A Travel Train Light Captain, isn’t just about guiding motorcycles down the highway — it’s about leading a powerful movement of healing, connection, and purpose. This role requires a leader who is calm, confident, adaptable, and deeply compassionate. Travel Train Light Captains must manage riders of varying skill levels, navigate logistical challenges, and foster a sense of safety and unity from the first mile to the last. You can also build a team in your area to help you.

As a Travel Train Light Captain, you guide your state of riders out of the darkness and into the light. You are the torchbearer, ride planner, safety advocate, and inspiration for every rider who joins the Ride Out of the Darkness™ through your state. Your leadership ensures that no one rides alone and that every participant has a smooth, safe, and meaningful experience. You are the connection point for your community, creating a safe space on wheels for those healing and honoring the ones we've lost.

YOUR CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Promote registration for your state on LoveSurroundsYou.org

• NEVER collect funds personally (all payments go through the website)

• Organize your state's ride route, stops, and overnight stays

• Provide communication, safety coordination, and encouragement to all riders

• Collaborating with Light Captains in neighboring states – Monthly Meetings starting in July

• Host Lives on social media for people to ask questions and participate

• Represent the Ride Out of the Darkness™ mission with integrity, heart, and hope

• Ensure that all riders have completed the official waiver before participating

• Attend monthly Zoom calls (3rd Wednesday of each month) to report progress, share updates, and receive support – 1st one will start July 16th at 7pm EST

TRAVEL TRAIN LIGHT CAPTAIN GUIDE & CHECKLIST

Use this guide as your go-to playbook and journal. Bring a printed or digital copy. Use it to stay organized, lead with confidence, and remember the impact you’ve made.

🚨 IMPORTANT: Every rider is required to sign a Ride Out of the Darkness™ Liability Waiver before participating. This waiver ensures that Love Surrounds You™, the event itself, and all associated individuals (including Light Captains) are released from any liability for injuries, accidents, or incidents that may occur during the ride. They do this online when purchasing their ride ticket for the main event, as the Travel Train is free to come to the event. No exceptions. Riders who do not submit a signed waiver will not be permitted to join the group ride. Only officially registered and paid riders for Ride Out of the Darkness™ may participate in a travel train. Free participation in a travel train is a benefit for those who’ve committed to the event and cause.

💻 MONTHLY ZOOM MEETINGS: All Travel Train Light Captains are required to attend monthly Zoom meetings to share progress, collaborate, and receive important updates. These meetings will take place on the 3rd Wednesday of each month starting in July. Please come prepared with updates and questions.

✅ SECTION 1: PRE-RIDE CHECKLIST

🔗 Recruitment + Registration

• Promote your state’s participation across social media platforms using approved graphics, hashtags, and the registration link directly from Love Surrounds You™.

• Regularly share www.lovesurroundsyou.org/events and encourage your riders to sign up.

• Do not ever accept payments personally — all transactions go through the official site.

• Answer basic questions riders may have about dates, times, lodging, and prep.

• Keep an updated list of your state’s confirmed riders (you will receive updates from Amanda or HQ).

🛣️ Route Planning

• Design a scenic, meaningful, and safe route through your state.

• Varying skill levels among riders

• Choose a clear starting point and ending destination.

• Coordinate transition points with neighboring state Light Captains. (Discussed at monthly meeting.)

• Include impactful stops (veterans' memorials, scenic overlooks, healing spaces).

• Each Road Captain will plan a route from their home state to Lakeland, Florida, with arrival scheduled for Friday, October 3. Lakeland Harley will host a welcome event.

• Use digital mapping tools and local insight to pre-ride or verify your route.

🏍️ Logistics

• Schedule gas or fuel stops every 100–150 miles. Fuel stops should be scheduled based on the bike with the shortest range. Breaks should occur every 90–120 minutes to allow riders to stretch, hydrate, and reset.

• Arrange group-friendly hotel blocks or budget-friendly motels.

• Select hotels that:

• Offer group discounts

• Include breakfast

• Have secure and sufficient parking for motorcycles

• Lunch stops may be arranged by contacting Harley-Davidson dealerships along the route to see if they’re open to hosting the group in exchange for rider business.

• Dinner can be organized as a group meal or left open for riders to choose their own options.

• Select meetup locations with easy parking and access.

• Include estimated times of arrival for each stop.

• Identify emergency pull-off or bike repair locations.

• Send Love Surrounds You™ the final route plan so it can be posted and shared on the website for others to join.

🔒 Safety

• Ensure every rider has:

• Valid motorcycle license

• Proof of insurance

• Road-ready motorcycle

• Share a rider safety checklist (gear, hydration, mental readiness).

• Assign a sweep rider to ride last and assist in emergencies.

• Provide emergency contact info and nearby hospital locations.

• Monitor weather and have a detour or cancellation plan if needed.

📢 Communication

• Create a rider group chat (FB Messenger, WhatsApp, or GroupMe).

• Post reminders: 2 weeks, 1 week, and 24 hours before the ride.

• Share final itinerary, hotel details, route map, and expectations with riders and Love Surrounds You™

• Collaborate with Light Captains in other states.

📖 SECTION 2: DURING THE RIDE

👋 Rider Experience

• Greet all riders warmly and help new or solo riders feel welcomed

• Distribute any materials

• Encourage personal stories, unity, and mental health/suicide awareness

• Share resource cards and emergency info

• Lead a morning huddle, moment of silence, or intention circle

🎥 Promotion & Documentation

• Take photos and videos at every stop

• Share social media stories using official hashtags

• #LoveSurroundsYou

• #LoveSurroundsYouMovement

• #RideOutoftheDarkness

• #RideOutoftheDarkness2025

• Collect rider testimonials or video shoutouts to share with Love Surrounds You™

• Invite riders to sign the memorial banner at the rally on October 4th

• Upload all media to the shared folder from Love Surrounds You™

📝 Ride Flow

• Stick to schedule as much as possible

• Monitor rider wellness and provide hydration or breaks as needed

• Log:

• Start/end times of each leg

• Number of riders at each checkpoint

• Any weather issues or incidents

📋 SECTION 3: POST-RIDE WRAP-UP

• Post a thank-you message on your social media accounts

• Submit rider feedback and any important notes to Amanda or HQ

• Upload final photos and videos to the designated shared folder

• Share your personal reflections: challenges, miracles, stories

• Recognize top supporters, volunteers, or sponsors publicly

🌟 OPTIONAL EXTRAS

• Host a local ceremony, group meal, or blessing

• Collaborate with a Harley dealership for a rest stop or lunch

• Include wellness options like yoga or breathwork at key stops

• Set up vendor booths or local awareness tables

• Offer exclusive ride patches, keychains, or rewards

🔹 SUPPORT + CONTACT

For route review, graphics, media submissions, or help:

Amanda Burns / Mari (My Turn Moto), Mickey Knuckles
Email: info@lovesurroundsyou.org
Website: www.lovesurroundsyou.org

You are not just leading a ride. You are leading a movement. Thank you for being a Light Captain and carrying this mission forward.

Amanda Burns

Founder of Love Surrounds You