The Drop Off System
The whole idea behind the system of riding called the drop off system, is to provide a series of movable markers
for all the riders in the group to follow, irrespective of any gaps which have occurred in the ride, so that riders
don't have to "keep up" with the rider in front.
It acknowledges the fact that the ride can get strung out over a long distance, due to a variety of reasons - e.g.
Road works, traffic lights, give way junctions, roundabouts etc. Also, not all riders will have access to a map, and
might be on unfamiliar roads.
It allows the riders to ride at their own pace without worrying about keeping up, getting lost, or which way to go.
How it works.
The Drop off system will be explained to all riders in a briefing at the start of the ride, where riders should
get to know their colleagues. The group will have a designated 'LEADER' and a 'SWEEPER'. The positions
of these two riders will not change throughout the run. They will be introduced to all the riders in that group
and be easily identified by a day-glow jacket or other identifier if possible.
Riders in the group may alter their own relative positions
As they see fit whilst out on the road providing they always remain between "Leader" and "Sweeper".
When the Ride Leader makes a direction change at a junction or roundabout the new direction of travel should be marked
by the rider directly behind the ride leader, (The Marker). To do this, the Marker should pull in at the side of the road, in a
safe place where he/she will be visible to the rest of the riders, so the direction can be indicated to the following riders.
It is most important that the marker stops in a position where :-
- It is safe to do so.
- They do not put themselves at any risk.
- The rest of the ride can see them clearly as they approach the direction change.
The Marker
Should maintain that position until he/she can rejoin the rear of the section in front of the approaching Sweeper.
The Sweeper will always try to give sufficient space for this to happen otherwise the Marker should allow the
Sweeper to pass, then overtake when a suitable opportunity presents it self, thus re-establishing the correct
running order.
It could happen that number two rider forgets to mark a direction change - in which case the next rider (Number three)
should take it upon himself to drop off and mark the direction change to prevent the chain from breaking.
Do Note
It is always better to mark all direction changes rather than assume that the route is so obvious it is not worth doing.
Remember
As number two rider, you might think the ride direction is apparent - but you don't know when the riders behind might
get split up, and one of them might not be familiar with the junction in question.
Please
Any riders wishing to fall out from the group or who have a breakdown should report, en route, to the Sweeper
who will note the situation and act accordingly.
If it is impossible to mark a direction change because of the danger to the Marker or other road users it
is better that the direction change goes unmarked. Sometimes the Marker can park up safely a short
distance away and return to the direction change on foot to direct followers.
Speed limits should be observed at all times.
However, in this imperfect world, the group may sometimes become very 'strung out', causing anxiety to some riders, and
the Leader may then decide to stop, in a safe place, to allow the group to re-form before continuing.
Always ride for yourself and within your own capabilities !
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