Group Ride Guidelines

 Safety Rules for Group Riding I

  1. WELCOME!
    1. Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility!  With education and cooperation, we can maintain the highest safety standards while having a good time.
    2. These guidelines are to educate and share with everyone some information required to ride together safely. Please keep in mind that these guidelines are not intended to restrict your freedom, but to help ensure that we all return home safely.
    3. We cannot cover every possible circumstance, but hope to serve as a basic guide for most situations.  Each person is expected to read, understand, and apply these guidelines, using their best judgment.  If you see something here that you can expound on, or needs to be changed, please contact us with your comments.
    4. Remember that YOU are responsible for YOUR safety, and should always ride within your capabilities and that of your machines.
    5. Ride Leader or Road Captain is the same when talking about a club ride

 

  1. ALL GROUP RIDER'S RESPONSIBILITIES:
    1. Observe the objectives and guidelines in order to assure the safety and welfare of every individual within the group, and any surrounding motorists or pedestrians.
    2. Follow the instructions of the Road Captain in all situations, unless those instructions place the rider or any other individual in an unsafe situation.
    3. Will maintain their motorcycle and other equipment in a safe riding condition.
    4. Will ride with a "safety first" attitude. The safety of all individuals, whether or not they are a part of the group, is of highest importance.
    5. Will ride with a helmet where the state law requires a helmet.
    6. Will not ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs that may impair their riding ability, or compromise the safety of others around them.
    7. Will identify & point out any safety violation that could cause harm or danger to others, or property.

 

  1. MEETING PLACE AND DEPARTURE TIME:
    1. Meeting place and departure times will be posted to all involved, usually on club forum pages.
    2. Rider briefing should be held just prior to departure to refresh on safety rules, inform the group of the intended route, establish a schedule for gas and rest stops, and provide other pertinent information.
    3. Individuals should make every effort to arrive at the scheduled meeting place in time to participate in pre-ride safety briefing and be completely prepared for the scheduled departure time. This includes a full tank of gas.

 

  1. RIDING FORMATION AND INDIVIDUAL POSITIONS:
    1. The standard formation, under good conditions of road, traffic, and weather, will be a double row, staggered, in one traffic lane. The interval will be no less than one second between staggered riders, which will automatically make a 2 second interval between you and the bike directly in front of you.
    2. The Road Captain will be at the head of the group, and typically will ride just to the left of lane center. The Tail Gunner will ride at the rear of the formation.
    3. New members, guests, and any riders with little experience in group riding will be positioned at the front of the group, just behind the Road Captain.
    4. Each rider should maintain his or her starting line up position in the group until arrival at the destination. This allows each rider to become more familiar with the riding style and habits of those nearest him or her in the group, and is particularly important for the new or inexperienced riders.
    5. Under certain conditions the Road Captain will signal the group to form a single file formation. The signal is the left arm held overhead with one finger extended. Drop back to a safe following distance from the rider in front of you and move into a single file.
    6. It may be necessary to form smaller groups for safety due to surrounding conditions or local ordinances. There should be a temporary Road Captain to lead and a Tail Gunner to control the second part of the group.
    7. This may mean that the last rider of each group would become the Tail Gunner for that group. If possible, this rider should be another experienced Road Captain or Tail Gunner.  If another Road Captain / Tail Gunner is not available, this rider should be briefed prior to the run as to his or her responsibilities in the event this situation should occur.
    8. It is recommended that trikes and bikes with sidecars be to the rear of the formation and ride single file at all times ahead of the Tail Gunner.

 

  1. SPEED, INTERVALS, AND DISTANCES:
    1. The Road Captain will attempt to establish and maintain a uniform speed; consistent with the ability of the least experienced rider, surrounding conditions, the posted speed limit, the bikes at the ride, and safe riding practices. They should establish before the ride the abilities of the people and the bikes themselves prior to departure. Especially concentrating on new riders, new members and visitors to the ride. The Road Captain should continually check his mirrors to insure the formation is in good shape.
    2. The Road Captains may choose to separate the group of inexperienced riders into a group of their own, consistent with expected or actual conditions. Making sure there is an acting, experienced Road Captain and Tail Gunner to guide them.
    3. All riders will make an effort to maintain the same speed to minimize the effect of irregular speeds on riders at the rear of the group.
    4. All riders will maintain a safe distance and lane positions between themselves and the rider directly ahead; to be consistent with existing road, traffic, and weather conditions.
    5. When possibly, Road Captains & Tail Gunners should maintain communication with the help of radio type devices.

