Hi All
Thanks everyone for attending the rally and making it a great day. We were lucky with the weather, traffic and a lower than normal turnout of cyclists. Trust me, it is usually a lot worse
I thought it went well apart from a couple of instances where a marker may have got bored and moved too soon.
For anyone unsure, this is a quick description I have lifted off tinternet.
“Second man drop-off” is important and everyone in the group has a role and responsibility to play. This is especially true when they have been dropped off and they do not leave the spot they have been told to wait until everyone in the group has passed them.
1. Lead and tail rider
In this system of “second man drop-off” there is a lead rider and a tail rider whose positions never change in the column. The lead and tail biker will be designated and will always stay in position. All riders should take a good look at their bikes and clothing so that they can be identified during the ride. You do not want group riders to inadvertently follow a biker from another group (which has happened before).
2. The Second man drops
As the group arrives at a point of deviation on the route (e.g. a motorway exit, a turn or a roundabout) the second bike in the column “drops off” (“second man drop-off”) at the roadside in a position that is safe from other road users and visible to the following bikes. The second man dropped-off is acting as a visible signpost for the following riders. The lead biker will point out the spot where the “second man drop-off” will be placed.
3. They must wait
The “second man drop-off” motorcyclist stays in this position until the last biker has passed them. On seeing the tail biker go past or to be allowed to ride off in front of them they resume position in the line immediately in front of the tail marker.
4. Stay patient
It is absolutely imperative that the “second man drop-off” biker remains patient and stays in place until the tail rider appears. This system has been used on many occasions and it works if everybody follows the rules.
5. Not always necessary to drop
There should be no need to have a second rider stop when the exit is clear and travelling: – straight on at traffic lights, roundabouts, or crossroads if no “drop off” is evident. But the group can make their own decisions if they want to mark every junction.
6. Everyone must ride safely
Riders in the group must not ride above their own ability or limits just to try and keep up. There will be a bike waiting at the next turn off point. Do not rush and cause yourself or others any problems.
Do not get pushed along by a faster bike behind you. Move over and let them through if you are unhappy with their position if it is too close to you and you feel pressured. Slower riders, beware you may be holding up a faster rider and move over to let them pass.
Ride at a pace that is within your ability and you are comfortable with.
It’s not a race and you won’t get left behind. Just because you can’t see the bike in front doesn’t mean you’re going to get left behind. Take it steady, someone will be waiting somewhere. Trust in the “second man drop-off system”.
One thing I failed to mention before the ride out (apologies all round) was that, should you feel you do not want to get involved with all this drop off malarkey, simply hang back in the group so you do not become the second bike at any point. Simples
Hope this helps.
