After the Laughlin event debreifing, it became obvious that we needed a "standardized" set of guidelines for cruising.
We gathered as much information as we could and formed a review team for the guidelines. What you see attached has been edited, added, reviewed, edited, merged and so on to get it to this point. As an engineer, it became clear that they were "close enough" and I finally decided that messing with them any more would serve little purpose, so here they are.
Please remember that these are GUIDELINES to be used for a common base for cruising. They should not be looked at as RULES, since not all are pertinent to every situation. Certainly food for discussion and thought at the driver's meetings at each cruise.
The organizer or leader of each cruise should use these as a base for deciding what is, or is not, appropriate for that cruise. Please don't try to read too much into these, they are intended to give us all a common base to start from.
At the end of this year, we will need to revisit these and update them with any modifications or changes. If no one volunteers at that time, I'll again act as an editor and call for input on a fresh thread.
Thanks to to following Fanatics for their contributions and editing:
Wildcat66
Lloger
HotrodGirl
Houtex
C1Trob
OP
Gina
Rebel
Purple Penelope
Buffy
Marc NY
SSR-Club.com
kwhopper89
fourhounds
mcvette2
Flassh
jwthomp
- - I hope I didn't leave anyone out..... It was a good group that got a little big.
Please spend a little time reading these. Copy them to your hard drive and print them out, if need be. I think they will help improve our positive experiences..... I know that any time I am organizing an event from now on, there will certainly be a lot more communication......
You will note that I have provided both the .pdf and .doc files. I am not going to be the only one to own these. Please feel free to edit, cut and paste for your individual cruising needs.
Happy Cruising all.
Permagrin rules.
Mike
__________________ Trust and Generosity are contagious.
My SSR: 2004 Redline Red SSR "HTRDGRL" Born On 8/19/2004 SSR Theme Song Chevrolet by Foghat
Cruising Guideline
Thank you Mike for taking all of this information and documenting it for all. These guidelines will make future SSR runs a greater experience for all concerned
My SSR: 2004 Ultra Violet #11012 born on 04 June 2004
great job everybody...I know I have been lacking in this, thinking everyone was on board and who to follow and have been the one lost in traffic...luckily we didn't lose anyone forever
I think especially with all the group gatherings coming up this is a super guide to
proactively preclude any mishaps due to non communication among caravaners and group leaders.....I was'nt aware you guys were working on this...smart idea!
Thanks,Guys and Gals
My SSR: 2004 Redline-#11446-1 of 43 Calif. Speedway Parade Lap Trucks 9/05/04 (#48 Jimmie Johnson)
Here's my two cents since no one asked.......
1. In a long caravan 12 or longer, people with two-ways should be placed at the 1/4 marks of the caravan. We've found that sometimes on curves or mountain roads the leader can't talk to the back truck so you need people to relay any message back (your two-ways are much more reliable than cells that don't work in mountain areas).
2. Thru cities, lights break up caravans last truck thru light puts e-flashers on so people left at light can see back of line, makes it alot easier to catch up because it does take some time to slow down the lead line for a regroup.....
__________________
" Life is a highway... I wanta ride it allllll night long "...
" If your goin my way...I wanta drive it allll night long "...
#48Team Lowes
Last edited by crazyrtr53; 03-17-2007 at 12:20 AM.
Insure should be spelled ensure in your writeup. Thx
Other than that is looks good and I agree.
Corrected. Thanks Art.
Quote:
Originally Posted by crazyrtr53
1. In a long caravan 12 or longer, people with two-ways should be placed at the 1/4 marks of the caravan. We've found that sometimes on curves or mountain roads the leader can't talk to the back truck so you need people to relay any message back (your two-ways are much more reliable than cells that don't work in mountain areas).
2. Thru cities, lights break up caravans last truck thru light puts e-flashers on so people left at light can see back of line, makes it alot easier to catch up because it does take some time to slow down the lead line for a regroup.....
Tony,
Thanks a lot for your input. I can't argue your logic. Your points are well taken. A caravan of 12 on curving roads is about a mile long at 60 mph and 5 second spacing. I'm sure jwthomp (in Colorado) will agree.......
