Ride
Leaders
are the most important element to group riding. They control the
flow of the group and have knowledge of the route as well make all
decisions
regarding stops, keeping the group together, lane changes, merging, and
unsafe road
conditions. The Williamsburg Riders Group will always have a Ride
Leader and a
Sweep Rider. If the group is extra large then the group may have a
middle of
the pack leader in case the group gets split up at any given time. The
Ride
Leader and Sweep Rider work together hand in hand. The Ride Leader
usually
picks the sweep rider in advance so that they can exchange cell phone
numbers
and go over the intended route.
Sweep
Riders as
defined by our Group are experienced
group riders that have knowledge of the route. They
should be positioned directly behind the last rider in the group. Sweep
also
has the responsibility for closing the door from other
vehicles
for lane changes on multi-lane highways by moving in and securing the
lane well
in advance of the Lead. If no radios are present Sweep becomes more
responsible
for lane changes and must be alert and attentive keying on the
movements of the
Lead Rider. The responsibility of a sweep rider is also to help a
downed or
disabled rider and to be able to call ahead to the group or for 911 in
an
emergency.
A good Lead and Sweep Rider can make a group ride a fun and safe experience.