Policies
Clear expectations, so every ride goes smoothly.
These policies apply to all guided rides, private tours, custom tours, and special events run by Ride the Line, LLC — for the safety and enjoyment of every guest.
Booking & Payment
How to book
Reservations may be made through our website, by phone, by email, or through approved travel partners.
A reservation is confirmed only after: completed registration, signed required waivers, and the required deposit is received.
Ride the Line reserves the right to decline any reservation if participation would create an unreasonable safety risk.
Book A RideDeposits
When you book online you can pay in full, or reserve your spot with a 50% deposit (plus booking fees). This applies to the 1-Day, 2-Day, and 3-Day tours.
If you reserve with a deposit, the remaining balance is due before your tour. Reservations not paid in full by the due date may be cancelled.
Cancellation
If you need to cancel
- More than 14 days before your tour: you may cancel for a refund, minus a $50 administrative fee withheld from your initial deposit.
- 14 days or fewer before your tour: cancellations are not accepted and are not refunded.
Optional trip protection (+15%) can be added at checkout. It lets you cancel or reschedule for any reason up to 30 minutes before departure, and you're reimbursed the full ticket amount less the cost of trip protection and processing fees.
Guests may transfer their reservation to another rider if approved by Ride the Line.
If we need to cancel
Ride the Line reserves the right to cancel any tour due to dangerous weather, wildfires, road closures, government restrictions, insufficient participation, mechanical issues affecting our Lead Riders’ motorcycles, or other safety concerns.
If we cancel a tour before it begins, you may choose a full refund or a transfer to another available tour.
Weather
What happens in bad weather
The Black Hills are known for rapidly changing weather. Tours generally continue in light rain, moderate temperatures, wind, and cloudy conditions.
Tours may be modified or delayed because of hail, ice, snow, dense fog, flooding, high winds, dangerous thunderstorms, or wildfire activity.
Lead Rider decisions regarding weather are final.
Rider & Motorcycle Requirements
What every rider needs
Each rider must hold a valid motorcycle endorsement, carry proof of insurance, and carry current registration if riding their own motorcycle.
Required gear: a DOT-approved helmet (if required by law or tour policy), eye protection, sturdy footwear, long pants, and appropriate riding gear.
Strongly recommended: a full-face helmet, a riding jacket with armor, riding gloves, and protective riding boots.
Motorcycle requirements
Motorcycles must be street legal, properly insured, and in safe operating condition, with good tires, functional brakes, working headlights, brake lights, turn signals, mirrors, and adequate fuel range.
Ride the Line reserves the right to deny participation if a motorcycle is determined to be unsafe.
Conduct & Safety
Alcohol & drug policy
Safety is our highest priority. The use of alcohol, marijuana, illegal drugs, or any impairing substance before or during a tour is strictly prohibited.
Prescription medications that impair safe motorcycle operation must be disclosed before the tour. Any rider appearing impaired may be removed from the tour without refund.
Riding conduct
Guests agree to obey all traffic laws, ride within their own abilities, maintain safe following distances, follow Lead Rider instructions, respect private property, show courtesy toward other motorists, avoid aggressive riding, and never intentionally cross the centerline.
Unsafe riding may result in immediate removal from the tour.
Ride formation
We generally use staggered formation on open highways, and single-file formation on tight mountain roads (including Iron Mountain Road and Needles Highway), construction zones, gravel sections, heavy traffic, or reduced visibility.
Lead Riders determine formation based on road and weather conditions.
Wildlife
Wildlife is common throughout the Black Hills — expect to encounter bison, deer, elk, wild turkey, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and coyotes.
Stopping near wildlife is prohibited unless directed by the Lead Rider. Guests must remain a safe distance from all animals and comply with park regulations.
If Something Goes Wrong
Mechanical breakdowns
If a mechanical issue occurs, your Lead Rider will move you to a safe location, assess the situation, contact roadside assistance if necessary, coordinate towing when appropriate, and adjust the tour if possible.
Ride the Line is not responsible for repair costs.
Accidents
If an accident occurs, your Lead Rider will secure the scene, call 911 if necessary, administer first aid within their training, notify emergency contacts if appropriate, and document the incident.
No Lead Rider may admit fault or make legal statements regarding responsibility.
Guest Experience & Privacy
Photography
Lead Riders may photograph tours for promotional purposes. If you'd prefer not to appear in photos or videos, please indicate this on the Media Release form before the tour begins.
Privacy
Ride the Line respects your privacy. Your information will never be sold or shared, except to complete reservations, to process payments, when required by law, or during medical emergencies.
Our satisfaction commitment
If you experience a concern during the tour, please notify your Lead Rider immediately so we can make reasonable efforts to address it.
While no tour can guarantee perfect weather, road conditions, or wildlife sightings, we're committed to providing a professional, well-organized, and enjoyable experience.
Lead Rider authority
For everyone's safety, our Lead Riders have the authority to modify routes, delay departures, cancel rides due to weather or road conditions, remove participants who create safety risks, and adjust schedules as necessary.
Lead Rider decisions made for safety are final.
This page summarizes our current operating policies (Version 1.0). Full terms are provided at booking. Questions about any policy? Reach out — we're happy to walk through anything before you book.