Formation positions...

In a Riding formation the lead rider is the Club Road Captain, (or Road Sargent if the Captain is otherwise occupied). Next to the Captain rides the highest ranking Club Officer present. Behind them ride the four Road Guards, The Road Guards are dispatched by the Road Captain to hold intersections as the column approaches and passes through. Behind the Road Guards are the remaining Club officials then the Club members. Bringing up the rear is the Tail, tail-gunner, or sweeper. This person is usually (like the road guards) in radio communication with the ride leader. The sweeper has a couple duties, he notifies the leader as to the condition of the ride. The condition means making sure everyone makes it through the intersections and the column stays a single unit. He is also there in case a bike suffers a break down or an accident, his call will bring the entire group to a stop. He also, when called from the lead will change lanes on a highway, holding the lane so those in front can move over without dealing with traffic. In our Club the sweeper rides a Goldwing Trike and he will inform you that his last job is to pick up all the Harley parts being scattered along the roadway by the riders ahead. (Goldwingers...go finger).