Houston Chapter Guidelines (HCG)

It is the goal of the TSBA to foster an environment where riders can enjoy sportbikes as they were intended to be ridden.   These guidelines are based on "The Pace" by Nick Ienatsch but have been modified to better suit our specific riding environment and style.  

Outline:
1. Rider Skills, continuing education
2. Riding gear
3. Machine preparation
4. Group riding discipline

Rider skill:   Is your software up-to-date?
Rider skill is the most important aspect of modern motorcycling. Modern sportbikes are marvelous machines capable of staggering performance.   Piloting such machines requires a high degree of skill and restraint.   The rider who allows their ego to control the throttle will find themselves in deep trouble very quickly.   Braking is just as important.   Make sure you have practiced braking from your normal SMR speeds.

The TSBA encourages all riders to complete basic training such as the Motor Safety Foundation course.   But it doesn't stop there.   Competent riders understand the learning process never ceases.   There are a number of excellent books on the subject. Click here for our suggested reading list.   Furthermore track days offer the opportunity for advancing skills in a controlled environment. Click here for a list of track day providers.

It is the duty of experienced riders to mentor new people.   A culture of learning needs to be fostered.   Remember to ask yourself "Am I in condition to push the limits today?"   And be brutally frank with your response.   Remember, it's not just yourself who is put at risk, its those who ride with you as well.   Some days are better spent in the garage preparing for the next ride.

Riding Gear:   Dress for the fall, not the ride
Brain's fade, varmints dash across the road and other riders make mistakes.   Falling is inevitable.   The trick is to minimize damage to yourself.   No gear, regardless of price or quality, will eliminate the possibility of injury.   Good gear will help lessen the effects of a get off.   What are the minimum requirements?

  • Full face helmet
  • Riding jacket (something designed to be used on a motorcycle)
  • Footwear that covers the ankle(or higher), preferably motorcycle-specific boots
  • Long pants, denim or better
  • Gloves
    You will notice many tenured riders go far beyond the minimum.   Most wear full protective garments with armor (including back protectors).   Some opt for full racing leathers.   The reason?   They look cool.

    Bike Preparation:
    You are about to ride at high speed in close quarters.   Is your machine properly maintained?   The Houston chapter offer WrenchFests.   Experienced riders will help you learn how to set up and maintain your machine.   What are the minimum standards for club rides?

  • Good tires.   Properly inflated with plenty of tread.   High-speed riding drastically increases tread wear.   Always have plenty of tread depth.
  • Good brakes.   No leaks or worn pads.   Finding out the brakes are marginal at speed is not fun.
  • Good suspension.   No leaks.   It should be set up for your weight and riding style.
  • Assure all control points operate freely.   Adjust them to fit you.
  • Adjust the clutch.  
  • Adjust and lube the chain.
  • Make sure all lights work.
  • Clean and adjust mirrors.
  • Arrive with a full tank of gas!   The only time you have too much fuel is when you are on fire.

    Group riding discipline:
    Spirited riding has its own set of rules.   The idea is to create an environment where people are encouraged to expand their skills while discouraging riding beyond their capabilities.   A fine line to be sure.   The largest advantage in riding with a group is immediate help should something go wrong.

  • This is NOT a race!   Spirited riding is encouraged, competition is not tolerated.
  • No one gets left behind. (wait for the next rider at every turn)
  • Ride in a staggered formation. Go single file when the curves come up.
  • Observe good following distances.
  • Never cross the center line.
  • Pull right for faster riders.
  • No passing in curves.
  • No passing on the right.
  • Ride at 70%.   Always have reserve (skill/bike)
  • The idea is to maintain high corner speeds
  • Look through the turn (explain target fixation)
  • Slow in, fast out
  • Observe the road (surface, type of turn and traffic)
  • Newbies get an indoctrination ride.

    The Ride:
    Rider Responsibilities:
    The rider is expected to arrive ON TIME with the following items taken care of:

  • Have full fuel tank
  • A properly prepared motorcycle
  • Proper riding gear.

    The rider's meeting:

  • Assure all riders have emergency contact information.  
  • Introduce lead/sweep riders and explain their functions.  
  • Assign new riders to the mentor position (between sweep and pace rider)
  • Explain the route, including expected stops and ETA.
  • Give radio communication channel information and/or cell phone numbers.

    The next activities could disallow certain riders/bikes from participating.   These tasks do not have to be formal or assigned to any one person.   But it could save a lot of trouble later on.

  • Do a quick tech inspection of all bikes.  
  • Do a minimum gear check on all riders.