On larger group ride outs we will operate the drop off system. For new riders this can seem complecated and daunting. However it is quite simple to follow and once you have "been dropped off" a couple of times you will feel ok with it. Below is the system explained in detail.

Introduction to the Drop off System.

The whole idea behind the system of riding called the drop off system is to provide a series of movable signposts for all the riders in the pack 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 or Sat Nav 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.

The general principles are as follows. If there are more than 10-15 bikes then the run leader might decide to split the run into more manageable groups that can act independently.

The Drop off system will be explained to all riders in a briefing at the start of the ride, where riders should get to know their colleagues. Each group will have a designated ‘Ride Leader’ and a ‘Back Marker’. The positions of these two riders will not change throughout the run. They will be introduced to all the riders in that group and be easily identified by a day-glow jacket or other identifier if possible.

Riders in the group may alter their own relative positions as they see fit whilst out on the road providing they always remain between "The Ride Leader" and "Back Marker".When the Ride Leader makes a direction change at a junction or roundabout the new direction of travel should be marked by the rider directly behind the ride leader, (The Marker). 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 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 and the rest of the riders can see them clearly as they approach the direction change
The Marker should maintain that position until he/she can rejoin the rear of the section in front of the approaching Back Marker. The Back Marker will always try to give sufficient space for this to happen otherwise the Marker should allow the Back Marker to pass, then overtake when a suitable opportunity presents itself, thus re-establishing the correct running order. It could happen that number two rider forgets to mark a direction change - in which case the next rider (Number three) should take it upon himself to drop off and mark the direction change to prevent the chain from breaking.

Do Note - It is always better to mark all direction changes rather than assume that the route is so obvious it is not worth doing.

Remember, as number two rider, you might think the ride direction is apparent – but you don’t know when the riders behind might get split up, and one of them might not be familiar with the junction in question.

Any riders wishing to fall out from the group or who have a breakdown should report, en route, to the Back Marker who will note the situation and act accordingly.

If it is impossible to mark a direction change because of the danger to the Marker or other road users it is better that the direction change goes unmarked. Sometimes the Marker can park up safely a short distance away and return to the direction change on foot to direct followers.

The Drop Off System allows for the slower rider to go at his own pace and still remain part of the riding group. Speed limits should be observed at all times. Novices should start at the rear of the group so that they can observe the good practice of others before it is their turn to be a Marker. If riders are observant and disciplined no one should get lost.

However, in this imperfect world, the group may sometimes become very ‘strung out’, causing anxiety to some riders, and the Leader may then decide to stop, in a safe place, to allow the group to re-form before continuing.

EXTRA NOTES FOR RUN LEADER AND BACK MARKER.

The Run Leader

At the start of the run, the leader should explain the System to the group and ensure that they can recognise each other on the road, stressing the danger of a rider inadvertently joining another group, or even a totally separate set of riders going the same way. The Leader should not make a DIRECTION CHANGE unless there are at least two riders in view behind.

He/she should ensure that the ‘no.2’ rider stops at a direction change, pointing out if necessary the best place to pull in, bearing in mind visibility and road safety, having noted such places in his preparations.

If it is not possible to mark a direction change because of danger to the Marker or to other road users, it is better that the direction change goes unmarked. Sometimes the Marker can park up safely a short distance away and return to the direction change on foot to direct the following riders.

If the Leader has previous knowledge of such a problem, it should be mentioned at the pre-start briefing, and the possibility of a ‘follow-the-leader’ treatment of that direction change.

On a long run, it can happen that the group becomes very ‘strung out’, causing anxiety to some. The Leader may then decide to stop in a safe place to allow the group to re-form.A well prepared Leader will be able to issue some form of route card or map at the start, so that everyone knows the route and destination. The issue of his mobile phone number and location of the first scheduled stop may also be helpful.

Back Marker

The Back Marker should familiarise himself with the route beforehand. He/she must be especially aware of any following traffic when pausing for the Marker to rejoin in front of him and be prepared to carry on past the Marker if conditions demand, slowing for the Marker to overtake in due course.

Experience with this system has shown that the Back Marker needs to leave a large gap in front to allow the Marker to rejoin easily and safely.

He should also be on the lookout for any rider dropping out and act accordingly, either waiting with the stationary rider if the problem is temporary, or making note of the stationary riders details, and reporting this to the Run Leader if the rider is leaving the run permanently.

Hope this is helpful.

Les.

les, i got to give you full credit for explaining this system.
you have put it in such easy terms that everyone should be able to work this system without getting it wrong.
it would be nice if different people are chosen to be leaders or back markers as it can be very boring for the same two to do it every time.
its a great system that works very well and you have done us all proud for presenting it in the way you have.

hmmmm les; can you repeat that got to be one for the longest post, but well put

Hi

Lets hope we get some rideouts sorted soon to try the system out BLOODY WEATHER !!!!!!!!!

Good post mate explains it well

Regards Strongbow

I can't take credit for this explaination. I got the details from several websites and used the information in them to make this as easy as I could to understand.

Hope to get to use it soon.

Les.

This system I dont understand but no one should worry rideouts normaly go fine and someone normally doe sthe marking and its all easy, so I wouldnt worry about it, Im sure everyone will help

system is a good one les used it before ..
lets hope it is soon that you put it to the test lol .

Can we "sticky" the original post on the "Board Index" page?

Best I can do is make them stand out on index page and make Drop Off System post sticky in the section so it's always at the top of the first page.

I have now done this.

Les.

TY!

Cheers Bud!