What Is The 'Drop Off' System?

This is basically a system designed to make group riding safer and more enjoyable for all by (hopefully) allowing for the group getting split up without becoming lost and to avoid the dangers of a long line of motorcycles causing dangerous frustration to other drivers. It also permits riders to travel at their own comfortable pace without causing too much frustration for those wishing to ride briskly.

Before a run starts, Run Leaders should ensure that ALL riders are familiar with the system and any specific rules or problems en-route are explained.

How It Works

Generally, there will be a Run Leader and one rider serving as Back Marker (sweeper). Both the Leader and the Back Marker should wear a conspicuous reflective vest so that they are easily identifiable as their position in the run will remain static. Both should also know the precise route planned!

On the approach to any deviation of route, the Leader will signal to the rider immediately behind him and that rider will then stop in a safe and conspicuous position to indicate the direction the run has taken (in other words he will act as a mobile signpost for the rest of the group) and will remain there until the approach of the Back Marker (easily identifiable) and then rejoin the ride immediately in front of the Back Marker. The Back Marker should always leave sufficient space for these riders to rejoin in front of him but if for safety reasons that isn't practical, then the rider should rejoin at the rear and pass the back marker when safe to do so. In this manner all riders (except the leader and rear) will constantly change positions within the group and if operated correctly, there should be no danger of riders getting lost because they are riding slower than others. This system also avoids the dangers of the slower rider being forced to ride at speeds they are not comfortable with and thereby putting themselves and others in danger.

It sometimes happens that rider number two misses the signal to drop off, either through inattention or inexperience - if you are behind and see this happen, please use your initiative and pull over yourself (a little common sense can go a long way).

If a ride becomes extremely fragmented, the Run Leader should use common sense and find somewhere to safely stop and allow the run to regroup.

In the past, overtaking during a Club Run was considered a definite breach of etiquette but the current 'Drop Off' systems allows a relaxation of this unwritten rule and most feel that overtaking is now acceptable to a limited degree if done with common sense and safely.

If the Run Leader is riding too fast and leaves the whole group behind thereby having no markers to drop off then you're following an idiot and the best course of action is to find a Pub for lunch and let him get on with it!!