This information is offered in good faith and in the hope that it may be useful, but it is not guaranteed to be correct, up to date, or suitable for any particular purpose. The author accepts no liability in respect of this information or its use.

For a small gathering of riders (say less than 10) a line-of-sight method of riding might be adopted. This is where riders will attempt to ride as a group within sight of each other.

Where a group is familiar with a core of its riders, their abilties and there are say 15 riders on the run a more flexible approach may be beneficial:
The ‘lay-off’ or ‘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.

Lead Rider:- The Lead rider will set the pace of the ride. Members are requested not to pass the Lead Rider (or each other!) and if you ride ahead then you will be on your own!.

Rear Rider / Tail End Charlie: -The Rear Rider is the last rider in the group. Rear riders are changed regularly.

Riders:-
Obtain a routemap so that if somehow you do get detached from the group then you can make your own way and/or phone the Leader (whose tel-no should be on thr routemap).
Make yourself aware of who is the Lead and Rear riders are. 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 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.
If you come to an intersection and find no Corner markers - always proceed straight ahead, the ride did not change direction.
Do not overtake within the group; it has been shown that a lot of accidents are caused this way. If you do not wish to participate in the lay-off system then you can follow the Tail-end-Charlie who in turn should keep these riders within view so that they are not lost. Any riders wishing to go ahead of the group should arrange such with the PackLeader at the next stop.
With each run, all participants have certain responsibilities to ensure the enjoyment and safety of themselves and their companions. These responsibilities vary depending upon your position during the run, which will be one of the following:

RUN LEADER
Usually fixed for the duration of the run.
· Identify any first timers in the group and ensure they are familiar with the marshalling system to be used.
· Establish the probable minimum fuel range of those machines present and arrange fuel stops as necessary.
· Ensure the Back Marker has details of the route, major stopping places, etc.
· Make sure that the Number 2 rider is aware of the need to mark each junction, and give him/her time to select a suitably safe stopping place.

BACK MARKER
Usually fixed for the duration of the run.
· Know where the run is going, including any rendezvous stops etc. · Decide upon the best action necessary in the event of any participant missing a junction, or any other unplanned incident. In the case of a rider missing a junction, that junction should remain marked for a time sufficient to allow the missing rider to return.
· Ensure riders not particiapating in the lay-off system and riding behind the back marker are kept in mirror-view and not left behind.

No.2 RIDER
Everyone will find themselves in this slot at some time during the run.
· Don't get too close to the Leader, s/he may just slow down for a junction whereas you will have to stop.
· The general rule of marking all deviations from straight ahead (i.e. follow the white line) route must be maintained.
· The exit on all roundabouts must be marked, even if the route is straight ahead (this may be eliminated only if the route is straight ahead AND all exits can easily be seen on the approach, such as many small roundabouts in towns, etc.). This is to prevent anyone taking the straight ahead exit when, in fact, it is a concealed right turn exit that is being marked.
· When marking a junction, position yourself in a safe and as highly visible position as possible.
· If necessary, re-inforce the direction to be taken by use of indicators and/or hand signals.
· Ensure that the Back Marker has seen you and knows which route to take, then rejoin the run in front of the Back Marker when it is safe to do so.
· Advise the Back Marker if you believe that anyone has missed the junction.

ALL RUN PARTICIPANTS
· Ensure you can identify the Leader and Back Marker.
· Travel at your own pace. Do not worry about losing sight of the rider in front, as any deviation from the straight ahead route will be marshalled.
· Do not overtake within the group. If you wish to go ahead then arrange this with the Pack Leader at the next stop.
· If you don't wish to participate in the lay-off system then arrange to ride behind the Tail-end Charlie.
· Be observant and look out for junction marshals.
· If in doubt about the direction to be taken, consult the marshal and/or wait for the Back Marker.