This was written by Roger some time probably long before 2017.

There are good reason way most groups don't have a poilicy like Roger's. This policy is obsolete and rescinded.




Most group's say that it is a driver's responsibility to keep the vehicle behind in their rear view mirror.

We disagree.   Our rule is that it is each driver's responsibility to keep up with the vehicle ahead.  If they can't, or if they want to stop for any reason they need to radio the leader to ask the leader to STOP or SLOW DOWN.

Our reason is, a driver should be watching the road ahead not constantly watching his rear view mirror.  The view in one's mirror is very narrow.  One can only see a few degrees of angle behind.   If a trail has a lot of twists and turns a vehicle can be only a few feet behind and not be visible in one's mirror.  We have had incidents where a driver was concentrating too much on the rear view mirror that they got into trouble themselves by driving off the trail.  Another problem is that it delays the group because drivers are stopping unnecessarily to search their rear view mirror for the following vehicle.

An exception is when 0ne comes to an intersection or where the trail may be confusing, wait for the vehicle behind to see which way you go.  If he is following closely as above that should be a very brief delay.

Some disagree with this Rule but PLEASE  follow it on our Runs.

[Roger]





It's true we don't have great visibility to the rear but we do have visibily to the rear. It's also true that you can't be constantly looking through the rear view mirror. But every five minutes or so you can easily take a look back. This is sensible for safety and smooth operation. The longer it is that someone has been out of sight the greater the chance that something could go wrong. They could have taken a wrong turn. They could have gone over a cliff. If everyone keeps regular contact the pace of the group is also coordinated.

There are natural reasons why groups tend to get spread out. At an obstacle that requires you to slow down the leader doesn't have to wait for anyone in front of him/her. But the last one has to wait for everybody else to get through. If the leader doesn't hold a bit up the group is going to get spread out. Running off without consideration of others is a douchebag move.

So the policy now is to occationally verify visual contact with the person behind you. If you haven't seen them in a while slow up a bit. At any unobvious turn definitely make sure the person behind you sees you make the turn.

-Steve, Administrator, 3/5/24