Who we are & how we ride
Thunder In the Valley was officially organized in the early spring of 2004. In the past there was a group of riders that met on a regular basis during the summer months to ride. We started to realize that this was an opportunity to get in touch with other motorcycle enthusiasts. There are several benefits to having organized rides and the ability to post them to the web for all to see. Our goal is to create an atmosphere of fun, fellowship, and outreach. We welcome with open arms all who love to ride: Young or old, church attendees or not, Harleys, Honda's, Suzuki's, BMW's, Kawasaki's, Yamaha's, and Indian's too.
We are affiliated with the Puyallup Nazarene Church located in Puyallup WA. If you are interested in the location or more information about our church please click in the link provided and you will be taken there. Puyallup Nazarene Church
We love to ride and we love even more to ride in large groups, so bring your tattoo's and let's get going!!!! See below for details on how we ride as a group. We hope to see you soon!!!
Basic rules for riding in a group
Most of us have ridden together, some more than others. We know each others
abilities and skill levels and probably comfortable with each other.
These tips should help us all become more aware of some things that will
help us all ride safer as a group.
1.
The ride leader (RL) should have the
ultimate right of way. That dynamic
needs to be in place, as the RL has many issues of concern. He/she is attempting
to lead the group as one, therefore this carries an important responsibility.
The leader should think as the group. He/she should generally be alone in their
lane up front using the left portion of the lane. That allows full use of the
lane width, giving the RL the ability to scan for potholes, debris,
irregularities etc. and to have room to avoid them and to give the appropriate
signal to those following.
leader
rides in the left third of the lane, while the next rider stays at least one
second behind in the right third of the lane; the rest of the group follows the
same pattern. A single-file formation is preferred on a curvy road, under
conditions of poor visibility or poor road surfaces, entering/leaving highways,
or other situations where an increased space cushion or maneuvering room is
needed.
3.
Lane Changes – The first person to
make a lane change should be the drag bike.
This will clear the lane for all others riding in the group.
Remember the way to change lanes is to wait for the drag bike to make the
first move. The RL and those up
front will be the last to make the lane change.
This is why it is important to maintain spacing so that the group can
stay close together otherwise the more spread out the group gets the longer it
takes to clear traffic and the more difficult it is for the RL to signal when a
lane change is anticipated.
4.
Riding a line- Riding a line is the
safest and fastest way through a curve or corner. Pick a radius before entering
a curve then ride that radius as consistently as you can through the entire arc.
You'll find you are a lot smoother and faster. The exception is when having to
avoid road hazards, pot holes, animals, wet spots(!) cars or fallen riders.
Cornering is half the fun of riding. Always go at your own pace- don't go faster
than you are comfortable. Curve speed limit signs are there for a reason.
If you see you're holding up other riders, give them the signal to pass
and then get in your sweet spot.
5. Passing -
If the group gets caught behind slower
traffic it will be the responsibility of the RL to assess the situation and to
set up a passing formation so the group can pass safely.
In some cases, the whole group cannot pass.
The RL can signal the trailing bikes when it is safe to pass simple by
riding in the oncoming lane for a short distance.
On two lanes roads, the group should pass one at a time.
Each bike when passing should maintain speed after passing so that it
opens up a spot for the next bike.
As bikes set up to pass the slower traffic they should move up and take the left
side of the lane. Then once the pass is made move back into their original slot
in the formation. Always consider
your safety and that of others- Make your passes as cleanly and safely as you
can. If everyone else has gone by and you can't make it- don't worry about it.
There will be a spot coming up where you can safely make a pass and catch up.
6. Learn the hand
signals. The basic ones that we use are:
A. Hand tapping top of helmet: There's a cop.
B. Pointing to the ground with hand or foot: There's something
in the road on that side.
C. Left arm extended in the air and 1 finger pointed upward:
set up single file.
D. Left OR Right arm extended out and slightly waving up and
down with open hand: slow down or
possible stop.
E. Turns – Use the standard right turn and left turn signals
as well as your blinkers.
7. Stay in your slot -Don't go
flying by someone in the same lane as they are in unless they have signaled you
that it is ok. Stay in your slot,
ride in formation, and make passes in accordance with traffic conditions.
Do not take it on yourself to ride outside the formed group.
You may find the rider in front of you on top of you without you
expecting it.
8. Emergency cards – Its always good
to have a card with you that has all of your information and Emergency Contact
info.
9. There are times when the drag bike might pull out into the road and stop…he
is doing this to create a barrier so cars know to stop and allow the group to
turn into the road.. be aware for this.....He will then rejoin the group.
10. Sometimes when we're riding in traffic, traffic can cause problems by
cutting into the group, or repeatedly slowing down and speeding up, weaving,
waving, generally not paying attention, doing dopey stuff that can put us in
jeopardy. In order to get the group out of traffic congestion and into a safer
environment, the ride leader with the help of the drag bike may take an
opportunity to get into a less crowded lane.
If the group does get separated be patient and wait for a time when the
group can get back into a formation.
This could take some time especially if there is a lot of traffic.
11. If you peel off during a group ride let someone know.
12. When following in the group stay alert.
(Don't Target Fixate!) Stay
on top of your game!
Every once in a while we get to see the results of losing concentration,
inexperience, boredom, etc. Most of the
time there's no harm done. The potential does exist however for problems, so
just be aware! A loss of concentration can mean not seeing a hazard when
everyone else does, not seeing a red light (or a yellow for that matter). Not
seeing someone having to make an emergency stop, etc.
The best reward of our rides is that we have a great time, enjoy each others
company and respect, and return home the same way we left- ready to do it again
as soon as we can.
If there is an accident..
A) Don't' move the rider unless he cannot breath/impeded helmet in water puddle.
mud etc.. keep the neck straight as possible..
B) Know CPR.
C) do not pull out anything impaled braches etc... leave them in as pulling them
out you may allow more bleeding
D) know how to use a tourniquet.
E) Call an ambulance be on safe side.
F) Search for emergency card inside jacket inside or under seat.
G) Turn off bike. shut off lanes of traffic place bike in lanes etc if
necessary.... H) Find out where they are taking rider.
I) When cops show up.. Have a plan on what your going to tell them, as a group.
Everyone has to agree on what your going to say.
J) Don't' take off helmet!! Make sure it goes with them to hospital for docs.
Keep talking to them if concussed etc.. don't' let them get up etc..
K) Use your head.