There are a number of procedures and options that can be used in the cities. Thanks for bringing this one up.
You have touched on the exact reason why I provided the .doc file. I stopped diddling with the Guidelines because there are so many more experienced cruisers, like you, that would have input. The .doc file is there so you can edit it for yourself and add these things in. PLEASE do so and plan on forwarding it to be edited into "Cruising Guidelines, Rev 2" this coming fall. I'll also be taking comments from this thread for the edits.
Thanks guys,
Mike
__________________ Trust and Generosity are contagious.
1) If you value your license, DO NOT FOLLOW MIKE in AZ when he and his bride are rocking out to their favorite music!
2) Never follow Mike in AZ under an overpass where a State Trooper is issuing a ticket to someone else! If you do be ready to deploy your absolute best "officer it was not me gunning my loud pipes trying to make you deaf" look!
1) If you value your license, DO NOT FOLLOW MIKE in AZ when he and his bride are rocking out to their favorite music!
2) Never follow Mike in AZ under an overpass where a State Trooper is issuing a ticket to someone else! If you do be ready to deploy your absolute best "officer it was not me gunning my loud pipes trying to make you deaf" look!
These rules are not optional!
I thought pilots had bad memories......
Mikey
__________________ Trust and Generosity are contagious.
My SSR: 6 Speed Ricochet Silver, MagnaCharger, Katzkin Leather Interior, 4.10:1 American Gears, True Duals
Mike:
Having been a motorcyclist for over 40 years we have collectively developed a set of guide-lines / rules that most organizations follow when it comes to cruising. Spacing, intersection control, speed, caravan rules and legal responsibility are but a few of the addressed issues. I would recommend some light reading from this segment of cruisers. I can also procure some of the material if you're interested in pursuing the suggestion further.
Chick:
__________________
- When it's my time to go, I want to go as my father did -
- Peacefully in his sleep, not screaming in terror like his passengers -
Having organized several events for another car club and participated in at least a dozen cruises with up to and over 100 cars, I'd like to give my 2 cents worth:
First of all, let me say cruising down the highway with a large number of SSR's will be an exciting adventure for the participants as well as other cars and people encountered on ther cruise. That said - EVERYone must pay attention and watch out for others. Some people get distracted looking at all the cool vehicles and that can cause accidents.
Vehicles should make trips to fill the gas tanks the evening before the cruise.
Every group of vehicles needs a leader and a clean up with radios.
Everyone should consider getting a two way radio.
Double up on four lane roads in towns so more cars can make it through traffic lights.
It's OK to pass but be courtious to other drivers. We're out there having fun - on vacation, but most people on the higways are working and in a hurry. The last thing we want is them is saying what jerks SSR driverws are for blocking the fast lane on the highway.
Restroom breaks should be planned for Interstate Rest Stops when possible or duirng a stop for a meal. I fpeople use the "one stall" facilities at gas stops and 10- 15 people are in line, the stop will take way too much time.
In city driving or anytime the line of cars gets strung out, if you know there are SSRs behind you but you can't see them when you make a turn.,stop until they are in sight so they do not miss the turn. The people in front of you should do the same for you
Always introduce yourself to the people in the vehicle in front of you and behind you before the cruise starts. It's a good way to make new friends and to se if they have a radio so you can communicate if one of you gets stuck at a light, etc.
Mike:
I can also procure some of the material if you're interested in pursuing the suggestion further.
Chick:
Chick,
Please get a copy of what you can and forward it to me at mike@simple-engineering.com. I'll PDF it and post it on this thread, or I'll provide a link to a download location for everybody. Thanks.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kul52
Having organized several events for another car club and participated in at least a dozen cruises with up to and over 100 cars, I'd like to give my 2 cents worth:
Kul52,
Your two cents is worth a lot. Thanks. I'll be gathering in the fall for a revision of the Guidelines then. One key source will be this thread.
