Line of Sight or The Drop off system?

[Stewie]

Which one do you use when leading a ride, I in favor of the Drop off marker system, as there is less chance of the group getting slit up, where as with the line of sight all you need is one rider to miss or not look back and the group has split.
Also the drop off system allows for more of a flowing ride, do you use a different system if so what do you use ?

[Dave]

I use a system similar to the line of sight one. I say that every time you reach a junction or a fork (basically any time there's a choice of left or right) check behind you. If no one is there you wait until the next guy arrives, you then proceed and he/she waits for anyone behind them/back marker.

This is a nice system because it allows people to ride their pace and ppl dot get slowed down. Retrospectively its a ducking pain in the bum when you find yourself constantly telling one person to remember to do this!!

I actually like the system you use more. I think it is more social in ways and mixes things up a bit. I may employ it on my next ride and see how it goes.

[Beerbelly]

+1 drop off

[retryrider]

Ive used the drop off system on the road which works well. For faster riders it gives them a chance to work their way back through the pack.

I havent got any experience on the trails but something about the line of sight members sounds better as it seems like it would prevent faster/experienced riders from getting stuck behind slower/inexperienced ones.

[big yellow tractor]

If you're with a capable group and on a mission to cover ground quickly then the drop-off system works really well. You do need to stop and regroup quite often though because a group can get very spread out. If you do have an problem with a rider or bike then it can take a while for that to be discovered and it can be a bit of time and distance to get back to them. I find the line of site (watch for the guy behind before making a turn) works better for the sort of trailriding we do.

I do get fcuked-off when someone forgets though. Always make sure you remind people that if they get separated, they need to go back to the last place they were sure they were with other riders and WAIT.

[steve sharp]

Basically same as BGT.

I use line of sight and tell riders to stay on the junctions, when turning left or right, not to ride off until the rider behind can see them.. We don't travel fast, so seems to work ok, until people forget... I tend to wait for everyone at big turn offs to ensure no one gets lost.. Main thing is to tell everyone to stay put if the riders havent stopped at junctions... so run leader can go back and collect them.. I always tell people the rules even if experienced, as the red mist can easily come down....

I have tried the drop off as well, when road riding, and even then it messed up with people not dropping off..

[big yellow tractor]

Basically same as BGT.

I always tell people the rules even if experienced, as the red mist can easily come down....

Me too and I make it very clear that it'll really make me grumpy if I get to the end of a lane and only one or two riders turn up. If I have doubts about the group sticking together, I just slow down to tighten everything up and watch for my TEC.

I did one run where I looked behind me on the road to find one rider stuck on my tail and no others in sight. When I stopped and asked him where the other five bikes were he said "they're not as good as me and couldn't keep up"

[Billy]

I tend to use the "if you cant keep up you will just have to ride faster" system...................

[mudeevee]

But Billy does 'lose' quite a few.......

[steve sharp]

Especially when Five-0 are involved...

[Billy]

Especially when Five-0 are involved...

Was gonna mention it to the nice officer when he said he was doing over 90 in a 30mph zone to catch up but didn`t think it was the right time..........................

[mikeyp]

+1 on the Drop Off system. But you do need a nominated back marker. Without the marker, you end up counting bikes through, which always ends in lost riders.