Ride Etiquette
Ride Etiquette
Each planned ride will depart at 9am unless special departure times apply. There will be a ‘Ride Leader’ and ‘Tail End Charlie’ on all rides. All riders have the option of displaying an orange “see me flag” to identify our group.
Please do not pass the Ride Leader; to be considered as riding in a group you must be between the Ride Leader and the Tail End Charlie.
If road conditions permit, it is advisable to ride in a staggered formation. The second rider will set this formation. If the formation changes you may need to change sides in the lane but do so only when it is safe. You must try to keep up in the group and have the rider in front of you in sight at all times. If you have trouble keeping up please fall back to the rear of the group. Ride safely and to your own ability and rider skill level.
When the ride reaches a junction, the rider behind the Ride Leader does the corner marking if signalled to do so; ie, the second rider stops where it is safe, close to the corner and indicates so that the following riders know which way to go. The corner marker waits for all riders to pass and rejoins in front of the Tail end Charlie, who will give a sign to rejoin.
Overtake only when it is safe to do so and never overtake on the left. After using your indicators, please make sure you switch them off as this can be very distracting for other riders and please abide by all the road rules.
If you decide to leave the ride early for any reason please inform the Ride Leader and/or the Tail End Charlie and fall back to the end of the group prior to leaving. If you peel off mid pack others may follow you. If you think someone is missing or taken a wrong turn, let the Ride Leader and/or the Tail End Charlie know as soon as possible.
Make sure your bike is road worthy, tyres are in good condition and you have a full tank of fuel and an empty bladder prior to all rides. If your bike has a small fuel tank, you may need a fuel stop. Please let the Ride Leader know if you will need a fuel stop during the ride.
Staying in the same place within the riding group is a much safer option than overtaking everyone in front of you. Usually the slower riders begin and remain toward the rear of the ride group. If a slower rider is holding part of the group up then overtake them only when it is safe to do so. It is very important to keep the rider in front of you in sight at all times.
After having lunch, everyone has the option of choosing the way they wish to return home. Some will make their own way but in most cases, the Ride Leader will head the group home at the end of the day. Some will have a hot coffee and/or a cold ale stop on the way and others will head straight home.
Every rider has their own skill level. Ride to your own ability and skills. Please take care.
Remember, if you have any questions or unsure of the procedures, just ask the Ride Leader or the Tail End Charlie.