AMCC BIKE EVENT PLANNING GUIDELINES The following recommendations were established by the Bucks MC, Empire City MC, Spartan MC, and the Thunderbolts MC and adopted by the AMCC in 1984. These recommendations are to be kept in mind when any club plans bike events as a part of its run. Keeping these guidelines in mind should help foster the safety and security of all participants and the integrity of their respective motorcycles. IT MUST BE STRONGLY EMPHASIZED THAT THE SAFETY OF THE RIDERS, THE BUDDIES, AND ANY OBSERVERS IS PARAMOUNT. IN ROAD EVENTS (ie. rallies, poker runs, scavenger hunts, etc.), SKILL EVENTS, AND BUDDY EVENTS These events require careful planning in the development, lay-out, and rechecking of the lay-out. ROAD EVENTS 1. Avoid placing stops on curves or just prior to or after curves. Overtaking and/or on-coming traffic could run into motorcycles slowing down to pull off or which are pulling on to the road. (see #2) 2. Look for spots on the shoulders to safely pull off that will accommodate several motorcycles together and that will allow visibility of on-coming and overtaking traffic. The shoulder at the pull off should be level with the pavement and will allow for safe parking. 3. If gravel roads must be used, warn all drivers in advance. 4. Plan the route carefully. Have someone ride it on a motorcycle, check to see that the length and time are reasonable and will fit into the scheduled time for the event. Have someone ride the entire route just prior to the event to see if the planned route is still usable (detours, bridges open, landmarks as described?). If road surfaces have changed (fresh tar, hard-packed gravel now full of potholes, etc.), advise all drivers or change the route. 5. Cumulative and/or point-to-point mileage is helpful. The use of an automobile to determine mileage is best because of the wide variations in motorcycle odometers and tire circumferences. 6. Obey all traffic regulations. Requiring an illegal turn or expecting drivers to exceed the speed limit in order to complete the event on time makes no one happy. (see #4) 7. If you place marks on the road, place them where they are clearly visible. Place them in advance of a stop or turn and repeat them at the stop or turn. Provide a clear and complete description of all marks in writing to all drivers. Never obscure or put marks on an officially placed traffic or mileage sign. 8. Scavenger hunt items must be obtained legally, with permission as necessary, and at minimal cost to the participants. 9. Maps in sealed envelopes are to be made available to all drivers so that any who become lost can find their way back to the run site or start or end point of the event. It is permissible to disqualify any driver or driver/buddy team who opens a map envelope either out of need or accidentally. Telephone numbers should be provided in the sealed envelope as well so that drivers experiencing difficulty (breakdown/accident) can call for help from the organizers. SKILL EVENTS These events should test the individual skill of a driver in handling his/her motorcycle. Safety is extremely important. A. The size (cc's) of different motorcycles and whether or not they are dressed (farings, saddle bags, sissy bar, trunk, etc.) will have a direct affect on the outcome of these events. It is recommended that the organizers place similar motorcycles in competition with each other rather than expecting all motorcycles to compete equally. B. Terrain (lay of the land) will have a direct affect on the type of events that can be safely planned and undertaken. The ideal terrain is a paved lot, a dry and well mowed field, hard-packed dry dirt. Mud, wet dirt, or dry grass with wet ground under it are NOT acceptable. Pavement should be dry and as free of oily or slick spots as possible. C. The overall site should be as flat as possible, not have holes, trees, walls, fences, or large unmovable rocks in proximity to the area where a specific event is to take place. The site should be clear of temporary objects such as tents and vehicles not participating in the event. Obstructions that cannot be removed or filled in must be clearly marked and pointed out. The planned events should not require the motorcycle to pass over, around, or next to any obstructions. If necessary, events should begin near an obstruction and then have the motorcycle move away from it as the event is undertaken and completed. D. The organizers must attempt a planned event on a motorcycle to see if it can be done by a moderately skilled driver. This will serve to help set scoring and judging parameters. E. High speed and/or best fast time events are NOT to be organized. F. Requiring riding on to, off of, or over obstacles, ramps, teeter-tawters, etc. is DANGEROUS and is NOT to be done. Both wheels of a motorcycle are to remain in contact with the ground at all times. G. The driver must have full and unimpaired manual and visual control of the motorcycle while it is in motion. H. Despite careful planning, accidents with or without injuries may still occur. Have a properly stocked first aid kit available along with a list of near-by medical facilities/physicians along with telephone numbers and best route directions to them. It may be helpful to identify run participants with medical and/or first aid skills and have them present at or readily on-call to the event site. Have a tool kit available so that drivers can repair any minor damage to their motorcycles. A motorcycle trailer should be available so that a damaged motorcycle can be taken to the driver's home or nearest repair facility. BUDDY RIDER EVENTS These can often be the most fun to plan and to observe. However, they can offer the most hazards. Careful planning and safety must be undertaken. Remember, two persons are at risk for injury in these events due to the action or lack thereof by one or both. 1. All of the points above under SKILL EVENTS pertain here. 2. The driver must make sure that his/her buddy rider knows the basics of riding and balance. A driver has the right to refuse to carry any buddies or a specific buddy. 3. Requiring the buddy rider to stand up while the motorcycle is in motion is strongly NOT recommended. 4. The driver should NOT be involved in the event except in the control of the motorcycle while the motorcycle is in motion. Activities/actions that may distract the driver (ie. placing items on the driver while the motorcycle is moving) may cause loss of control and subsequent injury to the driver and/or buddy. 5. Both the driver and the buddy rider should wear appropriate protective attire. 6. The organizers must attempt the planned event on a motorcycle with a buddy rider to see if it can be accomplished by a buddy seated behind the driver while the motorcycle is moving without causing control issues. 7. The skills of the driver should be regarded separately from the buddy even though they must work as a team. Well planned events will ensure the enjoyment of all participants. Careful planning will take time and may result in the change of or the abandonment of a particular event. The final outcome is for all to have a good time, remain uninjured and undamaged, willing to participate, and willing to return and participate in the future. |