 

  1. Minimum Safe Following Distances:
    1. Within the group, a safe distance is defined as a MINIMUM TWO SECOND DELAY between the rider, and the next rider directly ahead. This means that there is a MINIMUM of a ONE SECOND DELAY between staggered riders. Whenever a single file formation is employed, a safe distance remains defined as a MINIMUM of a TWO SECOND DELAY between the rider, and the rider directly ahead. The riders should also realize that by creating a large gap in the formation, cars will try to move in & split the formation, causing a dangerous situation.  It also causes problems for the Road Captain when there are large gaps in the formation
    2. Too many people get hung up with " there must be only 2 seconds between bikes".  This is a guideline for average highway riding. The gap should be determined by the speed and road conditions. The gap should be established before the ride for the sections of road to be traveled. The faster the speed, the more gap there should be. With that said... we also do not want huge openings in the formation where other vehicles will attempt to break into the formation. The gap should be consistent throughout the formation.
    3. With respect to vehicles ahead of the group, a safe distance is defined as an ABSOLUTE MINIMUM of a THREE SECOND DELAY between the Road Captain, and any vehicle directly ahead of the group.  If a car pulls in front of the formation, make adjustments to keep a good distance.

 

NOTE: It's important to keep in mind that a two second interval is a MINIMUM safe requirement in order to react in the event of a potentially hazardous condition, and not enough time to stop.

 

    1. In group riding, a one-second interval between STAGGERED riders is a policy consistent with the recommendations of most traffic and safety agencies.
    2. STAGGERED motorcycles are considered to be in a "virtual" lane of their own, that is that there is a two-second interval between motorcycles in a direct line. This group riding technique requires all participants to constantly ANTICIPATE AN EMERGENCY.
    3. A safe lane position is defined as riding immediately to the right or left of lane center. This will keep the riders just off the center oil stain, while maintaining the staggered formation, distance between riders and other obstacles, and providing necessary lane position.

 

  1. TRAFFIC LANES:
    1. The Road Captain will attempt to lead the group in a single lane when:

                                                              i.      The traffic flow appears to be most consistent with the speed of the group (using lane changes only when necessary to pass slower traffic or to avoid a hazardous condition); and to avoid blocking faster surrounding traffic.

                                                            ii.      On highways with two lanes each direction, the group will normally travel in the number two lane, also known as the "SLOW" lane, (ref. Note below) allowing faster traffic to pass to left; except when passing slower traffic on the right.

                                                          iii.      On highways with three or more lanes in each direction, the group will normally travel in the number two lane (See Picture) & (ref. Note below), keeping the right lane open for other vehicles entering and exiting the highway, and the left lane(s) for traffic to pass.

 

NOTE: Lanes are counted from left to right. The left lane is often referred to as the fast or passing lane, and is counted as lane number one and remaining traffic lanes are then counted.

 

  1. LANE CHANGES AND PASSING:
    1. On a multi-lane highway, the double row staggered formation will normally be maintained.
    2. The Road Captain will hold his or her position and signal for a lane change.
    3. All riders will hold their positions and pass the signal to the rear.
    4. The Tail Gunner will change lanes at the first safe opportunity, protecting the lane for the group, and allowing the Road Captain to see that the lane is clear and protected. The Road Captain should be aware of when the Tail Gunner has changed lanes by using his mirrors. Make a head check to insure no cars are beside the formation.
    5. The formation will change lanes using the "follow the leader" approach. The Road Captain will make a definite hand signal, indicating to the formation he is moving into the other lane & change lanes first followed by all other riders moving from the front to the rear of the group.

NOTE: NOBODY, except the Tail Gunner, is to change lanes before the Road Captain.  Always make a Head Check before you begin the lane change, and maintain safe distances.

