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We must emphasise that
the Rideouts
are not training
rides, but are
an ideal opportunity
to meet and
ride out with
us. If you are
in training
they are an
excellent opportunity
to consolidate
the skills you
are learning.
We
use, in the
main, the Marshalling
system of group
riding, which
enables you
to ride as fast
or as slow as
you choose,
with no need
to be constantly
playing "catch-up"
to stay in touch
with the rest
of the group.
As
part of the
Group riding
philosophy we
favour each
rider making
use of the so-called
Buddy System,
which put simply
means that you
keep an eye
on the rider
immediately
behind you in
the group, and
you alter your
pace accordingly
to keep them
in sight if
possible.
Tied
in with this,
we have the
Marshalling
system -
or Drop-Off
system.
Basically,
at the front
is the Ride
Leader who knows
the way and
will set off
at a relaxed
pace, and will
not normally
be overtaken,
unless specifically
agreed beforehand.
At
the back is
the Tail-end
Charlie or Sweeper,
who also knows
the route and
stopping points.
When
the group gets
to a junction,
or change of
direction, the
person directly
behind the Ride
Leader drops
off and acts
as a "marker"
for the other
riders. He/she
remains until
the sweeper
appears and
then rejoins
the group. At
the next junction
the same is
repeated.
At
the start of
each organised
Rideout this
will be fully
explained and
the Ride Leader
and Sweeper
will be made
clear to all
riders within
the Group.
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