SAFETY TIPS
By MIKE Phillips
ROAD CAPTAIN ( RC ) rides can be one of
GROUP the best ministry tools for a CMA chapter . A well-organized , safely run ride will be fun while allowing one-on-one ministry opportunities with other riders . Unexpected ministry opportunities pop up on most group rides . The success of any group ride rests on the ride leaders or road captain ( RC ). Let ' s look at the qualifications and duties of RCs .
RCs should get training every year . They need to participate in rider skills training . They should practice riding skills regularly and encourage other riders to practice with them . In an emergency , they may be called upon to ride any bike on the ride or carry a passenger with them . Annual classroom training needs to include ride planning , emergency scene management , CPR , and first aid .
The RC organizes the ride ; they plan the route , including starting point and time . The RC determines the ride ' s distance and how long it will take . The RC plans for fuel , bathroom , food , and rest stops . The RC lines up a second RC to ride as a sweep rider at the rear . A third RC can be positioned in the group ' s center or assigned to lead inexperienced riders . The third RC is also the backup if one of the other two has a problem and cannot make the ride . RC will determine the speed of the ride . Speed can change based on the conditions and skills of other riders . Speed should not be so fast that others get lost or left behind . Experienced riders should have the patience to ride at the pace of the slowest rider .
The RC is the first person to arrive at the start point .
They go to the start point if the ride is canceled because a new person who did not get the cancelation notice may show up . In addition , RC needs to ride the route a couple of days early to check out road conditions .
The RC conducts a pre-ride briefing to cover the route , road conditions , and hand signals . They identify themselves and any other RCs . All paperwork and releases , if any , should be signed and collected . Count the number of bikes and split the ride into separate groups if necessary . Identify inexperienced riders and match them with an RC or other experienced riders .
The Sweep RC must take charge in a crash , breakdown , or other emergencies . The lead RC may not know what has happened . The Sweep RC should communicate to the lead RC what happened and if extra help is needed . The Sweep RC carries a first aid kit . The RC assesses the scene and assigns jobs such as first aid , traffic control , notifying EMS , moving bikes if necessary , and praying with the victim and others affected by the emergency . Four to six people are all that is needed at most emergency scenes . All other riders need to clear the scene for emergency personnel .
RC may need to talk to riders endangering others by their actions . Dangerous riders may be asked to leave the ride . The order of riders may be changed at any stop if needed . The RC keeps a count of riders to ensure no one gets left . They need to know if any rider intends to leave the ride early .
The RC is a crucial position in a chapter . They make the rides safe and fun through their leadership . The RC can make riders feel welcome by talking to everyone on the ride . They should strive to be professional , an ambassador for the chapter , but most importantly , a representative of Christ on that ride . CMA
Mike Phillips is a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation ( MSF ) instructor in Arkansas .
25⎪FEBRUARY 2022⎪www . cmausa . org