highway Code rules apply.
Protocol 1 - Internal Group Overtaking permitted
- A rider is allowed to overtake the rider in front of them.
- A rider should be prepared for the rider behind to overtake.
- A rider should only overtake a fellow group rider when road conditions allow a safe manoeuvre.
- Before overtaking, a rider should assess why the rider in front is at a slower speed - has that rider seen something that would make overtaking or travelling at a higher speed unsafe?
- No rider may overtake the Leader.
- The TEC will not overtake any rider in the group unless exceptional circumstances demand it.
Protocol 2 - Internal Group Overtaking NOT permitted
- A rider is not allowed to overtake the rider in front of them.
- A rider should not expect the rider behind them to overtake them.
- However, if for some reason a rider WANTS the rider following them to come past them then, when it is safe to do so, they can, by using a combination of hand signals and indicators, invite that rider to overtake.
- No rider may overtake the Leader.
- The TEC will not overtake any rider in the group unless exceptional circumstances demand it.
Leaders & TEC Documentation: