Andrew Anderson © 2012 The Happy Biker All Rights Reserved
Full comprehensive explanation are in
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Tips for Leading a Successful Bike Run.
Run Leader & Back Marker Guidelines.
Motorcycle Marker System (abbreviated version below)
Understanding the Marker System is important as every rider in the group needs to do their part to avoid anyone getting lost. There are three important people in the ride –
•The Ride Leader who leads the way. Riders should not overtake the Ride Leader as then you will be leading the ride!
•The next rider to become a marker will be the one immediately behind the Ride
Leader.
•The Back Marker always rides at the back of the pack and never overtakes a rider.
The Leader and Back Marker are generally organised before the ride.
When appropriate, the ride leader will mark the direction by positioning the rider immediately behind him. This rider then indicates to the rest of the pack the appropriate direction the ride should take, usually with a clear arm signal and possibly the indicators on their bike. All other riders can then pass this rider except the back marker who signals to them that he/she is the last in the group. The marker than re-joins the group 2nd from the back. It is also vital that markers do not leave their post until they are sure the back marker has arrived behind them. The correct positioning of the marker is vital and the rider should endeavour to stop at or very close to the position indicated by the leader. If you realise that a corner / junction has not been marked for whatever reason, then mark it yourself as this will ensure that the ride continues together
“Ride your own ride”
Whilst on the ride you are responsible for your own riding, do not surrender any decision making when it comes to your safety and the law – ride your own ride.
Ride-out Notes
Arrive at the meeting point with a full tank of fuel. We would expect your motorcycle to have a range of at least 120 miles from a full tank. Riders must ensure that they have at least 80 miles of range after every scheduled stop/break.
The run leader for the day will brief the assembled riders on the format for the day, point out who will be back marking the ride and will explain the Marker System we use.
The normal format for a social ride is meet, greet, briefing, ride, lunch, fuel, ride, ending with a final stop for tea & cake. We will cover anything between 100 - 160 miles in a day on a selection of the finest A, B and unmarked roads in Southern England.
Leaving the ride early
If you need to leave the ride early or peel off at a certain point during a section, please let the leader and the back marker know of your plans.
Marker System - Run Leader
Marker System - Back Marker
Can the Marker System go wrong? - No
But can it go wrong? - Yes - by Rider Error, not the Marker System.