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.
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. This is
known as the "Buddy System" in some quarters.
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.
