rob.uk
02-13-2005, 04:28 PM
Having just posted my first ride report (See Riders in the Storm Day 2), it reminds me to ask what systems are used in other clubs for group rides?
I ride quite often with the Triangle MCC from Ipswich, and they taught me their system called "Drop Back" which works very well.
The idea is that a group can accommodate riders of various skill levels, everyone supports and helps each other, any element of competition or dangerous riding is removed, and no-one gets lost.
The way it works is this. Say there are 10 riders. Whoever is the ride organizer for the day has worked a route out in advance. So they are the leader and take responsibility to keep to all speed limits and take the right route, while riding from departure point to destination as fast as is safe to do so. Someone else, preferably with a first aid kit (for emergencies) volunteers to be "Tail End Charlie". The other eight riders set off in the order 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 following the leader. Each rider memorizes what Tail End Charlie's motorcycle looks like.
Now at the first turnoff or roundabout, rider number 1 spots which way the leader is turning, and pulls in at the side of the road well before the turnoff or roundabout. The rider points or otherwise gesticulates in the direction that the leader took, and waits for the other riders to pass. When rider number 1 spots "Tail End Charlie", he or she pulls out in front.
So after the first junction has been traversed, the rider order will be <Lead, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 1, Tail>. At the next turnoff this repeats. So the rider order will then be <Lead, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 1, 2, Tail>
And the way the group keeps together is that if any rider can not see the next guy in your mirrors for more than half a minute or so, slow down.
Best regards,
Rob
I ride quite often with the Triangle MCC from Ipswich, and they taught me their system called "Drop Back" which works very well.
The idea is that a group can accommodate riders of various skill levels, everyone supports and helps each other, any element of competition or dangerous riding is removed, and no-one gets lost.
The way it works is this. Say there are 10 riders. Whoever is the ride organizer for the day has worked a route out in advance. So they are the leader and take responsibility to keep to all speed limits and take the right route, while riding from departure point to destination as fast as is safe to do so. Someone else, preferably with a first aid kit (for emergencies) volunteers to be "Tail End Charlie". The other eight riders set off in the order 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 following the leader. Each rider memorizes what Tail End Charlie's motorcycle looks like.
Now at the first turnoff or roundabout, rider number 1 spots which way the leader is turning, and pulls in at the side of the road well before the turnoff or roundabout. The rider points or otherwise gesticulates in the direction that the leader took, and waits for the other riders to pass. When rider number 1 spots "Tail End Charlie", he or she pulls out in front.
So after the first junction has been traversed, the rider order will be <Lead, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 1, Tail>. At the next turnoff this repeats. So the rider order will then be <Lead, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 1, 2, Tail>
And the way the group keeps together is that if any rider can not see the next guy in your mirrors for more than half a minute or so, slow down.
Best regards,
Rob