For larger groups which clearly require to be split into smaller groups for safety reasons.
All members of the group are requested to:
- Be aware of the route and have the ability to guide themselves, by having either a physical map or preferably a mapping app on their phone.
- Ensure their mobile phone is turned on when cycling, so they can be contacted.
- Ensure the team leaders are aware if they wish to form their own small group and navigate themselves to the evening destination.
- Notify the ride leader if in difficulty or have a problem e.g. if you are going to be late at the start or get separated from your group. It is essential to let leaders know by posting on WhatsApp or phoning them.
- Provide emergency contact details.
- Carry a First Aid kit.
Ride leaders
- The route will be reviewed each evening by two ride leaders and a meeting point and start time determined for the following morning.
- Route details, including named ride leaders, meet up point and timings to be put on a dedicated WhatsApp group locked for comments. A secondary WhatsApp group will be available for ad hoc comments and photos.
- Groups will be split into roughly equal sizes, leaving approximately 15 to 30 minutes between each start time. The last leader must wait until the final rider is present, i.e. ensure no one is left behind.
- Where possible a backup leader should be available for each group to assist the leader in navigation.
- Ride leaders may rotate on a daily basis, so each day will rely on two participants who feel confident and have online mapping to volunteer to lead a group.
Lunch, coffee stops and evening meals
Where these are known in advance, they will be posted on the locked WhatsApp group. Ideally the two groups should stop at different cafes to avoid overwhelming the locals.
Continuity
One or two members of the group (tbc) could take on an overview continuity role, to ensure ride leaders come forward each day and to deal with unforeseen issues.