Foreword

This Rider Handbook will serve to provide guidance regarding significant elements of the ALR riding experience. Riders should always realize that their dress and behavior are in the public view and that all activities should reflect favorably on the Riders, on the Post, and on the American Legion at large. Riders who choose to join Post 3 ALR, and in so doing, agree to abide by the guidelines contained in this handbook.

American Legion Riders - Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Georgia American Legion Riders is to promote and support the aims and purposes of The American Legion.

• The rehabilitation of all disabled veterans;
• Care of the dependents of those who have answered the final call;
• Care of those who are suffering from wounds, disease and want;
• The education of our children;
• Service to the community, state and nation.

American Legion Riders are Legionnaires, Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion who share a passion for riding motorcycles. We support the values of The American Legion by riding in patriotic parades, funeral escorts, and participating in programs, events and other ceremonies in the communities in which we live, work, and play. American Legion Riders have an unwavering respect for our country, our flag, and for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security.

Dress Code

For any purposefully organized rides, such as patriotic parades, funeral escorts, and participating in programs, events and other community ceremonies, all riders must adhere to the dress requirements established by the Legion. For purposes of this section, unless otherwise stipulated by competent authority, all riders will wear white collared shirts, black trousers, black boots, and ALR vest (see vest example included in this document). The hat to be used when dismounted will be stipulated by the Ride Leader. Choices would be either the ALR Logo Baseball hat or the ALR Logo Beret.

Vest Design

Riders will purchase and patch their vests, which must be black, either leather or textile. The minimum patching will include (all available from the Legion Emblem Store):

(1) 3-line Back patch (embossed as follows):

Line 1: Joseph N Neel Jr. Line 2: Post 3 Line 3: Macon, Georgia http://emblem.legion.org/3-Line-Legion-Riders-Back-Patch/productinfo/720.407X

(2) 3-line shoulder patch (embossed same as back patch shown above) to be worn on the top right side of the vest: http://emblem.legion.org/3-Line-Legion-Riders-Shoulder-Patch/productinfo/720.402X

(3) American Flag patch on the top left of the vest - http://emblem.legion.org/US-Flag/products/320/

(4) SAL, AUX, or Service Branch patch under the flag http://emblem.legion.org/Armed-Forces/products/319/

In addition to the patches, riders may order caps as follow:

(5) Baseball Cap Legion Riders - http://emblem.legion.org/Legion-Riders-Cap-Mesh/productinfo/708.143/

 (6) Legion Rider Beret - http://emblem.legion.org/Legion-Rider-Beret/productinfo/705.301/

Note: For Charter Members who join prior to the issuance of out Chapter Charter, small charter member patches will be issued at no cost. This patch should be worn just below the shoulder patch in item (2) above.

No other patches, insignia, or pins will be allowed on the back of the vest as nothing should ever detract from primacy and prominence of the ALR back patch. Riders are free to add patches/pins, insignia, etc. on the front of the vest. Riders should, however, avoid overtly political, profane, obscene, or racial messaging on the vest. An example of a correctly patched vest is enclosed. See the Riders Director for further guidance.

Riding

Riding should be an enjoyable experience with safety being the paramount concern.

Rider Licensing and Equipment Responsibilities

Each rider is responsible for having a valid and current driver license with motorcycle endorsement, having a street legal motorcycle (2 or 3 wheel) with current tags and registration, and having current vehicle insurance as required by the State of Georgia. Riders must comply with the Georgia helmet law (DOT 4 Rated). Riders should keep their vehicles in good working order.

Ride Leader and Preparation

Each ALR ride will be organized and lead by a Ride Leader. Initially, during the initial standing up of Post 3 ALR membership, only the Riders Director or the Road Captain may lead any ride. Over time, the Riders Director will insure that other riders are trained such that they may be designated as Ride Leaders for specific rides. Once it has been determined that a ride is planned, the designated Ride Leader is responsible as follows:

• Be Proactive. Notify all riders;
• Pre-Ride the route if practicable;
• Establish a staging time and location, as well as the time for KSU;
• Insure that a First-Aid Kit is available and in possession of the Sweep (Tail Gunner) Rider;
• Preview the ride on paper or computer mapping program. Do not rely solely on GPS;
• Brief Riders on the ride plan and route, including comfort/refueling stops;
• Enunciate the NO ALCOHOL/DRUGS policy;
• Appoint a “Sweep” (also known as “Tail Gunner”) rider who will be responsible for any rider who is experiencing mechanical or health issues. Such rider will stop and stay with the disabled rider until the issue is resolved or help arrives. The ride will continue and Sweep will keep Ride Leader informed via cell phone as to status.

Ride Practices

The Ride Leader will use MSF hand signals (see last page). The riders will ride staggered. Order of vehicles will be 2 wheelers, then 3 wheelers (Spiders or Trikes), then the trailing Sweep Rider. This arrangement insures that the formation is kept as tightly grouped as possible.

During the ride, riders will observe the “1 second, 2 second rule” and pass down hand signals. Riders should use turn signals as well as hand signals. Riders will maintain their spacing to avoid motorists breaking into the formation.

Methods of Communication

Organizationally, the primary method of communication among the riders will be conducted via email. This is the easiest way to share documents and maintain contact. That said, nothing should preclude the riders from utilizing additional forms of communication as they choose, including social media.

Rider Reports

Our riding activities present us with the opportunity to get our Post credit from the Legion. Credits from all Legion Rider chapters will be accumulated and inure to the benefit of the American Legion. Accordingly, each month, each rider is responsible for completing a report and sending that report to the Riders Director or to his or her designee. The Riders Director will provide the template for this report and explain the how the form is to be completed. At this time, the Macon Post 3 ALR is using an Excel spreadsheet, which should be completed by each rider, attached as a document to an email, and then sent to the Riders Director or designee. All reports from the Post 3 riders will then be consolidated and forwarded up the Legion organization, first to District 6, then further consolidated and forwarded.

Rider Report (Excel) Form

ALR Meeting Standard

DIRECTOR: (three knocks) Bring meeting to order.

SGT AT ARMS: Flag at a place of honor. Hand Salute (too)

CHAPLIN: Prayer

SGT AT ARMS: Pledge of Allegiance

ASST.DIRECTOR: Leads Preamble:

"For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a 100-percent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in the great wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and good will on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness."

DIRECTOR: Recognize Guest(s) and New Members

SECRETARY: Roll Call – Quorum (5 minimum)

TREASURER: Gives Finance Report.

DIRECTOR: Can I have a Motion to accept Finance Report.

SECRETARY: Minutes of the meeting.

DIRECTOR: Can I have a motion to accept the Minutes.

DIRECTOR: Report from Officers

DIRECTOR: Old business (from officers or members)

DIRECTOR: New business (from officer or members)

DIRECTOR: (Three knocks) For close of meeting.

SGT AT ARMS: Hand salute (too)

CHAPLIN: Closing Prayer

                 MEETING CLOSED

Summary and Conclusions

Welcome to all riders. The American Legion Post 3 leadership heartily supports and endorses the Legion Riders. It will be incumbent for us riders to continue earning that support. Please try to support the Legion Riders and to participate in the many other activities provided by our sponsoring post. Be guided in your thinking, attitude, and actions by the Legion Preamble.

With Respect -

George “General” Patton

ALR Post 3 Riders Director

September, 2016

Attachment 1 - Vest Template

This vest shows the proper application of the four mandated patches referenced above.

                             Back                                                  Front

Attachment 2 - Hand Signals (Motorcycle Safety Foundation)