Alcohol Policy

[stretch]

Originally Posted by FLHX - 07

Earlier this year (after POT) our chapter adopted a zero tolerance alcohol policy on all chapter rides. As always however, after kickstands down, it was party time!

In the past our chapter NEVER had any alcohol problems (21 years). No one would ever arrive intoxicated or even having been drinking as far as anyone knew. If we stopped during a ride for chow, most would have a beer, maybe two. We have a very responsible group.

Now we go to Milwaukee. Beer is available everywhere! Yeah HOG and HD is not responsible as they pass liability to the vendors. However, they still made sure those vendors were there. I know this is nothing new for HD/HOG, they preach one thing to us and do the other everywhere they go.

We have lost some members because of our policy. It's not that they needed or even wanted a drink during a ride. It's the simple fact people don't want to be told when and where they can have a drink. I agree and so do many of our officers. I think we're ready to go back the way we were.

Just wondering what some of your thoughts are.

Originally Posted by mungo

I have to wonder. If you go through an effort to instate a policy like then, then repeal it, what happens to your chapter's liability should someone get into an unfortunate situation on an organized ride? (legal standpoint) By repealing the policy a good lawyer could make a persuasive argument that drinking was actually encouraged.

I agree with you 100% with not wanting to be told what I can and cannot do but Mungo hit it perfectly. Since the policy was instituted, it obviously came from somewhere and to repeal it now would open your club to liability issues. If it was left alone and not addressed from the beginning, personal resposibility takes precedence. Basically, more rules, more problems.

[Sarge12R]

I agree with the no alcohol policy on group rides. It makes it safer for everybody. Why not vote in a new rule, a "no new chrome policy!" That will hit em where it hurts..........

[TattooZ]

AFAIAC if you want to drink that's your choice. However I won't ride with you after you made that choice. Beer affects different people differently but if someone is riding in a group and thier reaction time is increased 1/2 sec or more it could cause injury to me and others.

[NHMongo]

Originally Posted by 98RKC

We have always had a no drinking till the last stop (official end of the ride) and there have been no problems.

+1 and quite frankly I don't want to group ride with someone that has been drinking. When I'm solo I have a two drink limit but in that case I'm the only one at risk.

[FLHX - 07]

Thanks to everyone for expressing your views on this subject.

The loss of new members was due to our strong advertisement of the new policy. It was the only rule we have that was published in each Newsletter. This gave the appearance the entire club, all persons and all events were alcohol free, and that we were very adamant about it.

We are certainly going to keep and enforce our Policy, we're just not going to throw it out there at every turn. We are also going to make sure everyone understands the policy is ONLY before and during rides. As always, kickstands down.... it's party time.

[wtcardr]

Besides, That is not a local policy, but a National HOG policy. It is published in the HOG chapter Handbook. I agree, I will not ride with anyone who is drinking. 1 beer or drink has an effect on you, whether you believe it or not.

[Jeffytune]

At my HOG meetings, we hold them at the Beaverton Elk's lodge, they have a full bar, and if you want a drink, it's up to the member if he or she would like one. On a group ride, we do not allow members drink.

On a personal note, I have always had a policy for myself that I do not drink wile on the bike, I even turn down free drinks wile riding.
That 10th of a second it may take off your reaction time could someday be the difference between a near miss, or a terrible crash.
It's a personal choice on my part.

[hardluk1]

I drank enough when young and lived through it . NO DRINKING and rideing ,not a beer at lunch ,none. To many people get caught up in a drunk or dui rider and they are the ones hurt. I grew up in fl when it was legal to drive and drink and at 18 years old . Glad i never hurt anyone. Dry 26 years.

[doubleup]

Same with our group (Waipahu Hawaii Country Chapter) never a problem... and we don't serve alcohol at our Chapter functions either. That's probably the reason we don't have three times the turnout at our open functions here on Oahu.

[larryb123]

with most of what has been said. the problem seems to be that your chapter made a policy, when there was already one planted, from HOG national. by doing that you sent a message that there was a problem.
POT is great but you have watch what and how you bring stuff back

[R1Geezrglide]

FWIW, that ban should be expanded to include any medication that could/would impair one's ability to operate a vehicle....just saying. Alcohol is just the easy target.

[michae2250]

Great point about medications. I agree with the MSF video, it's "impaired riding" They include anything keeping you from being your most alert. Even lack of sleep.

[Kingrider99]

Try being in a Local Chapter in South Louisiana. Man, we got professional drinkers down here. I am a MSF/Riders Edge instructor and former Head Road Captain/ Safety Officer for a local chapter. I didn't renew after a group ride and more than half the riders would drink at least 2 beers at every stop. This was between 10 and 11 AM! Couldn't say anything because I might offend somebody livin' the "Lifestyle". I guess we could rag on this forever. Bottom line it ain't worth the consenquences if you get a DUI at the very least.

[TRAYLORTRASH]

The fact that they frown upon it is cause DRINKING AND DRIVING IS AGAINST THE LAW. Hell I don't believe anyone should drink and drive, but to drink and ride is even worse to me... I don't drink anymore, and I don't ride with guys who have had a few... It's dangerous enough on the road for us bikers, without having our own flopping around the road after a few at the bar!

[route66paul]

Originally Posted by ViennaHog

What happened to personal responsibility? When I read posts like the above my head begins to hurt. If you drink and ride, it's your fault and not anybody else's. What's so difficult to understand?

Originally Posted by michae2250

Great point about medications. I agree with the MSF video, it's "impaired riding" They include anything keeping you from being your most alert. Even lack of sleep.

Many of us geezers take daily meds and have for years, some of them pain meds. to someone who does not take them all the time, they do make a big change, but to those of us who are one them all of the time usually know exactly how long to ride before there will be problems. That rule would be very hard to enforce. many medicines have the warning about sleepiness or dizziness, and they do have an affect on everyone. but to tell someone who is on them daily(his normal state), would be wrong.

My dr says that I am ok to drive, that I know when to stop, she is not ok with motorcycles, but that is everyone, not just me.