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Re: Riding In A Group by Mr Angry

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 2:04 pm
by creamcrackered
appreciate the video, if you going to apply the system be prudent to make sure al are aware.

chances are, had i been in the ride out, although an experienced rider (but a tour newb), realising one of my group had stopped i would not have expected it, especially if i were 3rd. i would likely then think he had an issue so if safe, attempt to stop then assist. the next bike might be a 'stray' even a learner seeing 2 bikes pul up be distracted and an accident is caused

so i wonder if it would make more sense to have say a flashing rear cycle light on the tail box or back of helmet to signal? easy enought to wire a switch.

regs
CC

Re: Riding In A Group by Mr Angry

Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 5:00 pm
by Ferrit
Riding in France last year we ran the drop off system very well. Back marker wore high vis to make him easier to see.

We had a signal for riders with problems, they would pull over and raise an arm. All but back marker would find a safe place to stop past the bike and only the back marker would stop behind, with hazards on at a safe distance. TGhen the rider can be safely assited.

This worked very well when a rider lost his bike on the bend. As back marker I was able to stop far enough back to warn oncomming traffic whilst other riders managed to park safely and then render assistance is safety.

Re: Riding In A Group by Mr Angry

Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 5:03 pm
by loonymoon
Ferrit - how are you! Haven't see you in ages, thought you'd dropped off the planet!

Re: Riding In A Group by Mr Angry

Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 6:01 pm
by Ferrit
My knee totally died over christmas and since then I have just been waiting a knee replacement. Had it 2 weeks ago and aparft from being very sore, trying to get fit enough to ride again so I can get back to riding in France with my workmates.

Re: Riding In A Group by Mr Angry

Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 6:04 pm
by loonymoon
Hope it all goes well I was wondering whether it was knee problems. Can you ride at all yet?... (sorry all OFF TOPIC).

Re: Riding In A Group by Mr Angry

Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2010 1:38 am
by Ginger Phil
Ferrit wrote:My knee totally died over christmas
That doesn't stop you from typing does it? ;) I've missed you! :mrgreen:

Re: Riding In A Group by Mr Angry

Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2010 1:41 am
by johnp
Good to hear from you Alan and lets hope we can meet up once you are up and about again.

Re: Riding In A Group by Mr Angry

Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2010 5:41 am
by creamcrackered
just to encourage you matey, as i'm sure you have some doubts.

my wife has had both her knees replaced over the last 3 years, both op's worked absolutely great and has transformed her life. just for the record the op's were done in the recently much maligned Basildon Hospital - they were just brilliant in every way!

only issue of note is you can't kneel on them, so getting up if you fall over or lay on the floor can be an a bit tricky especially on a 'double' knee job.

a good tip for the early rehab home exercises we found, was to use a metal tray as a 'slide skid' under your foot, then move your leg forward and back while seated by sliding instead of lifting.

if you up for a bit of simple woodwork, i knicked one of my grand kids old small skateboards, made a short track from some ply and batten with movable end stops, so she could extend the knee angle range as she recovered without over extending. stealing the idea from rowing machines, by sloping the track a few degrees it as required, she could adjust how much effort was needed t move the skateboard.

i hope it lt all goes well as i'm sure it will if you listen tothe doctors and nurses and do the exercises - rally important , once over the initial soreness you will be much better for it.

Regs
Alan
(CC)

Re: Riding In A Group by Mr Angry

Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 5:16 am
by stevew
Back to the original topic.
Found this which i thought explained it well;-

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

THE DROP OFF SYSTEM

Understanding the system is important, as every rider needs to do their part.

Used properly it is a proven way of riding in a large group and preventing riders from getting lost.

One rider, the run leader, will stay at the front and is responsible for navigating the route. Another rider, tail end Charlie (TEC) will stay at the back in last position.

MAKE SURE YOU KNOW/CAN IDENTIFY THE TAIL END CHARLIE AND LEADER BEFORE THE RIDE COMMENCES! Note their bikes and clothing.

These are the only two riders who maintain their position in the group.

AT ANY JUNCTION WHERE THE ROUTE DOES NOT OBVIOUSLY GO STRAIGHT AHEAD, The leader will usually point where he requires a junction to be marked.

The rider immediately behind the leader MUST MUST MUST stop and mark the junction and indicate clearly the route to follow by pointing with an outstretched arm.


It is the riders responsibility to stop and mark the junction in a visible position WHICH THEY ARE CERTAIN IS A SAFE PLACE FOR THEMSELVES AND OTHER ROAD USERS!

Markers should be clearly visible to approaching riders.

THEY MUST MAINTAIN THAT POSITION UNTIL THE TEC ARRIVES, EVEN IF IT TAKES 30 MINUTES! Do NOT desert your post!

All other riders pass the marker except the TEC. The TEC will wave the marker back into the ride in front of him if safe to do so.

IF YOU ARE UNHAPPY STOPPING AND MARKING JUNCTIONS, DO NOT TAKE THE POSITION IMMEDIATELY BEHIND THE LEADER!
Slow up and wave someone past you who is happy to become next marker.

HOWEVER, IF YOU ARE INDICATED TO MARK A TURNING OR JUNCTION, YOU MUST DO SO!

If at any time you need to pull out of the rideout, pull over in a safe position and indicate to the (TEC) as they approach, tell him/her you are leaving the group, they will then inform the run leader at the soonest oppotunity.

Summary:

KNOW YOUR TAIL END CHARLIE. KNOW YOUR RIDE LEADER!

IF LEADER INDICATES YOU TO MARK A JUCTION, DO SO! SAFELY, AND VISIBLY!

DO NOT LEAVE YOUR POSITION UNTIL THE TAIL END CHARLIE REACHES YOU!

RE-JOIN THE RIDE IN FRONT OF THE TAIL END CHARLIE.

Other:

NEVER undertake!
Respect the rider in fronts lane space, pass wide and NOT IN THEIR LANE.
You are a representative of all the riders in your company. Respect them. DO NOT RIDE LIKE A KNOB!
Keep a respectful profile in public, save revving, burnouts, wheelies, etc for the remote stops we make where the public will not be intimidated or irritated!
People love to see us out and about en-masse. Let's keep it that way!

Re: Riding In A Group by Mr Angry

Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 7:10 am
by terryvanman
If possible and safe,, wave to the bystanders who stop to watch you go past...especially the kids...they love it