the drop-off system
Ok, I have a route planned. We'll be visiting about six fords assuming there are no major issues.
Most will be 'there and back' jobbies as the exits lead off up unmade roads, so from a spectator point of view we'll be sticking to the tarmac.
The plan is to visit some of the local reservoirs to make things a little more scenic, plus an excuse to visit a ford with a rather spectacular backdrop.
The lunch stop will be at a reasonably priced roadside service area where you'll be able to top-up with fuel if needs be.
We will be using the Drop-off system. So please read below. (blatantly plagiarized from Paul's Road ride post)
It's in your own interest and the interest of the others with you that you have a good understanding of this system.
We'll be leaving at 10.15 am on Saturday morning. Gathering at 10.00 for a pre-ride briefing just outside the courtyard. Just look for a black and yellow 650gs covered in bees and flowers with lots of lights on the front too
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*****Here are some useful tips for those joining the rides*****
- Try to arrive with a full tank..
- The Ford ride will be leaving the Baskerville Hall car park at 10:15 sharp, give yourself enough time to be ready for a pre-ride briefing at 10:00.
On the road.
Please give everyone enough space and be prepared for the unexpected as not everyone will know the route/roads.
The Second Man Drop Off System
This requires a
Leader, a
Tail ender, and the
Riders.
- The Leader,- is familiar with the route, and follows it. He should carry a
mobile in case of problems on route. He will point out to the first person behind him where to wait to be best
positioned to mark each junction.
- The Tail ender, - is ideally familiar with the route also, but doesn’t 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 more prominent). The tail ender is exactly that, everyone else stays in front of them, once
the junction marker sees the Tail ender, approaching they should move off.
- The Riders – if at any point the route deviates i.e. you take a turn off, 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.
- Once the Tail ender, has arrived, the junction marker can then move off.
- If any of the Riders decides to drop off the back of the group (behind the tail ender),
they must inform the Tail ender, what's going on.
A few safety 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 doesn’t mean we are having a fag break though! if the
Leaders helmet is still on, he isn’t planning on stopping)
- Do not get pushed along by a faster bike behind you. Move over and let them through. Slower riders, beware you may
be holding up a faster rider and move over, let them past.
- Ride at a pace that is within your ability.
- Its not a race and you wont get left behind. Just because you cant see the bike in front doesn’t mean you’re going
to get left behind. Take it steady, someone will be waiting somewhere.
- If everyone follows these simple ideas we can all enjoy a cracking ride, and have a great time in the evening.
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* The organiser accepts no responsibility for the actions of the participants. *
************************************************** ************
The participants accept that they are attending by their own free will and in
the knowledge that they are at all times responsible for their own actions,
and their own safety.
Adapted from a Ride Out Etiquette written by
Abel
Please also consider the implications of Fording. It can be very easy to do serious damage to your engine. There are some basic rules you should follow when riding in deep water.
Keep the revs up to help prevent against the bike stalling mid stream.
If you drop your bike you need to turn it off immediately.
DO NOT attempt to restart the bike until the plugs have been removed and any water evacuated.
1100/1150 owners should be prepared to replace the diff oil at the end of the day.
1200 owners should be prepared to replace the engine oil asap, should the air box become flooded.
650 owners shouldn't attempt to tip their bike upside down unless assisted by a man with a video camera.
Don't forget your cameras will you.
Your going to get wet anyway 
