Tail Gunner Requirements

    The Tail Gunner is selected by the Ride Captain unless specifically instructed by the Safety Coordinator to select another member. While the Ride Captain is the leader of the ride, the Tail Gunner is arguably the most important person in the ride. It is therefore suggested that the Ride Captain find someone compatible in riding styles and techniques to be the Tail Gunner. The role of a Tail Gunner is similar to a herding dog on a ranch, and as such is the most intensive role in the group. In the selection of a Tail Gunner the Ride Captain should require the following:

1. A solid familiarity of the hand signals used in group riding.
2. A good working attitude to protect the group through good traffic control techniques.
3. A willingness to point out safety issues of any member, including the Ride Captain.
4. Good riding ability and with years of experience prefered.

The Tail Gunner serves as the eyes of the Ride Captain. He watches the formation, and informs the Ride Captain of any potential problems within the group. He watches other vehicles, and informs the Ride Captain and anyone else by way of radios or hand signals, of hazardous conditions approaching from the rear, such as vehicles trying to cut into the formation or trucks passing. At the Ride Captains request, he will change lanes before the formation to insure a vacant lane before the formation moves into it.

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