General rules for Laguna RAT run's:

To promote safe and sensible riding with consideration for other road users. At no time should any person be put in danger. Each rider is responsible for their safety and the safety of others at all time.

When riding in a line you should stagger the bike in front (i.e. ride behind to their left or right). This will give you a better view ahead and time to react.

When stopped at traffic lights etc you should double up. That is to say stop along side the bike in front. This will take up less space on the road and is more considerate for others.

When moving off ensure the rider(s) that were in front move off first. This will keep the pack order and give each other space.

For a small gathering of riders (about 5) a line-of-sight method of riding can be adopted. This is where riders will attempt to ride as a group within sight of each other.Where a group is familiar with a core of its riders and their abilities this may be extended to 10.

Second bike drop off:

The aim of second bike drop off is to navigate the ride quickly whilst looking after each other.

The drop off system does not work well in large busy towns/Cities due to the traffic and number of stops. In these circumstance know where you are going.

Where there are more than 10 riders then the drop off system, should be used. Although this is simple to follow it does take a bit of effort by all riders.

Large groups should be split into smaller groups each having a lead and end rider. i.e. 30 riders should be split into 3 groups of 10. These should take account of slower or inexperienced riders.

At the beginning of each ride both a Lead Rider and a Rear Rider or tail end Charlie will be appointed.

No matter what system is used you should always be able to see the rider behind. If you loose sight of them slow down or stop. This will then travel to the lead rider. This is important in the case of breakdowns or accidents. On main duel carriageways/motorways a gap may open up. All riders are responsible to ensure the group reforms when leaving at a junction.

Lead Rider:- The Lead rider will set the pace of the ride. Members are requested not to pass the Lead Rider (or each other!) and if you ride ahead then you will be on your own!.

Rear Rider / Tail End Charlie: -The Rear Rider is the last rider in the group and should wear a reflective vest.

Riders:-

Obtain a route map so that if somehow you do get detached from the group then you can make your own way and/or phone the Leader (whose tel-no should be on the route map).

Make yourself aware of who the Lead and Rear riders are.

When approaching a corner, junction, or other change in direction, the Lead Rider will indicate and with his left arm, "drop" the next rider at the most appropriate place to MARK the change in direction, giving enough time for others to see the marker and follow the lead rider. At complicated junctions it may be necessary to drop off more than one rider.

To do this the rider following the Lead Rider should pull over giving enough distance prior to the turn and put their indicator on in the direction the ride is going, so the other riders know which direction to take.

This rider should then continue to indicate the change of direction until signalled to ride on by the Rear Rider.

Please don't under any circumstances leave a designated corner UNMARKED until instructed to move by the rear rider.

If you come to an intersection and find no Corner markers - always proceed straight ahead, the ride did not change direction.

Do not overtake within the group; it has been shown that a lot of accidents are caused this way. If you do not wish to participate in the drop-off system you should stay out of the group.

Any riders wishing to go ahead of the group should arrange such with the PackLeader at the next stop.

With each run, all participants have certain responsibilities to ensure the enjoyment and safety of themselves and their companions. These responsibilities vary depending upon your position during the run, which will be one of the following:

Responsibilties :

RUN LEADER (Usually fixed for the duration of the run.)

· Identify any first timers in the group and ensure they are familiar with the marshalling system to be used.

· Establish the probable minimum fuel range of those machines present and arrange fuel stops as necessary.

· Ensure the Back Marker has details of the route, major stopping places, etc.

· Make sure that the Number 2 rider is aware of the need to mark each junction, and give him/her time to select a suitably safe stopping place.

BACK MARKER (Usually fixed for the duration of the run.)

· Know where the run is going, including any rendezvous stops etc. · Decide upon the best action necessary in the event of any participant missing a junction, or any other unplanned incident. In the case of a rider missing a junction, that junction should remain marked for a time sufficient to allow the missing rider to return.

No.2 RIDER (Everyone will find themselves here at some time)

· Don't get too close to the Leader, s/he may just slow down for a junction whereas you will have to stop.
· When marking a junction, position yourself in a safe and as highly visible position as possible.
· If necessary, re-inforce the direction to be taken by use of indicators and/or hand signals.
· Ensure that the Back Marker has seen you and knows which route to take, then rejoin the run in front of the Back Marker when it is safe to do so.
· Advise the Back Marker if you believe that anyone has missed the junction.

ALL RUN PARTICIPANTS

· Ensure you can identify the Leader and Back Marker.
· Travel at your own pace. Do not worry about losing sight of the rider in front, as any deviation from the straight ahead route will be marshalled.
· Do not overtake within the group. If you wish to go ahead then arrange this with the Pack Leader at the next stop.
· If you don't wish to participate in the lay-off system then inform the ride leader.
· Be observant and look out for junction marshals.
· If in doubt about the direction to be taken, consult the marshal and/or wait for the Back Marker.
never loose sight of the rider behind. If you do slow down or stop.