Enjoy your cruising,
Mike
__________________ Trust and Generosity are contagious.
My SSR: #23198 06 Blue 3SS #375 of 532 - Birthday 12/21/05 - Took delivery 9/5/06 (2nd owner)
Cruising and caravanning
It has been more than two years since this has been at the top of the page. There are a lot of new owners/members who might not have an undrstanding of how things are or should be done and why so I think it is time for a refresher. If you have not read this before please read the whole thread there are some points added by other than the originator. The main points are in attachments to the first post.
__________________
Use the SSR Parts Exchange It works for us all BlueStreak - One of the Blues Brothers
Last edited by BlueStreak; 09-22-2009 at 01:34 PM.
Reason: spelling
My SSR: '04 Purple (Penelope)#3438 1st '04 Production UV and '06 blue over silver auto, #22851 #5 0f 32
Crusin' guidelines......
Bump.......
__________________
" Isn't it great to live in a society where the penalty for lying to a congressman can be up to 30 years in jail, but the penalty for a congressman lying to you is another two years in office. "
My SSR: R&R-#18510 Adopted 4/18/09 Mikes Tips, Muth mirrors, Sirius, S44, V-LEDS, GTO Spoiler, LED WindJam'r
Thanks guys for the bump. I too have been a Harley rider for over 40 years - and have lead up to 400 motorcycles into Washington, DC on the Friday evening before Memorial Day and the Rolling Thunder ride - so I believe I have a bit of experience as far as group riding goes too. The original set of guidelines that Mike documented appears complete - the part about communications between the front and back of the pack - or between the packs if you get more than the 12 SSR's to a pack is essential. And the best device that was ever invented that the lead vehicle of each pack is your CRUISE CONTROL. In any state EXCEPT Arizona - you should set your cruise control for 3 to 5 miles over the posted speed limit - in Arizona - the posted speed limit is WHAT you set your cruise control! Even by the lead vehicle doing this - the vehicle(s) at the end of each pack will find themselves playing catch-up after stop lights, stop signs or just catching up after passing less attentive members of the pack.
Everything that Mike and the group that initially establshed these guidelines said should be followed - especially the distibution of cell phone (or radio channel) numbers amongst the members of the pack. Not only does this aid in conveying any changes in the planning or helping with unscheduled stops - but makes the entire ride MORE ENJOYABLE! And, like someone else mentioned in this thread - PAY ATTENTION to your driving - because a lot of people watching our caravan AREN'T!
Is this a GREAT FORUM OR WHAT!!!
__________________
Only a few of us are lucky enough
to have a BLUR under their saddle!
Don't agree with the AZ part. Born & Raised in AZ - ALWAYS DRIVE about 6 or 7 over.
I did get stopped for 83 in a 55 - but got a warning when I told the officer that I couldn't have been going more than 82. I expected a ticket of course, but he thought it was pretty funny - and honest - so a "stern" warning.
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Cruising Guidelines
After the Laughlin event debreifing, it became obvious that we needed a "standardized" set of guidelines for cruising.
We gathered as much information as we could and formed a review team for the guidelines. What you see attached has been edited, added, reviewed, edited, merged and so on to get it to this point. As an engineer, it became clear that they were "close enough" and I finally decided that messing with them any more would serve little purpose, so here they are.
Please remember that these are GUIDELINES to be used for a common base for cruising. They should not be looked at as RULES, since not all are pertinent to every situation. Certainly food for discussion and thought at the driver's meetings at each cruise.
The organizer or leader of each cruise should use these as a base for deciding what is, or is not, appropriate for that cruise. Please don't try to read too much into these, they are intended to give us all a common base to start from.
At the end of this year, we will need to revisit these and update them with any modifications or changes. If no one volunteers at that time, I'll again act as an editor and call for input on a fresh thread.
Thanks to to following Fanatics for their contributions and editing:
Please spend a little time reading these. Copy them to your hard drive and print them out, if need be. I think they will help improve our positive experiences..... I know that any time I am organizing an event from now on, there will certainly be a lot more communication...... 
Happy Cruising all. 
SANDY
Here's my two cents since no one asked.......
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