| The Drop off system
When on club ride outs, it is common practice to use the "Drop
Off System" of group riding. This ensures progress whilst allowing
the group to stay together even though there may be quite some
distance between the Run Leader and the Tail End Charlie.
The whole idea behind the drop off system is to provide a series
of moveable signposts for all the riders in the group to follow,
irrespective of any gaps which have occurred in the ride, so
that riders don’t have to "keep up" with
the rider in front. It acknowledges the fact that the ride can (and will) get
strung out over a long distance due to a variety of reasons – e.g. road
works, traffic lights, give way junctions, roundabouts etc. Also, not all riders
will have access to a map case on their bike and might be on unfamiliar roads.
It allows the inexperienced rider to ride at their own pace without worrying
about keeping up, getting lost, or which way to go.
How It Works
Each group will have a designated ‘Ride Leader’ and
a ‘Tail End Charlie’ (or back marker). The positions
of these two riders will not change throughout the run. They
will be introduced to all the riders in the group at the start
of the run and can be easily identified by a day-glow jacket
or other identifier if possible.
Whenever or wherever there is a change of direction at junctions and all roundabouts,
the rider (Marker) immediately behind the leader will indicate the direction
taken by the leader. He stays as a marker for all the following bikes. To do
this, the Marker should pull in at the side of the road, in a safe place where
he/she will be visible to the rest of the riders, so the direction can be indicated
to all the following riders. It is most important that the marker stops in
a position where:-
It is safe to do so.
They do not put themselves at any risk.
The rest of the ride can see them clearly as they approach the direction change.
The marker should clearly indicate the direction taken by the leader, using,
if necessary, indicators, hands and or bike.
When the Tail End Charlie approaches the marker, he/she should take up position
in front of the Tail-End-Charlie. The Tail End Charlie should leave enough
space for this to happen. If it is not safe to pull out in front of the Tail
End Charlie then the Marker should rejoin the traffic when possible and take
up position in front of the Tail End Charlie as soon as safe to do so. This
simple technique of riding allows the group of bikes to stay together, even
though they may be spread out. It could happen that number two rider (The Marker)
forgets to mark a direction change - in which case the next rider (Number three)
should take it upon themselves to drop off and mark the direction change to
prevent the chain from breaking.
Whilst riding in a group, it is important for you to always keep a lookout
for the rider behind to ensure their safety and that they are not having problems
keeping up with the group. Remember, they may be new to riding in a group and
perhaps not as confident as you are.
If possible, it is a good idea for you to stagger your positioning in the group,
this allows the rider in front to have good vision of you and traffic behind
in his mirror.
Riders unfamiliar with the drop off system should start towards the rear of
the group so that they can observe the good practice of others before it is
their turn to be a Marker.
The group may sometimes become very ‘strung out’, causing anxiety
to some riders. The Leader may then decide to stop, in a safe place, to allow
the group to re-form before continuing.
Speed limits should be observed at all times.
And finally, be sure to listen to your group leader before the start of the
ride to ensure he has not made any changes to these procedures. Obeying these
simple rules will ensure that our ride outs will be safe and pleasurable.
John Ward IAM Trainer and
Instructor
England
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