It's a nightmare: You're cruising down the road when, bam, you realize your tire has blown out and you are about to get to a flat tire. What's the best advice for handling a blow-out?

Try to remain calm, and immediately let off the throttle (as you would with a car). Next, apply your brake, but not on the tire that's going flat; apply it to the unharmed wheel and slowly bring your bike to a stop somewhere safe. Some bikes have a linked brake set-up: anytime you brake one wheel, the other automatically brakes. If that's the case, you need to be extra cautious when braking.

Once you have stopped safely, examine the tire closely. Try to ascertain what caused the tire to blow out. If you can see a puncture from a nail or other object in the tread of a tubeless tire, you're in luck, as you can usually repair or patch it up relatively easily. However, sidewall damage by a nail or any other object is a different story on a tubeless tire, and you wi ll need to get the bike trailer to haul it to a dealer.

If you have tubed tires, the situation is somewhat trickier. In this case, you have to remove the tire from the rim, which means removing the wheel from the bike entirely. Unless you have a buddy or two to help you support the bike while you do this, chances are you're going to have to call for help.

The good news is that if you need to patch a tubeless tire, a simple repair kit you can purchase at most bike shops is sufficient. Such kits usually include an auger, tire-patching cement, plugs, and some tire patches in case the puncture is not a neat hole. It also helps to have some carbon dioxide cartridges in case your tire has lost its air. You should be carry such supplies with you at all times.

Once you've sealed the tire with a plug or patch, make sure that you get to a gas station safely and as quickly as possible. You should have the tire professionally examined as plug s are only a temporary fix. Be sure you're riding on a safe tire before continuing your journey.

The intent of this paper is to give everyone information required to ride together safely. Please keep in mind that these guidelines are not intended to restrict your freedom, but instead, to help ensure that we all return home safely. These guidelines cannot encompass every possible set of circumstances; they are intended to serve as a basic guide for most situations. Each person should read, understand, and apply these guidelines, using their best judgment.

Remember that YOU have the ultimate responsibility for YOUR safety, and always ride within your capabilities and that of your machines.

The OZ Chapter, Harley Owners Group hopes you will enjoy riding with us!

ALL GROUP RIDER'S RESPONSIBILITIES

Observe the objectives and guidelines in order to assure the safety and the welfare of every individual within the group, and any surrounding motorists or pedestrians.

Follow the instructions of the Road Captains in all situations, unless those instructions place the rider or any other individual in an unsafe situation.

Maintain their motorcycle and other equipment in a safe riding condition.

Ride with headlights on.

Ride with a "safety first" attitude. The safety of all individuals, whether or not they are a part of the group, is of paramount importance.

MEETING PLACE AND DEPARTURE TIME

Meeting place and departure times are reviewed at Road Captain's meeting generally preceding the scheduled event.

Rider briefing will be held just prior to departure, to establish a schedule for gas and rest stops (if needed), inform the group of the intended route, provide other pertinent information and review the group riding guidelines including formations and procedures (see Road Captain Checklist).

Individuals should make every effort to arrive and be completely prepared for the scheduled departure time. This includes a full tank of gas.

For additional information on upcoming events check our website: www.OZHOGS.com and review the calendar of events as printed in our monthly newsletter.

RIDING FORMATION AND INDIVIDUAL POSITIONS

The standard formation, under good conditions of road, traffic, and weather, should be a double row, staggered, in one traffic lane. The interval should be no less than one second between staggered riders.

The Lead Road Captain will be at the head of the group, and typically will ride just to the left of lane center. Other Road Captains may be assigned positions within the group, which will be followed by the Rear Road Captain or "Sweep".

New members, guests, and any riders with little experience in group riding should be positioned at the front of the group, just behind the Lead Road Captain.

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.

Under certain conditions the Lead Road Captain will signal the group to form a single file formation. The signal is the left arm held overhead with one finger extended (ref. Hand Signal Guide). Drop back to a safe following distance from the rider in front of you, and move into a single file.

It may be necessary to form smaller groups for safety due to surrounding conditions of local ordinances. The Middle Road Captains are authorized to slow down their part of the group, take the Lead position of the new group, and proceed as the Lead Road Captain of that group.

This may mean that the last rider of each group would become the Rear Road Captain for that group. If possible, this rider should be another recognized Road Captain. If another Road Captain 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. The new Rear Road Captain is NOT to take on the responsibilities of Sweep, unless authorized by the Lead Road Captain to do so.

SPEED, INTERVALS, AND DISTANCES

The Lead Road Captain will attempt to establish and maintain a uniform speed; consistent with the ability of the least experienced rider, surrounding conditions, and safe riding practices.

The Road Captains may choose to separate the group of inexperienced riders into a group of their own, consistent with expected or actual conditions.

All riders should make an effort to maintain the same speed to minimize the effect of irregular speeds on riders at the rear of the group.

All riders should maintain a safe distance (ref. Section 5.5) and lane positions between themselves and the rider directly ahead; to be consistent with existing road, traffic, and weather conditions.

Minimum Safe Following Distances

Within the group, a safe distance is defined as a MINIMUM TWO SECOND DELAY between the rider, and the next rider directly ahead (ref. NOTE below). 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. With respect to vehicles ahead of the group, a safe distance is defined as a MINIMUM of a THREE SECOND DELAY between the Lead Road Captain, and any vehicle directly ahead of the group (ref. NOTE below).

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.

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, NOT TO STOP. In group riding, a one-second interval between STAGGERED riders is a policy consistent with the recommendations of most traffic and safety agencies including the state of Kansas. 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.

