1.      Do I have to be a member of STAR Touring and Riding to participate in the rides?

NO.   Non-members may ride with the Chapter for a total of three rides, in a five month period of time, and then must join STAR Touring International to continue riding with the Chapter.  You must possess a valid motorcycle operators permit or license, sign a waiver/release form, and show proof of insurance before you can participate in a ride.
 

2.      Do I have to be a member of STAR Touring and Riding to become a member of the Chapter?

YES. You must be a current member of the STAR Touring and Riding Association before you can become a member of the Chapter. However, you can ride with the chapter without being a member for your first three rides.
 

3.      Do I have to ride a STAR/Yamaha motorcycle?

NO. Although STAR is the official Yamaha/STAR Motorcycle sanctioned owners riding association, we welcome all motorcycle enthusiasts who seek to promote our mission.  You can ride any brand of motorcycle. If you are willing to uphold the chapter charter and meet the minimum requirements, we welcome anyone.
 

4.      Are there any Chapter dues?

NO. You only need be a current member of STAR Touring and Riding Association.  We currently hold a 50/50 drawing at each monthly meeting.
 

5.      Do I have to participate in every ride to be a member?

NO. You only need to participate as often as you can to be a member. For voting purposes, you will need to participate at least 40% of the time for voting privileges. 
 

6.      When are Chapter meetings?

We have scheduled rides on the first Saturday morning and third Sunday afternoon of each month. Any necessary business meetings are held in conjunction with these rides.  You can check the calendar for an up to date schedule, including any special events.
 

7.      Why is riding in a group safer than riding alone?

The more visibility and more riders you have on the road, the safer you are around other vehicles. The increased noise of a group of bikes also calls attention to the fact that something out of the norm is near to approaching vehicles who are not always watching out for others. Increasing visibility with flags, clothing, lights and more helps. 
 

8.      Do I have to purchase and wear a vest and patches?

NO. This is optional. However, it shows your support, pride and enthusiasm for our association and chapter. It also indicates to the public that you are helping to promote our unified mission. Wearing of STAR and Chapter patches is limited to STAR and chapter members.
 

9.      Do I have to wear leathers?

NO. Although leathers do protect you in minor accidents and from flying debris thrown up from cars and trucks.
 

10. What are the rules for a ride?

All riders must have a valid drivers licensed endorsed for motorcycle operation. All riders must sign a Ride Waiver which we will keep on file for all rides.

You bike should be maintained in a safe condition Motorcycles with malfunctioning lights, brakes and  worn tires will not be permitted to participate in Chapter rides.

All traffic laws will be strictly obeyed. No drinking or drugs while riding will be allowed.

Never ride over your personal comfort zone, no matter what. The road captain and tail gunner will make sure you do not get left behind.

Always be alert, scanning front to back and side to side for unexpected obstacles, other vehicles and other bikers.

Watch for everything just as if you were riding solo.

Ride in staggered formation unless directed otherwise by the road captain. Riding in staggered formation gives each biker time and space to react to the potential unexpected mishaps without compromising or endangering the safety of his/her fellow riders in the group.

Watch for hand signals given first by the road captain and passed back through the group. Pay attention to the bike in front of you.

Learn and use all appropriate hand signals.

Curves should be taken one bike at a time whether in stagger or single file formation to allow enough radius for each bike to turn. Each rider and each bike turns differently. Don't assume you know what the bike near you will do.
 

11. Why are there rules and bylaws?

To protect you and other members, our children riding and grandchildren's safety. To protect association members from bikers who don't practice safe responsible riding. To promote a positive image and family friendly environment to our members and to the public. To unite and unify our association nationally and worldwide toward the same mission statement. We are family! To promote STAR in a unified manner while setting an example in our respective communities and helping others less fortunate than us.
 

12. How do I join the chapter?

You need to participate in at least 3 rides before being considered for membership in this chapter. You will be partnered with one of our experienced veteran members "Shepherd" to help you learn the ropes.  After you have complete the three rides, you can request membership. The current members will then vote to accept your membership.