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The Ways We Ride
The following information is for new members and those who are not quite sure.
1. DROP OFF SYSTEMRiding out with a large group of bikes involves rider co-operation. It works like this:
The Lead Rider and Tail End Charlie always remain in their positions respectively. Each rider behind the leader will drop off at every change in direction (i.e. roundabouts, left and right turns etc. ) and point the way for the following riders. The rest of the ride continues on past the
' marker '. At the next change of direction the rider that has moved up behind the lead rider will drop off and point direction and so on throughout the ride. When all the bikes have ridden past you, pull on to the rear of the ride but IN FRONT of the Tail End Charlie.
POINTS TO REMEMBER
When dropping off, you must remain in your position until the Tail End Charlie comes along, this could be as long as 30 minutes or maybe even an hour as there could have been an incident some way back. If you move from your position the following riders will be lost. Please make sure you always know who the Tail End Charlie is.
2. STAGGERED RIDINGWhen riding on motorways, A roads, and larger minor roads in a group, we ride in staggered formation. The reason for this is to reduce the distance between the front and rear bikes and to maintain a safe braking distance from the rider in front of you. The Lead Rider should always be by the centre white line. Number 2 rider will be riding on the near side of the lane. Number 3 will be out towards the centre white line maintaining a safe braking distance from the Lead Rider. This formation continues throughout the ride to the back.
3. CHECK THE HEADLAMP BEHINDIt is a club rule that all riders ride with dipped headlights when out on a club ride. The reason for this is that it is much easier for the Lead Rider to count all riders behind and it is an obvious safety aspect.
4. KEEP UP WITH THE RIDER IN FRONTWhen riding in formation, try and keep up with the rider in front of you. If you are behind the Lead Rider and you fall behind too far the Lead Rider will have no-one to use to DROP OFF and they will have to keep stopping.
IMPORTANT
1. If you start the ride on the near-side you should end the ride still on the near-side. The same goes if you are on the off-side, this will of course change if we are using the drop off system.
2. To reduce the probability of an accident, Please do not change your position. If a rider in front swerves about, LET HIM / HER, just drop back and maintain your position.
3. DO NOT forget that we can be travelling at high speeds i.e. 70, 80 and even faster when overtaking.
4. When overtaking at high speeds go past the vehicle you are overtaking and leave enough room for the bikes behind you to pull in as well, and allow them to be able to move into their staggered positions.
IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS IN UNDERSTANDING THE ABOVE PLEASE ASK A RIDE LEADER.
PLEASE.
Do not drop back and then blast forward. It leaves the smaller and lower power bikes unable to catch up.