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North Wales Rideabout/walk

After Stewie's thread in IB, please only post here if you want to join.

I'll keep a list in this post of who/what/when, the route for rides can be desided even on the day, depends on numbers really.

Well, folks, here you have it. (And Stewie, beat ya :p )

Due to poplar demand (and no-one arguing about it):

Date(s): Saturday 26th May & Sunday 27th May. Monday is bank holiday, so up to individuals if they hang around or make their way home.
People at least interested: Me, Stewie, Lissa, K(?), Gmonsta, VB, Luckypants (in order of first post in this thread).

I can't see it being a problem for folks to kip at the same place with those numbers. I'll be sleeping at home, I suspect Mike (Luckypants) will too. I'll enquire about discount rates for group bookings in the next few days & update this post with anything I get.

I'm hoping to have a rough idea of routes (with help from Mike probably, but he doesn't know about it yet), and basically to do the weekend adhoc style. Decide the kind of riding we'd all like to do within the 5mins prior to setting off. If anyone's unsure of the route etc, me & Mike to lead (at least lead those that are unsure)? EDIT: See the conversation below between me & Mike, please please please DON'T follow Mike! If at any point he says turn left, assume you turn right :lol:

EVERYTHING IS NEGOTIABLE. I don't want anyone to feel like I'm organising anything & people don't get a choice. I couldn't care less where we ride, I can ride these roads any day of the week. Someone has to sort of take responsibility, or the ride won't happen, why not a local with local knowledge? Mike, feel free... :p

Shamelessly stolen from the France trip thread, we'll be using the marker system as follows:
The Marker System

This requires a leader, a tailender, and the riders(you!).

The leader - is familiar with the route, and follows it. He should carry a mobile in case of problems on route. He should point out to the first person behind him where to sit to be best positioned to mark each junction.

The tailender - is idealy familiar with the route also, but doesnt have to be. They will stay at the back for the entire ride and will be pointed out at the beginning of the ride. (They may wear a fluro vest to make them obvious). The tailender is exactly that, everyone else stays in front of them, so they should move the junction marker on once they arrive, this also ensures there is no confusion as to who is the rear bike.
They should carry a mobile with the leaders number in case of problems on route.
If anyone drops out of the group the tailender should stop with them and find out what is going on.
If there is a problem they should get in touch with the leader, or if they are just stopping for a pee wait with them so the marker stays in place at the next junction.

The riders - at any point the route deviates from the strip of tarmac in front, the first of the riders behind the leader will stop to mark the way at the junction in a place prominent to the rest of the following group.

THEY MUST NOT MOVE UNTIL THE TAILENDER ARRIVES.

If it seems like you have waited ages, wait some more. If they still havent arrived, phone the leader as he may have heard from them. Once the tailender has arrived, the junction marker can then work their way carefully back towards the front. Overtaking is ecouraged http://www.lsumcc.co.uk/forum/images/smilies/wink.gif , but please be courteous! (I'll also add ONLY overtake on the right whilst in the group!!! - Baph)

If anyone sees someone making dangerous overtakes (repeateadly - we all make mistakes sometimes) point it out to the leader, who will have a quiet word. If they carry on they will be asked to leave.

Meanwhile the group all move forward one, so number two, becomes number one behind the leader so marks the next junction.

If riders are going to drop off the back of the group (behind the tail ender), they must inform the tailender what's going on.

Next to your own personal safety, and arguably more important, should come consideration towards others in the group.

So Please follow these few simple points:

Do not ride above your ability/limits to try and keep up. There will be a bike waiting for you at the next junction. There will be regular stops for a breather/fag break during which you can catch up safely. (Just because we have pulled over for a couple of minutes it doesnt mean we are having a fag break tho! -if the leaders lid is still on, he aint planning on stopping)
Do not get pushed along by a faster bike behind you. Move over and let them through. Only play hard with people you know and trust. Slower riders, beware you may be holding up a faster rider and move over, let them past.
If you are the faster bike, dont make stupid manouvres to get past (especially passing them on the left! ). Wait till they let you through, or find a safe place to get past.

Faster riders, please give plenty of room when passing and only go for a safe clean pass.

It doesnt matter whether you ride like a foggy or a fanny, just go at your own pace.

Its not a race and you wont get left behind. Just cos you cant see the bike in front doesnt mean youve got to ride like a loon to catch it up again. Take it steady, someone will be waiting somewhere.