Supervision

A.
Keep a good experienced and competent rider on point (at the Front) and a similar rider as "tail end charlie" to catch the stragglers.

B.
The run co-ordinator(leader) was obviously keeping an expert eye on his
flock and became aware that I was struggling to keep pace with the group.No
problem,he simply solved my distress by ensuring I had caught up to the
group each time a direction change occurred.No panic anymore.This immediatly
allowed me to relax and enjoy the ride.

F.
Pay special attention to the ability of riders in a group. Unskilled riders
who fall behind are likely to behave dangerously to catch up. Plan some form
of sweeper or a fixed easy to find meeting place.

Q1.
On the ride, at each turn/ intersection, the rider IMMEDIATELY behind
the ride leader marks the corner. He/ She pulls off in a position visible
to the following group, and points which direction to go. this rider then
rejoins in front of the TEC.
If a rider goes down, TEC then sends SMS/ leaves message to ride leader,
position etc, and follows with a phone call for final meeting point, or safe stop point for the group. new TEC is appointed and all the other riders continue, the old TEC attends to the incident.
End of ride there is a headcount also.

R.
A good ride leader (and tail-ender):
o Should know where all the others of the group are, roughly...
o The tail-ender hanging back behind the slowest rider, avoiding crowding.
o The leader knowing the route ahead, approximate times and distances, work out and readjust fuel stops to the bike with the shortest range. Plan and adjust food/drink/rest stops according to the make-up of the group and environmental conditions like temperature and road conditions, physical deterioration of others and self during the ride.
o Constantly check mirrors without coming off the road him/herself.
o Have a mental picture of the map of the ride to cater for eventualities like break-downs/accidents/fatigue/etc. and adjust routing accordingly.
o Good communication and letting everyone know what's ahead during the stops along the way also allows the faster part of the group to go ahead in certain sections of the ride and cuts frustration to that part of the group.
S.
"Lead Rider" and "Rear (tail) Rider"
Responsibility of the Lead Rider:
a. Leadership of the group while in transit
b. Be firm and decisive
c. Explain routes to the predetermined destination
d. Select some rest stops prior to departure. Explain the staggered formation that is used for all group rides.
e. Assess the riding skill level of the group members that you are leading, do not lead beyond their abilities.
f. The Lead Rider MUST appoint a Rear Rider if no one volunteers.
g. Maintain the integrity of the group
h. Recognize and obey all road rules. (Be mindful of speed limits).
i. Overtaking: If there is a threat to breaking up the group, consider slowing down in order to keep your group intact.
j. Remember, the Lead Rider's job is to lead, not to be "sight seeing", the leader needs to ensure the group travels in a safe manner. If you want to sight see, don't volunteer to lead! . The Ride Leader, or any member of the group should point out any hazards you may see on the road, for the bikes behind you.
Rear Rider (Tail)
a.This is probably the most misunderstood and underrated job in group rides.
b. The Lead Bike leads the group, but the Rear Bike controls the group.
c. Responsibilities:
1. · Again, as with the Lead Rider, the safety and integrity of the group is a primary responsibility of this position.
2. Assist in most, if not all lane changes. Note: Never attempt to hold back other traffic to enable the group to change lanes...it's unsafe, unwise and illegal.
3. To assist in lane changes at the discretion of the leader.
4. Watch for any hazards or problems with any of the group's motorcycles.
5. Assist any rider in the group that needs to pull over. ,
d. The bottom line is "Safety First" and we should all assume the responsibility for the safety of fellow group members.