Rider Safety

When Riding Together…Ride your own ride

Our Club wants to ensure our members and their guests have a safe and enjoyable time when riding together in an organized group ride situation. These are tips and guidelines to help new ECDC members, guests or new riders feel inclusive and prepared, if they participate in a club group ride. 

Also, a helpful resource for the more experienced members.

Pre-Ride Check

Before a ride, take a few moments and look over your motorcycle. These are quick checks and a more detailed look should be done with regular maintenance.

  • Tires – pressures, wear, cracks, possible punctures 
  • Chain – adjusted and lubricated
  • Lights – running lights and indicators working.
  • Leaks – anything dripping from you bike is likely going to need some attention. Oil on your tires could be a disaster.
  • Luggage – Panniers, bags and items tied down are secure.  

Full Tank of Gas

  • Arrive at your pre-determined meeting place with a full tank of gas. 

Protective Gear including your Passenger

  • ATGATT – “All The Gear All The Time” is a necessary requirement. 
  • Helmet 
  • Long Pants 
  • Jacket
  • Gloves 
  • Over ankle Footwear 

Other Suggestions 

  • Cell Phone / GPS
  • A Health App can be downloaded with your medical information and Contact and Emergency Contact Information.
  • Medications.(Stings, EpiPens, diabetic shock etc.)
  • Let someone in your group know if you have any health issues that could need attention.
  • Cash / Credit / Debit Card
  • Tool Kit / First Aid Kit
  • Water / Snacks

Pre-Ride Meeting

Typical discussions for a safe and enjoyable ride together are –

  • You share the responsibility to keep the ride safe and enjoyable for everyone. 
  • “Ride your own ride”
  • If you are not comfortable with anything on a ride, do not feel pressured do it….Speed, Pace, Passing, ANYTHING! 
  • Review the ride, rest stops and destination.
  • Review hand signals commonly used.
  • Link any communication systems together (if available)

Split into Smaller Groups (Recommended)

  • Depending on the number of riders you meet up with, it may be necessary to split into smaller groups.
  • 5 riders per group is ideal.
  • Faster riders could opt to ride solo, or in their own group ahead of the others.
  • It is perfectly acceptable to leave the group and bug-out, however let someone know your intention to do so. A lot of time can be wasted looking for a missing rider.

Lead and Sweep

  • Delegate someone to Lead and someone at the back…. The Sweep. These should be experienced riders, familiar with a group ride situation.
  • The Lead will set the pace. 
  • The Lead and the Sweep should know the route, rest stops and the destination.  
  • The Sweep will try to keep the riders together.
  • No one should be behind the Sweep.
  • Blocking an intersection to allow the riders through is sometimes practiced, although it is NOT recommended.

Fuel Range

  • Know how far your motorcycle can go, between fuel stops.
  • Re-Set your trip if you don’t have a fuel gauge.

Staggered and Single File Formation

  • Lead to the left, second rider to the right and so on. Allow a minimum of 1 second between riders and 2 seconds between the rider in front of you.
  • Try to keep it tight, although spacing between riders is flexible and should be adjusted based on the conditions. 
  • Always leave yourself an OUT.
  • Close the gap in traffic.
  • Be aware of target fixation.
  • Single file with a 2 second gap is recommended on a twisty section of road or bad roads and intersections. 

No Rider Left Behind

  • Pay attention to departure times and be ready to saddle-up. 
  • Each rider should look out for the rider immediately behind them.
  • At each stop sign or turn-off, the lead rider will pause and confirm that all riders are present.
  • If a rider or riders are missing, the group will wait for the rider(s) to rejoin the group.
  • If you have fallen behind, it is not necessary to ride more quickly to catch your group. 
  • The group will wait for you at the next turning point.
  • If you need to leave the group, please inform the lead rider of your intention to do so. 

Mechanical problems

  • An individual rider may need to pull over, however the rider’s group may or may not notice you or be able to stop and assist.
  • The other riders may pull over further up the road and try to communicate with you.
  • The other groups following may stop to see if additional help is required.
  • Having motorcycles and riders at the side of the road is not the best idea, so use caution and common sense.

Passing Etiquette

  • Pass the vehicle one rider at a time in sequence of your riding position.
  • Each rider must make their own decision about whether or not it is safe to pass.
  • Do not pass one another during a passing maneuver. 
  • On returning to the proper travel lane, keep up your speed and do not slow down, until all riders have completed their passes.
  • The lead will be aware of the riders behind making the same passing maneuvers and allow them to catch up and re-join the formation.
  • If you feel the need to pass the rider in front of you, flash your high beam and make a pass when it’s safe to do so. 
  • You may be motioned by the rider in front of you to pass or drop back.

Membership

  • Membership to ECDC has many benefits.
  • At ECDC, we’re committed to helping owners and enthusiasts get the most from their bikes and this great brand. We have something for everyone – casual riders, hardcore racers, newbies, master technicians and everyone in between.
  • There are lots of reasons to join ECDC. As a member, you will:
    • Meet and learn from Other Ducati enthusiasts.
    • Get access to technical resources and expertise.
    • Receive a yearly Welcome Kit directly from Ducati. (when available)
    • Take part in great events and learn more about your bike and how to get the most out of it.
    • Participate in our active online Members Forum, where you can ask questions of and interact with other ECDC members.
    • Get an ECDC patch and other Club Swag.
    • Engage in long discussions regarding what modifications you’ll make next.
    • Because ECDC is Atlantic Canada’s only Ducati-designated Desmo Owners Club, members receive additional benefits, such as yearly Welcome Kit, (with fun swag) directly from Ducati.
    • Annual Membership is $40 per household.
    • Ducati Ownership is not required.
  • If you are a Ducati owner, you can register on MyDucati.com 
  • CLICK HERE if you would like to become a member of the East Coast Ducati Club.

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