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Group Rides – Leaders Briefing

Pre Ride

• Ensure you have the route planned out
• Ensure you are fully up to speed with the "Marker System" (see Riding in Groups on website) prior to setting out.
• Either before the day or on the day agree with one member who will be Tail-End Charlie(TEC) and brief them fully on their role.
• Make sure you and the TEC have the Knights Templar marked High Viz vests
• Exchange mobile phone numbers so that in the event of your separation or an accident you can contact each other.

Briefing

• At the designated start time call the assembly everybody together
• Identify yourself as Ride Leader and who will be TEC
  • Ride Leader and TEC will be wearing Knights Templar High Viz Vests
• Ensure that all group ride out participants fill out the Ride Register. (See Ride Register on web site)
• Brief them on the route in general terms, handing out a hardcopy brief if available
  • Discuss route timings and stopping points either by time and/or distance.
    • Check what the max tank range is to ensure you don't go too far
    • Make sure people have filled up with ENOUGH FUEL to the next stop
    • Confirm anticipated petrol/comfort stop points on the route
  • Identify any unusual hazards or difficult areas
• Ensure people are familiar with Drop Off System – see Riding in Groups
  • Drop-off markers are to rejoin the run BEFORE the tail-rider if at all possible.
  • Marking right turns. The drop may be before the junction or on the junction itself. In certain circumstances it may be appropriate to do both! If before the turn, the marker should point up and to the right to avoid confusing other road users. Stay visible to the group i.e. position yourself where you can be seen by the approaching group (e.g. from the other side of roundabouts) but always stop in a safe place.
  • Always maintain a safe distance between you and the rider in front.
  • To reduce the length of road space taken up at junctions, crossroads and traffic lights, try to pair up (closing echelon formation) wherever it is safe to do so, but do not obscure the view of another rider.
  • Please note that the system allows for people to overtake (safely) or be overtaken. However, point out to the group that overtaking of other riders in straight line or echelon formation requires further consideration i.e. is the rider you’re following
    about to pullout or overtake the vehicle in front of them?
  • Be aware of the varying levels of experience and skills within the group - tell them to always ride in a manner they feel comfortable with and to stay within their own riding capabilities.
  • Make sure you include what happens in the event of a breakdown or an emergency
    (e.g. accident) or simply a call of nature occurs (i.e. stay with or relatively close to
    your bike until the TEC arrives)
  • Be clear on what the group members should do as regards leaving the group rideout i.e. the TEC must be told. You may be informed at the start point by anyone who plans to leave the ride early and when/where.
  • Adhere to all posted speed limits and respect the national speed limit.
• Finally check for any questions and ensure your tail-rider is briefed and ready to leave prior
  to setting off and remember to GIVE A VERBAL DISCLAIMER!!!!

“YOU ARE DEEMED RESPONSIBLE AND IN CHARGE OF YOUR MOTORCYCLE AT ALL TIMES YOUR RIDING, YOUR SAFTEY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY”

Notes

• If you think you are likely to have real difficulty in standing in front of a group of people and doing this stuff, try and find someone who will be able to do it for you. The real job is leading the ride, not public speaking.
• Final words of advice; if you think you're lost, stop at the next safe place to check your position, you'll pass it off as "waiting for stragglers". We've all done it…

YOU ARE DEEMED RESPONSIBLE AND IN CHARGE OF YOUR MOTORCYCLE AT ALL TIMES.

Knights Templar Motorcycle Touring Club, or any of their representatives, cannot accept any responsibility for violation of those requirements and cannot be responsible for any traffic or road conditions on each day of travel or the manner in which you decide to ride the roads.

ENJOY YOUR TOUR…..RIDE SAFE…..KEEP GOOD COMPANY