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Don't let the group dictate your ride.
If you are uncomfortable riding at the front of the pack, please tell your Road Captain and/or Tail Gunner that you wish to be positioned near the back. Don't follow anyone into a situation that you believe is unsafe.>

Don't follow blindly through traffic lights or stop signs.
It is not problem if the group gets split up. It is expected. Be courteous to the Bikes behind you and signal your intentions. If the Road Captain is aware that the group has been split he will find a safe and conspicuous place to pull over and wait.  Whether the Road Captain is aware of the split or not, please continue to follow the route.  If you find yourself as the leader of the second group and are not sure of the route, the tail gunner will be happy to take the lead.

Pass those hand signals back.
 When your Road Captain gives a hand signal, it is for good reason.  Please pass them to the riders behind you by duplicating the signal given by the rider forward of you.   If you are uncomfortable taking you hand off the handlebar or circumstance dictates that it would be unsafe to do so you should forgo the hand signal.  Control of your motorcycle is paramount.

How Stone Mountain Rides are rated...

1ST GEAR RIDE
2 hr. or less ride, slow, back roads (Beginners ride)

2ND GEAR RIDE
 3-5 hours, local roads, some sweeping curves (Hard Labor Creek Park ride)

3RD GEAR RIDE
3-5 hour, includes some interstate riding

4TH GEAR RIDE
 3-5 hours, some interstates, more curves (Suches, Dahlonega)

5TH GEAR RIDE
More then 5 hours, possible overnighter, interstates, very curvy (riding the Dragon)

When posting a ride please, rate it using the above for a reference.
Please let folks know how long the ride will be, if interstates will be involved and be honest on the riding skill level that should be attending this ride.

The Gear Rating System listed above is to help keep all members informed
on what to expect on on a posted ride.

If you aren't comfortable on interstates, a 3rd, 4th or 5th gear ride may not be for you.
Always ride within your ability. 

Hand Signals For Group Riding Each rider should repeat the hand signals.
Glance in your mirror, and continue the signal
until the rider behind you repeats it.


Slow Down: Left arm out, wave with hand flat in a downward motion


Stop: Put left arm down by side with palm of hand facing rear


Left turn: The traditional 'extend left arm, with palm of hand facing forward'


Right Turn: the traditional 'extend left arm, bend at elbow and point up with whole hand, palm forward'


Ride Single File: Put one finger above your head


Ride in Staggered Formation: Extend two fingers above your head in a 'V', or raise closed fist above your head and extend thumb and pinky while rotating wrist back and forth


Hazard in road, left side: take left hand off bars, point to ground with one finger

Hazard in road, right side: take right foot off peg and point with toe


I need gas: Point to tank, sound horn to alert ride leader


I am leaving the group, don't follow me: use left fist to knock on helmet

Please remember this one, If you have to bail out at anytime during a ride.

If there is a problem just get to the side of the road and the Tailgunner will stop with you.


Stay behind me: extend left arm out, palm facing back


Pass me: extend left arm and wave forward


Railroad tracks or uneven pavement ahead: extend left arm with elbow bent to lower arm faces forward, with palm flat, and make an up and down motion.


We are going to make a U-turn: put hand overhead with one finger extended, and rotate in a circle


Cut engines: use flat hand to make a cutting motion across neck


Start engines: raise arm, extend one finger, and make a rapid circular motion about 5 times, then start your bike


Tighten up the formation: pump clenched fist of left hand up and down over head


Speed up: make upward waving motion with left arm, palm of hand facing up


Your blinkers are on: hold arm up, open and close fingers



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