    1. There are times it will not be possible for the entire group to change lanes as above.  The Road Captain will then change lanes when safe to do so. Everyone signals, head checks, and changes lanes front to back, as individuals, when safe to do so. Should the group become separated, regroup when it is safe to do so. Please use known good safety practices, including head checks.
    2. On a two-lane road with two way traffic (one lane each way), a single file formation should be used when passing other vehicles. The Road Captain should also maintain a steady speed after the slow moving vehicle has been passed allowing the individual riders room to move back into formation ahead of the passed vehicle.
    3. If for any reason the group becomes separated, merge safely back into the formation, returning to your original position, using known good safety practices.  It is not necessary to break the world land speed record in trying to catch up. The Road Captain will be aware and adjust accordingly once they are clear of the passed vehicle.

 

NOTE: Be certain the road is clear, and always make a Head Check immediately prior to initiating any maneuver which may cause you to cross other road users.  The Road Captain, your mirror, or what you saw just a second ago are no substitutes for your own eyes and good judgment and common sense!  Please remember that YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR SAFETY.  Also, when dealing with our four wheeled friends, you will never win a contest against them.  It won't do any good to be "Dead Right".

  1. GAS, FOOD, REST STOPS, AND TOLLS:
    1. If necessary, due to the length of the trip, gas, food, and rest stops should be discussed and scheduled prior to departure.  These scheduled stops should be adhered to as much as possible, depending on varying conditions as the trip progresses.
    2. Deviation from the scheduled stops may be required due to varying weather, traffic, and bladder conditions (availability of gas, rider fatigue, and other unforeseen circumstances).
    3. Gas and rest stops should be limited to no more than ten to fifteen minutes, depending on the size of the group.  Remember the last rider in the group waits the longest, therefore has the shortest rest period.
    4. If toll stops are included, money should be collected in advance. If available, a riding couple should be positioned in the number two slot. As the group approaches the tollbooth, the Road Captain will allow this bike to assume the lead position in order to exchange the toll. The Road Captain will assume the lead as soon as it is safe to do so. If a riding couple is not available, it then becomes the Road Captain's responsibility to pay at the tollbooth.

 

NOTE:  Remember to avoid the center of the lane when nearing or passing through a tollbooth. They are usually extremely slick.

  1. UNSCHEDULED OR EMERGENCY STOPS:
    1. Unscheduled stops for gas, rest room, or rider fatigue can lead to confusion in the group, and confusion can lead to accidents.  The Road Captain should be informed that a stop is necessary in order to lead the group in an organized fashion to the next convenient and safe place to stop.
    2. Any rider with an equipment problem should inform one of the Officers / Road Captain / Tail Gunner as quickly, and as safely as possible.
    3. When the Road Captain is informed, he or she will stop the group at the earliest possible moment, when and where, it is safe.
    4. If the rider must pull over immediately, ONLY the Tail Gunner or assigned formation mechanic will accompany that rider to a stop.  If there is an assigned mechanic, they should be at the rear of the formation.  The Road Captain should be informed if he or she is not aware of this situation.  Once the Road Captain is informed, he or she will pull the group over as soon as it is safe to do so.
    5. Any rider observing a problem with another rider's equipment should inform that rider as quickly and safely as possible.  If it appears that a stop is necessary, the Road Captain should also be notified.
    6. The Road Captain should use good judgment and common sense when choosing a spot to pull over. Try to avoid an area with hazards to motorcycles, such as broken glass, trash, loose sand, gravel, and fresh asphalt.

 

  1. ACCIDENTS:
    1. In the event the group comes upon the scene of an accident or if someone in the group is involved in an accident, the Road Captain will stop the group at the earliest possible moment (keeping with known good safety practices).  It may be necessary for the group to disperse and park separately to avoid creating additional hazardous conditions.
    2. Members of the group will provide assistance in any practical way possible, including, but not limited to:

                                                              i.      Slow, divert, or stop traffic in a safe manner, using safety equipment if available.

                                                            ii.      Aid and comfort those involved.

                                                          iii.      Call 911 to notify the Police, Ambulance, and or Fire service as the situation demands.

                                                           iv.      Maintain order and preserve the accident scene for Police investigation.

                                                             v.      If possible, take photographs.

                                                           vi.      If possible, obtain license plate numbers and vehicle descriptions, including driver descriptions in the event of a hit and run violation.

                                                         vii.      Obtain names and addresses of witnesses if necessary.

c.       If possible maintain overall control of the situation until relieved by proper personnel.

