Formation
Riding should be in a standard staggered formation unless the leader calls for single file. In staggered formation, the bikes form two columns, with the leader at the head of either the right or left column, as he chooses. The second bike will head the opposite column, and will ride approximately one (1) second behind the leader (and in the opposite side of the lane). The other riders will position their bikes two (2) seconds behind the bikes directly in fron of them, which puts them one (1) second behind the diagonal bike.

This formation allows each rider sufficient safety space, and discourages other vehicles from cutting into the line. The last rider, or Tail Gunner, may ride on whichever side of the lane he prefers. He will have to change sides during the ride, based on the situation at the moment.

Ride Leader
The Ride Leader is responsible for the safety of the entire formation. He must be aware of the length of the columns, and must gauge the passing of merges, highway entrances, and exits to allow for maximum safety and keeping the group together. He must make sure that he leaves enough time/space for the formation to get into the appropriate lanes before exits, etc.

All directions come from the Ride Leader regarding lane changes, stopping for breaks and fuel, closing of gaps, turning off at exits, any concerns of what lies ahead, and so on. No individual should assert himself independenatly without direction from the Ride Leader to do so.

Tail Gunner
The Tail Gunner serves as the eyes of the Ride Leader watching the formation, and informs the Ride Leader of any potential problems within the group. He watches other vehicles, and informs the Ride Leader (and anyone else with radios) of hazardous conditions approaching from the rear, such as vehicles trying to cut into the formation and trucks passing with potentially dangerous wind blasts. He will watch for merging lanes, and will move into a merging lane (or stay in a merging lane just vacated by the group) in order to "close the door" on other vehicles that may otherwise find themselves trying to merge into the formation. At the Ride Leader's request, the Tail Gunner changes lanes before the formation, to secure the lane so the formation can move into it.

New Riders
The position of new and inexperienced riders within the group is significant. New Riders should be positioned as close to the front as possible. It is often recommended that these riders be placed directly behind the lead rider. By doing so, it prevents th group from riding in a manner, or at a level, that is too difficult for the new rider and therefore would compromise his safety and the safety of the group.

Lane Changes
All lane-changing starts with a radio request from the Ride Leader to the Tail Gunner. The Tail Gunner will (when it is safe to do so) move into the requested lane and will inform the Ride Leader when the lane is clear. At this point, the Ride Leader has three options:

Simple Lane Change
This is an ordinary lane change, and can be used in most situations. After the Tail Gunner has secured the new lane, the Ride Leader will put on his directional signal as an indication that he is about to order a lane change. As each rider sees the directional signal, he also turns his on, so the riders following him get the signal. The leader then initiates the change. All other riders change lanes, too. The important concept is that NO ONE moves until the bike in front of him has started moving.

Block Lane Change
This can be used interchangeably with the Simple Lane Change. It requires a little more work, but it is well worth the effort. It's quite impressive to watch, and gives the riders a tremedous feeling of "togetherness." This sounds a little complicated, but is actually very simple to do. After the Tail Gunner has secured the new lane, the Ride Leader will put on his directional signal as an indication that he is about to order a lane change. As each rider sees the directional signal, he also turns his on, so the riders following him get the signal. The leader then raises his left arm straight up. Each rider repeats this signal. Then, as the leader lowers his arm to point to the lane into which he is moving, he actually initiates the change. All other riders lower their arms at the same time and change lanes too. This allows the entire formation to move from one lane to another as a single block.

Rear Fill-in
This is sometimes necessary is a long-enough gap cannot be maintained in the new lane, for example when trying to move from the right lane to the center and vehicles from the left lane keep cutting into the opening.

After the Tail Gunner has secured the new lane, the leader (usually at the suggestion of the Tail Gunner) will call for the group to fill in the space from the rear. He signals this by raising his hand to shoulder height and "pushing" it toward the new lane. All riders repeat the signal, and the last bikes move into the space in the new lane ahead of the Tail Gunner, then the next-to-last bikes move in ahead of those, and so on until the Ride Leader finally moves into the space ahead of the entire formation.

Emergencies
In the unlikely event of an emergency condition, the Ride Leader will make every attempt to move the formation to the shoulder in an orderly manner. If a bike breaks down, let the rider move to the right. DO NOT STOP. The Tail Gunner will stop with the problem bike. The Ride Leader will lead the group to a safe stopping place.

Hand Signals
Each rider (and passenger) should duplicate all hand signals given by the rider in front of him, so that the signals get passed all the way to the back of the formation. The following signals are used in addition to the standard (right-turn, left-turn, slow/stop) hand signals:

Block Lane Change
The leader (after having the Tail Gunner secure the lane) raises his left arm straight up. Each rider repeats this signal. Then, as the leader lowers his arm to point to the lane into which he is moving, he actually initiates the change. All other riders lower their arms at the same time and change lanes too.

Rear Fill-in
After having the Tail Gunner secure the lane and putting on his directional signal (which is repeated by each rider), the Ride Leader raises his left hand to his shoulder and "pushes" his open hand toward the lane into which he wants to move. This signal is repeated by all riders, and each rider in turn, rearmost first, moves into the space ahead of the riders behind him.

Single Up
When conditions warrant single file (narrow road, anticipated wind-blast from trucks, obstructions, pedestrians, etc.), the Ride Leader will raise his left hand straight up, holding up just his index finger. All other riders will repeat this, and the two columns will merge into one.

Staggered Formation
After singling up, when single file is no longer necessary, the Ride Leader will raise his left hand with thumb and pinky out, other fingers closed, rotating his wrist back and forth (indicating left, right, left, right). All othe rriders will repeat this and resume staggered formation.

Tighten Formation
When the Ride Leader feels that the formation should be tighter (bikes closer together, usually after being informed by the Tail Gunner), he raises his left hand with fingers spread wide and repeatedly closes them into a fist. All other riders repeat this and close up all unnecessary space in the formation.

Road Hazard
This is the one signal that can be initiated by ANYONE. Anyone seeing a hazardous condition on the road surface (road kill, oil, gravel, significant pot-hole, etc.), will point at it. All following riders will repeat this, and all riders will avoid the hazard.

Philosophy
Chapters are based in and overseen by their local church. They are to hold to the beliefs and practices of Southern Baptists.

No membership fees or dues are associated with an individual's participation in the chapter. Chapters are not limited by the number of members, size, or location of the sponsoring church.

Members do not need to own or ride a motorcycle in order to be a part of the chapter.

Only chapter members are allowed to wear the Carolina Faith Riders patch. Because this is a ministry, those wearing the patch are expected to act in a manner that properly represents their church, their Christian faith, and is pleasing and acceptable in the sight of God.

Each chapter should be committed to reaching the whole biker community, not just a certain segment. While the ministry's focus is to reach out to the local community, chapters are not limited to events in their community and may choose to and are encouraged to participate in events and rallies outside their area.

Working with Other Ministries
Carolina Faith Riders was not developed to be in competition with any other motorcyclist ministry, nor does it intend to attract members away from these ministries. Cooperation and coordination with other Christian Bike groups can be a valuable asset to your church, community, and chapter. Our desire is to work alongside fellow believers in order that we, as a Christian body, might reach the greatest number of people possible with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

All Makes & Models Accepted
Carolina Faith Riders Motorcycle Ministry is not a brand-specific ride group. Our goal is to share the love and message of Christ with those around us. Chapter members should invite and reach out to the entire motorcycle community regardless of the brand of motorcycle they ride.

It's not what you ride... It's Who you serve!