Road Captain Roles

Road Captain Roles and Responsibilities

PURPOSE

This document is about the roles and responsibilities of the Road Captains (RCs) and the types of things they are doing for the Chapter and watching for on rides. It is not meant to cover every eventuality nor is it meant to be complete and comprehensive.

The Board of Directors (BOD) and RC members recognize that our Chapter is a social club – and that we all want to “Ride and Have Fun!” If we aren’t accomplishing that goal, please talk to us so we can make necessary adjustments – as long as it’s not at the expense of safety.

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Chapter Road Captains (RCs) are volunteers who are nominated and selected from within our members on an “as needed, space available” basis – when the BOD determines the need to add or replace existing RCs. RCs serve at the discretion of our sponsor (Fort Bragg Harley-Davidson), the BOD, and the Head RC.

Road Captains are Ambassadors of Fort Bragg H.O.G. and should act accordingly.

RCs will conduct themselves to the highest ethical measure at all times while representing Fort Bragg H.O.G.. RCs will provide requested assistance to the BOD and the Head RC on every Chapter ride or event.

RCs will continue to develop and maintain high levels of riding skills and make themselves available to assist any chapter member with riding skills assessment or assistance. 

The Head RC also acts as the spokesperson for the RC group and helps support the RCs in enforcing the rules as outlined herein. If any RC is uncomfortable in speaking to a member regarding an issue, the RC should take the matter to the Head RC.

Road Captains meet on a monthly basis to plan Chapter Rides.

SAFETY ISSUES:

All RCs are responsible for ensuring safety on all Chapter rides and events. Any rider that does not take safety as seriously as us is the person we need to worry about. Although we strive to have fun during all Chapter rides and events, it is better to end the ride/event then to have ANY avoidable safety issues. To that end:

      All road captains should be proactive in looking for, and addressing, riders or situations that could be deemed unsafe for the ride participants.

      Be courteous, diplomatic, and tactful when approaching any rider when addressing safety concerns.

      Explain the problem, and offer suggestions to correct it.

      NEVER address the issue in front of others! Discuss issues privately to minimize their embarrassment or defensiveness. Treat them with respect and minimize causing them offense.

      If the problem persists, discuss it with the Assistant Director, Director, or Head RC.

      If necessary, the decision to remove an unsafe rider from the group is the prerogative of the ride’s Lead RC, the Chapter’s Head RC, or any Board member.

ADDITIONAL ISSUES THAT AFFECT SAFETY AND FUN:

All RCs will carry a blank copy of the H.O.G. Accident Report Form at all times.

Road Captains will make themselves available to assist with all aspects needed during any emergency – such as an accident or re-routing due to unforeseen road closure or construction.

RCs should constantly be monitoring the following issues during rides. Be on the lookout for riders who:

• are under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• have obvious mechanical problems.
• make unsafe lane changes
• cross the center lines on turns
• go too wide or too close on corners
• rides recklessly
• are constantly “rubber-banding” the group
• move from side to side or are constantly out of position
• riding faster or slower than the group
• fail to give correct hand signals
• consistently delays the ride when the group is leaving a stop
• do not keep a safe distance while riding
• are obviously riding above their skill level
• refuse to heed a RC’s instructions, advice, or warning

ROAD CAPTAIN ROLES DURING RIDES

LEAD ROAD CAPTAIN

POSITION IN THE FORMATION:   Front-left position in the first group

PRE-PLANNING:

The Lead Road Captain’s responsibilities start by pre-determining the route for the ride. The Lead RC then conducts at least one (1) pre-ride to validate the assumptions about the route and that it will be safe and logistically workable for the expected capabilities of our members. This includes:

• road conditions along the route, identifying “challenges” on the route – blind turns, unexpected stops signs or signals, road overhangs, narrow roads and bridges, construction along the route, etc.,
• availability of gas stations within mileage limits of all riders, availability of clean restrooms at designated stops along the route; and, the availability of quality food and refreshments at the destination that is sufficient for all members on the ride.

BEFORE STARTING THE RIDE:

Just prior to starting the ride, the Lead RC will do the following:

• Works to get all members and non-members to sign waivers and ride sheets
• Assigns all road captain duties for the ride,
• Reminds Road Captains of their responsibilities to stop and wait at any turn on the route in the event the group becomes separated,
• Conducts road captain meetings,
• Decides if and how the group needs to be split into smaller groups,
• Ensures all RCs are carrying Chapter accident report forms,
• Then delivers a “Welcome Speech” to the riders and advises them about the route to be taken, gas/pit stop locations, any challenges noted from the pre-ride, etc.,

DURING THE RIDE:

The Lead RC is responsible for all aspects of the ride including:

• riding speed
• when to ride single file vs. in staggered formation
• when to proceed from traffic and stop signs, lane changes, and deciding to pull the group over to the side of the road for any reason

AFTER THE RIDE:

The Lead RC is responsible for preparing a summary of the ride including;

• turn in completed ride sheets and waivers in the box at the Dealership
• written summary to Webmaster and Facebook Group
• inform Head RC of any issues or concerns

WING

POSITION IN THE FORMATION:   Front-right position in a group

BEFORE STARTING THE RIDE:

The Wing will:

• count the number of bikes and riders
• look for obvious mechanical problems on any rider’s bike and advise Lead RC of any concerns or safety issues found
• assist Lead RC as needed.

DURING THE RIDE:

The Wing’s primary responsibility is to monitor the riders in the group and keep the Lead RC informed through constant communication via pre-determined hand signals or C.B.. Specific communication to the Lead RC should include;

• if any riders are left behind at stop signs or lights
• when the lane to the right is clear for a lane change
• if the group gets separated for any reason
• communication from mid or rear-road captains, including accidents and or stopped riders
• by constantly using mirrors to monitor the group for rider problems, including but not limited to rubber-banding, open spaces etc. and informing the Lead RC
• assist the lead captain in reorganizing the group after all stops
• assume Lead RC duties if necessary

SWEEP

 POSITION IN THE FORMATION:   Last position in a group

• Sweep RCs should ALWAYS carry one of the Chapter first aid kits.
• Sweep RC’s should have contact information of the Lead RC and/or Wing RC.
• Sweep RC’s should know the route and final destination.

DURING THE RIDE:

The main responsibilities of the Rear RC(s) are:

when apparent, to occupy the driving lane to the right or left in anticipation of lane changes needed by the Lead RC – effectively protecting the lane for the group in front of you
watch for problems with the group in front of you and be prepared to lend assistance if needed and assist in reorganizing the group after stops.