Riding with a group is very enjoyable. However there are pitfalls. So may we suggest a couple of pointers:

1) Not all riders or bikes were created equal - so remember, stay not only within the limits of your own capabilities but the capabilities of your bike. Some riders are more experienced than others and some bikes can go faster, brake quicker and corner better.

A Triumph TT600 will not keep up with an Yamaha R1

An inexperienced rider will not keep up with Mick Doohan

2) A ride day is not a race day - enjoy the ride with other members and save the racing for the track days. If you come off your bike, especially being stupid, remember that you could ruin the ride for other people as they may have to get you to hospital and take your bike home, both of you in pieces! - so please show some restraint!

The Corner Marking System, although simple to follow, does take a bit of effort by all riders.

At the beginning of each ride we appoint both a Lead Rider and a Rear Rider / Tail end Charlie.

The lead rider wears a green arm band on their right arm so you can see it if you attempt to overtake.

The rear rider wears a green arm band on their left arm so you can see it if your stopped.

Lead Rider: The Lead rider will set the pace of the ride. Members are requested not to pass the Lead Rider, but if you do wish to ride ahead of them. Then you will be on your own! Therefore if you are not sure of the route, stay with the group.

Rear Rider / Tail End Charlie: The Rear Rider shall always travel behind the slowest rider. As you would presume this can sometimes be a little tedious or boring over long distances. For this reason the Rear riders will be changed regularly. Consequently it is imperative that you make yourself aware of who is the rear rider. If you are experiencing any problems or having bike trouble, indicate and pull over to the left (somewhere safe) and wave another rider down, the rear rider will then stop and we will sort the problem out.

Also, if you notice that your bike is playing up along the way, please inform the rear rider of the situation so that we can keep an eye on your progress.

Remember, take some responsibility for your own situation, don't be left on the side of the road.

NOTE: At no time whatsoever will the rear rider pass another rider, therefore you are requested not to stop at inappropriate times and as a result split the group up.

(E.g. Toilet breaks/Refuels etc should be taken at designated stops only)

Corner Marshals: (Second & Third Riders). When approaching a corner, junction, or other change in direction, the Lead Rider will indicate and with his left arm, 'drop'the next two riders before and after the corner to MARK the change in direction, giving enough time for others to see the marker and follow the lead rider. To do this the rider following the Lead Rider should pull over giving enough distance prior to the turn and put their indicator on in the direction the ride is going, so the other riders know which direction to take. The third rider, should pull over just around the corner, preferably within view of the second rider and also put their indicator on to show the direction the ride is taking.

Both of these riders should then continue to indicate the change of direction until signalled by a horn to ride on by the Rear Rider. The reason behind this is simple, if someone breaks down, has an accident or gets lost, one member can go and tell the lead rider, the other can go back and find out what the problem is.  This is especially vital in areas without mobile phone coverage.

Please don't under any circumstances leave a designated corner UNMARKED until instructed to move by the rear rider.

The GOLDEN Rule !!!!

If you come to an intersection and find no Corner markers - always proceed straight ahead, the ride did not change direction.

I don't like Cornermarking: (there always someone isn't there!) Cornermarking provides for riders who are not sure of the ride route and ensures the ride goes smoothly and that riders don't get lost. If we do get lost, at least we all get lost together. A minority of faster or experienced riders may not like cornermarking as they are required to stop, however it does allow these riders to work their way up through the pack and is often quite fun so give it a go. If you still don't like it, ride towards the middle or rear of the pack - Its that simple!

Fuel Stops: Please! ensure your bike has a full tank of fuel, prior to the start of the ride

No Exceptions we dont stop for fuel until the first scheduled stop

Fuel stops are set before the ride at distances able to be travelled by the bike with the shortest fuel tank range, so no riders should have to have to refuel between designated stop.( This is important for those who own VTR1000,s without the optional 44 gallon drums on the gearack) Fuel stops are at locations that fit in with the ride itinerary and therefore allow everyone to fuel at the same time. Therefore it is requested that everyone should refuel at these designated stops, even if you still have half a tank of fuel. Riders are asked after fuelling to move up a little and allow the next rider to fuel whilst you pay, to speed fuelling times especially with big groups

Rest Stops:

Rest stops normally occur with fuel stops and start when Tail End Charlie arrives, those who arrive at the rest stop earlier get extra time to tell stories and eat chocolate bars! The reason for this is so that all riders get time out of the saddle,dont play catch up all day and most importantly 'don't get an aching rear end!'

On completion of the Stop the Ride leader shall:

With 5 Mins to go - sound the horn once to indicate to riders to get their gear and helmets on, finish food and drink etc

With 2 Mins to go - sound the horn twice to indicate to riders to mount their trusty steed

When leaving - sound the horn three times to indicate riders they are leaving


Road Position

The Lead rider positions themselves slightly right of middle on the road as much as needed to ensure visibility to others

The Rear Rider positions themselves slightly left of the middle to watch for stopped riders

Other riders should be staggered to increase visibility and always stay in the same lane as the rider ahead to avoid being in the wrong lane when the ride direction changes

Lastly, this system may seem difficult at first. However it is used all over the world for large groups and you should enjoy the benefits this group riding system provides. Most importantly if you don't feel confident corner marking, stay towards the back of the group for a while and watch the more experienced riders until you get used to it.