Why have a system?
We use the system of riding called the drop off system. It is designed to allow even large groups of riders to follow the planned route safely and without stress. Even if the group becomes “strung out”, for example with a rider not being able to see the one in front, or if riders don’t know the route or roads (apart from the leader!), all should be well.
Everyone can ride at their own pace without worrying about keeping up, getting lost, or wondering which way to go.
How it works
The Drop off system is explained to all riders in a briefing at the start of the ride, where riders can also get to know their colleagues. The group has a designated Leader and a Sweeper. The Leader is always in front of everyone else, and the Sweeper is always last. They are introduced to riders at the briefing and are easily identified by a day-glow jacket or other identifier.
Overtaking of other riders should not normally occur within the ride-out. If the Leader wishes to allow overtaking then this will be announced at the pre-ride briefing.
When the Leader makes a direction change at a junction or roundabout the new direction of travel is (subject to safety) marked by the rider directly behind the ride leader, the Marker. To do this, the Marker pulls 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. The Leader will indicate a suggested place for the Marker to pull over, although it is ultimately the Marker’s responsibility to ensure this position is safe.
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 maintains that position until they see the approaching Sweeper, at which time they rejoin in front of the 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.
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.
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.
The group may sometimes become so 'strung out' that the Leader decides to stop, in a safe place, to allow the group to re-form before continuing.
Does it really work?
Most of the time it works remarkably well.
Sometimes a break does occur. If all riders are familiar with the location of the next stopping point, then they can make their way there individually, and regroup for the next leg.