Recently a ride produced a lot of negative feedback due to the distances between stops (209 km according to the map), particularly as it was in extreme weather conditions – 36 degrees. The Club has a duty of care to its members and takes those responsibilities seriously, particularly in these litigious times. Hence, from time to time we print this article to help old and new leaders with planning their ride.

 

Ben Warden for the Committee

 

 

Aspects of Leading a Good Ride,    July 1989

 

Planning

  • Plan on map.
  • Pre-ride the ride (ideally)

-         to look for adverse/changed road conditions, tricky Y junctions, etc.

-         to refresh your memory - thus avoiding unnecessary U-turns, and

-         to know the distances and time intervals.

  • Avoid highways within reason because:

-         back roads reduce traffic and associated hazards, and

-         back roads are more interesting.

  • Plan a similar alternative route because

-         dirt roads are often difficult in the wet,

-         it could be used when there are against unexpected delays

·        Get out of suburbia quickly and efficiently.

  • If a destination or activity requires extra equipment (eg torch, towel, clothes, etc) inform the editor so that adequate warning can be printed in the magazine, or on the itinerary.
  • Do interesting "stuff" early to avoid missing out due to delays.
  • Bear in mind "No liquor is to be consumed on Club rides".
  • Plan stops. A stop should:

-         have access to toilets (winter is more pressing)

-         have access to food - people appreciate a variety rather than a single vendor

-         be a place of interest

  • Limit riding time to less than one and a half hours to minimize fatigue.
  • Have lunch at lunch time (normally 12 to 2)
  • Other stops may be needed to "regroup" if the ride is becoming too strung out.
  • Return late afternoon, ideally 4-6pm (itinerary states late afternoon) (The sun sets much earlier in winter.)
  • The ride will be slower by about 20% than the pre-ride. (The leader is effectively only as fast as the rear rider.)

 

Pre-Ride Talk (to assembled riders)

  • call for volunteer/s to do magazine ride report
  • call for volunteer (if not already established) to be rear rider
  • introduce new riders
  • inform group that the ride is not a race
  • establish fuel range of smallest tank
  • inform riders of expected route and approximate distances between stops
  • seek comment from others concerning road conditions (e.g does the Reefton Spur have three inches of freshly laid gravel on it?)
  • warn riders of tricky or adverse road conditions or intersections
  • ensure all riders are familiar with corner marking system, and nominate number of corner markers.
  • inform group who is rear rider and what motorcycle they are riding
  • draw attention to the emergency kit (and its contents) and request that riders with first aid training make themselves known

 

Leading

  • point to the side of the road when and where you want corner markers
  • wait for a third bike (not including the leader) to approach the corner before leaving - this method condenses the ride.
  • monitor your speed: slower speed on highways/straight roads keeps riders together to give feeling of riding in groups.
  • leave extra corner markers even along straights if you feel the group has become too strung out.
  • don't let stops drag on too long
  • organise an appropriate break up point - at a place where most people will know how to reach home.
  • don't make the break up point too far from Melbourne

 

The above points were formulated by the current committee (1989) as a guideline to encourage more members to consider leading rides.

 

Generated: 17.7.1989 by Ben Warden and Murray Browne, MTCV Committee

Last modified: 7.1.2002

 

 

 

Progressive Dinner  – Saturday 16th March, 2002

 

Dianne will be leading the group on her bike from each course to the next.  Last time it turned into a car convoy due to the atrocious weather, however this time hopefully we’ll have better weather.

 

4.30 pm to 5.30 pm:   Starters: Carlucci’s of Templestowe (a café), 134 James Street, Templestowe (Melway’s ref 33 E4)

 

6.00 pm to 7.30 pm:   Main course
Rob and Mandy’s – 77 Cuthbert Street, Heathmont (Melway’s ref. 63 K1)

 

8.00pm to 9.15pm:   Desert

Ian and Kerrie’s – 6 Peter Street, Springvale (Melway’s ref. 80 B12)

 

9.30pm onwards – Supper
Dave & Bron’s, Oakleigh

 

Cost:  $20.00 for the lot, however if you only attend some of the courses the breakdown will be as follows: Mains:  $10.00, Desert:  $10.00, Supper:  $5.00 Of course, bring along a little extra for whatever you want to have at Carlucci’s to start with.

 

RSVP:  Please advise Ian Payne (9558 4740) or Dianne Welsford (9726 9066) by Sunday 3rd March if you will be attending.  It is imperative we have numbers early to allow us to know how many to cater for.

 

Look forward to seeing you there!

 

Di