 

12. HAND SIGNALS:

    1. At all times, standard hand signals will be used for: changing the formation to a single row and back to double staggered, all turns, lane changes, slowing, and stopping.  Turn signal lights will also be used at all times.
    2. All signals will be relayed to the rear of the group to allow all riders to take appropriate precautionary measures, and be aware of changes in speed and direction.  Once the hand signal is given and the person sees in their mirror that it is being passed on, they may return to gripping their handlebars with both hands. The only one that needs to "hold" the hand signal is the Tail Gunner until he / she reaches the spot of the maneuver, based on following traffic.

                                                              i.      Hand signals will be used at all times to point out road hazards to following riders by pointing.

                                                            ii.      Left arm held high, one finger extended over head indicates single file (automatically apply extended following distance).

                                                          iii.      Left arm held low & to the side - palm facing backwards, indicates slow and or stop.

                                                           iv.      Left arm held high with two fingers extended over head indicates the standard staggered formation.

                                                             v.      Other signals may be used as required

    1. The Road Captain will move as an individual, to whatever maneuver or position is required.
    2. The group will follow as individuals, in a "follow the leader" approach, signaling and following the Road Captain as appropriate and safe.

  1.  SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
    1. As mentioned previously, it is assumed that all riders will come to the ride with a well-maintained motorcycle.
    2. When feasible, all riders should show up with:

                                                              i.      Appropriate riding apparel for the weather conditions.

                                                            ii.      A well-stocked tool kit to all club rides.

                                                          iii.      A well-maintained first aid kit to all club rides.

    1. The Road Captain should bring the following to the ride:

                                                              i.      First aid kit.

                                                            ii.      Route maps.

                                                          iii.      Run information.

                                                           iv.      Cell phone.  If a Road Captain does not have a cell phone, he or she will locate another group rider who does (obviously, subject to availability), and designate that rider as the 911 caller.

 

  1. TIPS & Past experience...
    1. Nothing can replace Good Judgment and Common Sense!
    2. It is recommended for the Road Captain to have scouted the route prior to conducting the ride.
    3. Be aware of places you may have to stop.  Watch for loose gravel or sand.
    4. The arrows painted on the lanes indicating the lane traffic flow become slick when wet.
    5. Watch for oil slicks around stop lights, stop signs and around areas where cars may have to sit for a period of time.
    6. The use of 2-way radios between the Road Captain and Tail Gunner is Highly Recommended.
    7. When pulling out from a stop sign or stoplight and after making a turn, an even, steady acceleration is best.  This will keep the formation together better than speeding up & having to slow back down.  Do not slow to make sure the formation is following.  This will cause a back up & may actually prevent the rear bikes from making it through the light. If the formation is broken by whatever reason, keep the speed to 5-10 miles below the travel speed to allow the rest of the formation to catch up.  You do not need to stop, (this is a judgment call based on the road & the traffic flow).
    8. If the formation is broken, and there is a turn in the route, formation does need to stop as close to the turn as possible, allowing the trailing group to see where you turned.  You may also instruct (prior to the ride in the pre-ride brief) that the last person in line wait at the corner to guide the rest back up to the formation. This is the Road Captain’s decision based on what they know of the route, the traffic, and safe riding practices.
    9. Summer time & asphalt do not mix well, kick stands will sink in & the bike may fall over.  Be aware of where you park.  It is a good idea to keep a kickstand plate in your storage compartment for these occasions.
    10. All riders need to pay attention to the bikes and traffic around them!  Nothing worse than a bike hitting another bike in formation because they were not paying attention.
    11. If you need to speed to get to your destination, you should have made better plans & started earlier.  Chapter group rides are supposed to be enjoyable; not racing events.
    12. Riders:  So what if the Road Captain makes a wrong turn, sometimes that’s how you find that hidden special road!
    13. If you think you need to burn a whole tank of gas before you stop for a 5 break break, you are missing half the fun of riding with a group.  The visiting sessions at stops are all part of the experience.
    14. If you know the trip will take 3 hours, plan on it taking 4.  Something may happen to cause a delay.  The larger the group, the more time you should allow for rest stops, gas breaks, food breaks, etc.
    15. The MSF class teaches to always stop with one foot on the ground.  YOU BE YOUR OWN JUDGE!  This is fine for small bikes, but a touring bike may need to place both feet on the ground at the same time.  A slick spot is unforgiving, and very dangerous.  Your rear brake can be released if your front brake is holding at 2 MPH with no concerns whatever. (Obviously, you do not put feet down until the bike is fully stopped.) The MSF used to teach that you stop with your RIGHT foot on the ground and the other on the peg. That was changed to LEFT foot down so that you could keep your right foot on the brake.  In either case, by definition, your bike is not vertical with only one foot on the ground. If you must make a fast departure (to get out of somebody's way, for example), it takes more time to do so with one foot down rather than two.  Because you must straighten the bike as you depart, you have a more erratic start, and you must first take your right foot OFF the brake - all time consuming.  Finally, you can probably easily handle a smaller bike with one leg, but a large touring bike is another case entirely.  There are always exceptions to the rule.  If you are stopped at a light on a severe incline, your right foot belongs on the brake pedal.  Similarly, in a panic stop situation you want to stop with your foot still on the rear brake.
    16. Assuming you are in the slow or second slowest lane and you approach an on-ramp, do a head check to the right.  If you are approaching an off-ramp, do a head check to the LEFT (and catch that guy who is about to cut in front of you to make his exit).
    17. Remember that too much following distance can be just as bad as, and frequently is worse than too little following distance.  If the formation lacks uniformity in what we appear to be doing, then we don't look like we are together as group, and we become regarded as random individual vehicles in the traffic pattern, and not like a group or unit trying to function as one vehicle. Too much following distance INVITES cars into the formation, splitting it up in traffic.  If we don't control our lane space the cars will take it away from us.  Be prepared!  Non-motorcycling car drivers really do not understand what we do when we ride as a group or why.  If a car starts to blindly move into or through the group, let them in.  We can always re-form the group a little later down the road. It is better to avoid a confrontation!

