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GOC Events
code of conduct

Last Updated: March 20, 2025

The Gastonia Chapter of the Guardians of the Children ("GOC") has a reputation for running one of the safest motorcycle rides in the area. To keep our tradition of safe rides for a great cause alive, we require every participant at any of our events to read, understand, and abide by the following GOC Events Code of Conduct (also referred to as "the Code").

1. The Culture

  • The GOC is fortunate to exist due to the goodwill of the local community. We attract many motorcycle enthusiasts and child abuse prevention activists alike. We continue to maintain our stellar reputation due to the high standards we enforce. Participants understand that they may be asked to leave an Event if they violate the GOC Events Code of Conduct.

  • While we enjoy the "biker culture" in varying degrees, we are not a Motorcycle Club ("MC"). We are a law-abiding nonprofit organization of motorcycle enthusiasts riding for child abuse awareness and prevention.

  • The motorcycle community demands respect. The make, model, and style of one's bike are often deeply personal choices, and it is important that every participant respect those choices.

  • Participants must request permission from the owner before touching another rider's bike. To do otherwise can be considered extremely disrespectful. If the owner is not immediately around, wait from a distance for an opportunity when they show up to ask permission. Understand that permission may not always be granted.

  • Motorcycles often demonstrate a rider's pride in their ride, and everyone enjoys a good show. Not only should you keep your bike well-maintained enough to safely participate in GOC's motorcycle events, but keeping it looking at its finest will only enhance the ride's experience and reputation.

  • Riding motorcycles can be dangerous, obviously. Sometimes riders may experience mechanical issues, accidents, or other road-related issues. If you see a fellow rider stopped on the side, it is considered good etiquette to pull over safely and check if they're okay. If it is an emergency, call 911. 

2. The Law

  • We require all participants to observe any and all traffic laws and regulations. This is for the safety of yourself, others, and the positive reputation of the motorcycle community as a whole. 

  • Participants must familiarize themselves with local state and traffic laws, including but not limited to: helmet use, lane filtering, noise restrictions, speed limits, caution in pedestrian-sensitive areas such as school zones, crosswalks, and residential areas. Participants must respect traffic signals, stop signs, and other traffic road markings.

  • Participants must familiarize themselves with motorcycle road signals for safety and smoother traffic flow. Motorcycle/automobile turn signals may not always be visible to others, especially in heavy traffic or low-light conditions, so confidently and clearly executed hand signals are essential. The GOC is happy to review these signals at every one of our riding events, but if you are unsure, please contact our Road Captain for additional guidance.​

  • Participants will keep a clear head and prioritize safe riding. This means no riding while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or uncontrolled emotional distress. 

  • Participants must be properly licensed and insured before attending any GOC Event, specifically if they are riding or driving a motorized vehicle.

3. Stopping & Parking

  • When at traffic lights, do not pull up too closely to another rider. Instead, stop behind the other bike, with your motorcycle's front wheel at least a few inches away from their rear wheel. If stopping alongside the other bike as in a double column ride, make sure to leave enough room between yourself and the other rider. Doing this shows respect for the other rider's space, allows for better communication and "wiggle room" in the event emergency safety maneuvers are required.

  • When parking, leave enough space between your motorcycle and others. This space allows other riders to mount and dismount safely and comfortably without causing incident to adjacent motorcycles and riders.

4. There are old riders and bold riders. There are no old, bold riders

  • Some gear is required by law, such as helmets. Others are highly recommended, such as motorcycle leathers, gloves, boots, and other gear that may save riders from the elements and accidents on the road.

  • Participants will ride responsibly and avoid aggressive or reckless actions including but not limited to: weaving in and out of traffic, excessive speeding, showing off or stunt performances on public roads. Please save this for the professionals in controlled environments.

  • While it is true loud pipes save lives, participants are to avoid revving their engines excessively. Excessive noise levels can become overwhelming, disruptive, and dangerous especially when riding in a group.

5. Bike & car Shows

  • This Code also applies to Bike & Car shows hosted by the GOC. All courtesy, restrictions, and policies that apply to motorcycles also apply to any vehicles at a Bike & Car show; and all courtesy, restrictions, and policies that apply to motorcycle riders also apply to any drivers of any vehicles at a Bike & Car show. Please use the same common sense at a Bike & Car show as at any GOC motorcycle ride.

6. GOC Guidance

  • At each GOC motorcycle ride Event, the chapter Road Captain will provide general guidance on motorcycle road hand signals and a pre-ride briefing to summarize the official route for that Event. If you feel you need additional clarification, please get in touch with the chapter Road Captain either in person at the Event or via email here.

7. Changes to the Code

We reserve the right, at Our sole discretion, to modify or replace the GOC Events Code of Conduct at any time.

8. Contact Us

If you have any questions about the Code, You can contact us:

​

  • By visiting the contact page on our website: click here

  • By sending us "snail mail" addressed to: "Attn: GOC Code of Conduct", P.O. Box 1206, Dallas, NC 28034 USA

Please also review the following before using this Website or any of our Services:

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