There are probably as many different group-riding systems as there are motorcycle clubs. In general the BMW club nationwide has adopted the tried and tested “drop off system”. The section knows that many members never go on a club run or outing, but you are missing many an enjoyable hour if you decide not to participate in a section ride out at some time during the year. On this page we will describe in some detail exactly how the drop off system works, so that if you decide to participate in a BMW-Club organised ride out, you will at least have some idea what the format of riding is.

The group will normally meet up at a well known spot in the area with the details given in you section event calendar. If the description given in your section calendar is not detailed enough for you, feel free to phone the contact number that is usually given with the run details. The run organiser will only to pleased to help you identify the meting place.

Rule number one is always arrive at the start with a full tank of fuel, the last thing any ride out leader wants to do is start looking for fuel just after starting out on his carefully prepared route. If this is your first ride out with a section ride out make yourself known to the run leader and let them know that this is your first ride out with the club, they will probably then give you any specific information that is relevant for that days ride out. Once the group has been established, take note of which rider is leading the group, as this will become important to you later. Just before starting out the whole group should be told who is “tail end Charlie” or the “back marker” to give them their correct title.  Again take careful note of the bike and rider.

When the group sets off simply merge in with the group. If this is your first run I would recommend somewhere toward the back of the group would be good. As the group progresses, you will find that as long as the group are on a main road path no-one will stop and the group will continue to make forward progress. When a turn or deviation from the main road route occurs the leader will often point to the ground where he wants the second placed rider to stop, thus this "dropped off" rider indicates to the following riders that a turn or deviation from the main road is required. As you come up to a stationary rider they will often have left their indication going in order to signify in which direction to turn. However sometimes especially in busy areas this could be confusing to other traffic and so they will just sit there instead. In general if the rider is parked on the left immediately before or just inside a left turn off the main road then that is the desired direction to follow. If they are immediately parked on the corner of a right turn then that is the direction to follow. On roundabouts they would normally stop just inside the required exit that you are to follow into.

As all the riders in front of you will eventually end up behind you it will soon be your turn to become a corner marker. When you become the next bike after the run leader pay careful attention and don’t follow to closely as he may be more interested in reading his route map instructions or GPS than looking at you in his mirrors. When the next turn comes up, stop as closely as possible where indicated by the run leader. Sometimes however the leader may be preoccupied and forget to point out the stopping point for you. Use common sense and if the route has taken a turn off the main road or gone around a roundabout then pull over and stop to indicate to those following the direction of travel. Don’t however put yourself in a dangerous or hazardous position. Pick the most convenient spot then wait for the following riders. If for any reason you choose to wait before a turn junction because the corner may be blind or obscured to following riders and you have not left your indicator running, then signal to the following riders by hand as they come past. Either by holding out your left arm, for the left turn for a left turn or right arm for a right turn. As by this time you should have passed others marking other corners, and you should have the general idea by the time your turn comes up. Now all you have to do is wait until the back marker comes up behind you. (You did remember to take note of who the back marker was didn't you). You can now pull away and rejoin the group in front of the back marker. If for some reason the back marker passes you, it could be for example because a car is to close to him for him to slow down safely, he may just pass you instead. Don’t panic, just rejoin the route behind him, and pass at a convenient time as soon as is possible. Generally the back marker will wave you past as soon as it is possible for you to pass. If for any reason another corner comes up before you have re-passed him he will have noted your absence and will wait for you to come past him at that next corner. If everyone does his or her small part the system is almost infallible. 

Well almost infallible.
The most common failings are:-,
moving off a corner before the back marker has come up to you. (well all those GS’s do look the same don’t they.)

Following another rider who has nothing to do with the run, (don’t laugh we have almost all done it).
Just always be aware of who you were following when you set off from your last corner marking to be sure.

Finally overtaking the leader, believe it or not it does not matter how fast you go you will never catch him again !!

These are all mistakes, which have, and will doubt will happen if you don’t pay attention to the job in hand.

All this may seem complicated and off putting to a novice club member but please do not let it dissuade you from going out on club runs. After your first run to unexplored country lanes and the inevitable tea or coffee stop with club chin-wag thrown it, you will be hooked and wont be able to wait until the next one.

So now you know how its done, let's be seeing you on the next run.