Note:   If you are new to group riding or are uncomfortable riding in a group, please let the Road Captain know.  Excessive following distance defeats the purpose of maintaining an equally spaced stagger formation.  It is much better for your safety and the safety of the group that you ride individually 1/4 mile behind the group.  And we want to encourage you to be comfortable about making that choice.

    1. If you need to leave the ride early, please notify the Road Captain & Tail Gunner where you plan on leaving the group. If possible be at the rear of the formation (ahead of the Tail Gunner) prior to leaving the group.  Any bikes following should move up into the standard group riding positions.
    2. No Blocking!  Blocking is Illegal.  Blocking should only be done with prior arraignment with the local law enforcement officials.  It may take a few extra moments to wait for the traffic to clear.  This will keep the formation together and safe.  If the formation does get split up, regroup in a safe manner as stated above.
    3. TUNNELS.  The Blue Ridge Parkway is a favorite place to ride for many local and out of state riders.  Numerous tunnels exist on the parkway.  Some are over 1/4 mile long.  There is no lighting in Parkway tunnels.  Cars are required to turn on lights, but some don’t.  On a cycle, the instant of going from Sunlight to Darkness is disorientating.  Your eyes are not used to the dark.  The first thing you do is instinctively brake a little.  The eyes of car drivers as well do not adjust to darkness instantly.  They may not even see the yellow line on the road in a tunnel.  In addition, bicyclists may be encountered in tunnels as well.  WHEN APPROACHING TUNNELS, SLOW FAR AHEAD OF TIME, ALLOW MORE SPACE BETWEEN RIDERS, GET INTO SINGLE FILE.  STAY AWAY FROM THE YELLOW LINE.  You may encounter one tunnel after another so maintain this safe riding posture as long as you are in "Tunnel areas" of the parkway.
    4. CURVES.  Many roads in the mountain are switch backs, with nonstop sharp curves.  You are riding along at 40 mph, come into the curve and you are down to 15 mph.  With a tight curve, riders behind you cannot see that you braked, or have little room to brake and slow, so it is easy to get bunched up.  STAY IN SINGLE FILE.  ALWAYS MAINTAIN GREATER SPACING BETWEEN RIDERS.  PAY ATTENTION. 

NOTE:  A group of bikers were riding on the parkway. The lead bike missed a sharp curve, left the parkway, went over the side of the mountain and fell 60 feet resulting in a rider death and a critically injured passenger.  Riders in the group said that it appeared the rider, while entering a sharp curve looked away for a second, and then missed the curve.  Many areas on the parkway and other mountain roads are like riding on the edge of a cliff.  You miss your turn and you are airborne without a parachute!