TRAFFIC LANES

The Lead Road Captain will attempt to lead the group in a single lane when:

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.

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.

On highways with three or more lanes in each direction, the group will normally travel in the number two lane (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. Remaining traffic lanes are then counted up until the right most, or "SLOW" lane is counted.

LANE CHANGES AND PASSING

On a multi-lane highway, the double row staggered formation should normally be maintained.

The Lead Road Captain will hold his or her position and signal for a lane change.

All riders should hold their positions and pass the signal to the rear.

The Rear Road Captain (Sweep) will change lanes at the first safe opportunity, protecting the lane for the group, and allowing the Lead Road Captain to see that the lane is clear and protected.

We then change lanes using the "follow the leader" approach (Domino Effect). The Lead Road Captain will change lanes first followed by all other riders moving from the front to the rear of the group.

NOTE: NOBODY, except the Sweep, should change lanes before the Lead Road Captain. ALWAYS make a HEAD CHECK before you begin the lane change, and maintain safe distances.

There are times it will not be possible for the entire group to change lanes as above. When this situation arises, the Road Captain will signal for a turn, and signal the group with one finger extended into the air. This indicates that changing lanes as a group is not possible. The Road Captain will then changes 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.

On a two-lane road with two way traffic (one lane each way), a single file formation should be used when passing other vehicles. On occasion, the Lead Road Captain may continue in the passing lane, while safe to do so, allowing other riders to see that the way is clear for them to continue the group passing maneuver.

If for any reason the group becomes separated, merge safely back to the pack, returning to your original position, using known good safety practices. Don't feel it's necessary to break the world land speed record in trying to catch up. The Lead Road Captain will be aware and adjust accordingly.

NOTE: Be certain the road is clear, and always make a HEAD CHECK immediately before initiating any maneuver that 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! Please remember that YOU, and ONLY 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".

GAS, FOOD, REST STOPS, AND TOLLS

If necessary, due to the length of the trip, gas, food, and rest stops should be discussed and scheduled before departure. These scheduled stops should be adhered to as much as possible, depending on varying conditions as the trip progresses.

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).

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.

Meal stops may vary in length with the size of the group, but should be held to a reasonable minimum.

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 Lead Road Captain should allow this bike to assume the lead position in order to exchange the toll. The Lead 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 Lead 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.

UNSCHEDULED OR EMERGENCY STOPS

Unscheduled stops for gas, restroom, or rider fatigue can lead to confusion in the group, and confusion can lead to accidents. The Lead 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.

Any rider with an equipment problem should inform one of the Road Captains as quickly, and as safely as possible

When the Lead Road Captain is informed, he or she should stop the group at the earliest possible moment, when and where, it is safe.

If the rider must pull over immediately, ONLY the Rear Road Captain should accompany that rider to a stop. The Lead Road Captain should be informed if he or she is not aware of this situation. Once the Lead Road Captain is informed, he or she may pull the group over as soon as it is safe to do so.

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, a Road Captain should be notified.

· HAND SIGNALS

At all times, standard hand signals should 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 should also be used at all times.

All signals should 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.

Proper signals should be used at all times, to point out road hazards to following riders by pointing.

Other signals may be developed and added as required.

Please refer to Hand Signal Guide for further definitions of Hand Signals, knowledge and use of proper signals is strongly encouraged.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

As mentioned previously, it is assumed that all riders will come to the ride with a well-maintained motorcycle and prepared to depart on time.

All group riders are encouraged to bring a well-stocked tool kit to all club rides.

All group riders are encouraged to bring a well-maintained first aid kit to all club rides.

Taking proper care of the things you love and relish can have a huge impact on the way they treat you in return. Mechanical parts and machinery have a tendency to fail and become unreliable. This can occur if an owner fails to take care of the smaller details such as basic and obvious maintenance. Taking care of these simple, little tasks can easily extend the working life and enjoyment of an individual's machine. Some of these maintenance basics can be done on a weekly basis while other tasks need only a periodic check-up. Of course some maintenance will need to be done by professionals, but you can do some of the simple tasks yourself. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the detailing aspect.

Basically, there are several ways to clean and wash a motorcycle. Some people choose to skip the soap and water, and go straight to the instant detailers that come in a bottle. While there's nothing wrong with that, occasionally it's good to use an automotive-style soap to loosen the dirt and grime in the nooks and crannies. For the latter method, the materials needed include a hose, carwash-style soap (one that won't strip the paint or wax like household detergent), chrome or aluminum polish, and plenty of soft terrycloth towels or rags. Depending on the type of wheels on the bike, you may also want to purchase a wheel cleaner product, although WD-40 makes a great cleaner for wheel rims. Spoke rims will require a little more elbow grease and can be cleaned with aluminum polish.

Another area of the bike to scrutinize is the underside. This is where much of the road tar and grease can collect from the street. Engine de-greasers can easily help out here, but be careful not to get any of the de-greaser on the chain or wheel bearings as it will remove the much needed grease from these parts. If you accidentally do get some on these parts, wash it off immediately.

Going over the entire bike this way is really important, especially where salt is used on the roads to melt ice. Salt is a vehicle's enemy because it is highly corrosive. Regular cleaning and detailing of your motorcycle will alleviate, if not remove, these problems. Detailing your bike also gives you another opportunity to check your tires, chain, oil, brake fluid, air and oil filters, and other vital portions of the machine as you normally would during a pre-ride checklist.

Detailing your bike will not only make it look its best in your garage and on the road, but it will also help to make you aware of other things to monitor. These are things that could easily turn into problems if not inspected regularly.

HAND SIGNALS