The ride code
A group ride only works if everyone rides the same way. This is that way — short, and non-negotiable. Read it before your first trip; it is covered again in the briefing at the start of every ride.
Pace is set by the slowest rider, not the fastest
The group moves at a pace the least experienced rider can hold comfortably. If that is you, good — ride your own ride and do not chase the wheel in front. If it is not you, you wait. Nobody is dropped, nobody is left to navigate alone, and nobody rides beyond what they can control to keep up.
The order is fixed: lead, group, sweep
A lead rider sets the pace and the line and knows the route. A sweep (or "tail gunner") rides last and carries the group's tools, spare fuel and first-aid kit — no one rides behind the sweep. New riders and anyone not feeling sharp ride near the front, where they are watched. You keep your slot in the order unless the lead moves you.
The drop-off marker system
We do not ride nose-to-tail through junctions. At every turn, the lead points the way and the second rider stops, parks safely off the road, and signals the turn to everyone behind. That rider — the "marker" — stays put until the sweep arrives, then rejoins in front of the sweep. This way no one gets lost, the group can spread out safely, and there is always someone at every turn.
Spacing: staggered, with a two-second gap
On the open road we ride staggered — the rider ahead of you keeps to one side of the lane, you keep to the other, roughly two seconds back. That gives you a full lane's width of space and time to react. In corners, on bad surface, in traffic or in the hills, drop into single file and open the gap up. Close up again only when the road allows.
No overtaking inside the group
You never pass the rider in front of you within the group, and you never pass the lead. If you need to stop — fuel, fatigue, a problem — signal, pull off safely, and the sweep will stop with you. If you want to ride faster than the group, this is not the ride for you that day, and that is fine; tell the lead and peel off cleanly.
Alcohol, speed and gear — the hard lines
Zero alcohol or anything impairing before or during a ride day — not "one beer at lunch". Ride within the speed limit and within your own limit; the group is not a race and there are no prizes for arriving first. Full gear every time: helmet done up, jacket, gloves, riding trousers or armoured jeans, boots over the ankle. Anyone riding drunk, dangerously, or without gear is asked to leave the ride — on the spot, wherever we are.
Look after each other
If the rider ahead of you disappears from your mirror, slow down — something is wrong behind. If you see a hazard, signal it and pass it back. Carry water, know roughly where the group is going, and keep the WhatsApp thread and the lead's number on your phone. We ride home together or we do not ride home.
Now read the first-ride checklist
The ride code is the how. The first-ride checklist is what to bring and expect on the day.