    1. Also remember that after heavy rains on these kinds of roads in the mountains, sand & mud will be washed down onto the road & can make the curves & corners very dangerous.
    2. There are many opinions on curves. A lot depends on how sharp the curve is.  This is one of the many reasons to ride in a good even staggered formation.  This allows riders to be able to shift in the lane to take a curve better.  Several groups have established signals to spread out the gap & this works well before going into curves to allow more freedom for the individual riders to have more space to work with.  If the Road Captain sees that the curve may be a little sharp for the group, he/she can anticipate by signaling to slow down before going into the curve.

      Sharp curves could be better handled single file spaced at least 3-4 seconds apart.  This gives the rider the option to use as much of the road as they want and also allows for people slowing down when going into sharp corners.
    3. Road Captains should, whenever possible, be aware of the riding experience of the people they are leading on a ride.  A pre-ride of the route (when possible) is also recommended.  It is also up to the individual rider to admit to his/her abilities.
    4. It may be a good idea for groups to split up by ability when encountering a long series of sharp curves like Deals Gap, but led by an experienced rider / Road Captain.

 

Remember to use Good Judgment & Common Sense!

 

Safety Rules for Group Riding II

We begin each Chapter ride with a ride briefing by the Road Captain who will explain where we are going, what our route will be, where we will take rest stops, and what our expected timeframes are. This is followed by a safety briefing, which will be presented by one of the Safety Officers. Here are some of our main concerns:

 

Gas UP!  If the rides begins at a gas station it is easy to get fuel before we leave.   If our ride starts somewhere other than a gas station, please gas up before going to the starting spot.

 

We always ride in staggered formation and never side by side. This provides additional room should one of us need to make an emergency maneuver. Side by side is okay when we come to a stop, but remember that the bike on the left always leaves first. 

 

1 second - 2 second rule. When in staggered formation, stay two seconds behind the bike directly in front of you (same side of the lane) and one second behind the bike in front of and across from you. If the weather conditions are poor – fog, rain, etc. increase the distance between each bike accordingly.

 

If a rider drops out, don’t cross over to the other side of the lane to reset the stagger. Stay in your lane and move up to fill the opening if the rider who left was in front of you, or motion to the rider behind the opening to move up when its’ safe to do so.

 

We use fairly standard hand signals for left and right turns, slowing down and stopping. We have others that you may not be familiar with, such as ‘debris in the road’, ‘single/double file’, and obstruction on the side of the road. We’ll go over all of these during the Safety Briefing.

 

Pass them Back! Remember that once you get a few bikes back from the Road Captain you can’t see him, and he can’t see you. Make sure you pass all the hand signals back.

 

If you are new to group riding, or a new rider overall, the best place for you is right behind the Road Captain. The further back you are, the more "slinky effect" you will encounter as we change speeds.

 

Trikes are always positioned all the way in back, but in front of the Tailgunner. This is due to the difficulty of seeing around a trike.

 

Remember, at 35 MPH you're traveling 50 feet per second - 3 car lengths.

 

Don’t get complacent. It’s sometimes easy to trust in the group and do a little sightseeing, knowing that the Road Captain will lead you to your destination. This is a serious danger! Riding in a group requires even MORE alertness than riding alone (if that’s possible). YOU are not only still responsible for your own safety; you have obligations to those riding around you. Keeping this in mind, and knowing that the folks riding around you are doing the same, is one of the most important elements of the excellent safety record we have here at BRRC.

 

Don't blindly follow lane changes, etc. without looking for yourself. If the group is going through a traffic light and it changes to yellow just in front of you, make the conservative choice. Keeping the group together is a distant second to keeping everyone safe.

 

If the group gets separated directly in front of you, and you aren't comfortable leading, call for single file and move to the right side of the lane. A Safety Officer will ride up the left side of the lane and take the lead.

 

If you do keep the lead, DO NOT race recklessly to catch up with the rest of the group. The Road Captain ahead will slow the group down slightly, so maintaining a safe, legal speed will close the gap soon enough. In the event of large gaps, the Road Captain will pull over and wait for the rest of us.

 

Finally, remember the importance of keeping your bike in top-notch condition. Properly inflated tires with good tread are one obvious maintenance issue, but don’t forget to check your entire bike. Your owner’s manual includes a section on the things you should check before every ride – if you haven’t read it recently, it’s a good idea to refresh your memory.