The Junk Man's Adventures
  • Home
  • How To Videos
  • Barn Fresh restoration
  • Toy Restorations
  • About the Junkman
  • The Junk Man's Blog
  • Service manuals
    • Kawasaki Service manuals
    • Suzuki Service Manuals
    • Yamaha Service Manuals
    • Honda Service manuals
    • Chinese clone engines
    • Hodaka
    • Impac Industries
  • JMG Behind the scenes
  • Media apperances
  • Current Sponsors

8/5/2014

Responsibility of the trail leader

Comments

Read Now
 
Picture
Riding season is upon us and of course we are all going to either participate in a group ride or organize a group ride ourselves.  For the latter it is important to be a responsible trail or group leader.  Leading riders into unfamiliar areas can be fun and rewarding.  What follows are some helpful tips to make the group ride a success and everybody gets back to the staging area in one piece.

1.  Communicate

Before anyone loads a single piece of gear, have a get together and talk about the 3 W’s Who, What, Where.  Who is all going with you on the ride, this is also a good time to get an idea of everyones skill level.   The skill level of the riders involved leads into the next question.  What type of terrain is the group going to be riding on?  Depending on everyones skill level will depend on the terrain you will want to take the riders on.   And lastly, Where are are the riders going to ride?  The what somewhat dictates the where.  For example, do the riders want a challenge or a leisurely ride.  As the leader you will need to respect the riders skill levels and desires, especially if they are new to the area.  Remember a trail that seems easy to you may be very difficult for others and vise-versa.

2. Bring the right gear

As the leader you need to set a good example and at least require the bare minimum of safety gear before you allow anyone on the trail.  Other than the obvious, be sure to take along extra specialty gear for the area or conditions you might face on the trail.  For example, if your riding in an area that sees frequent afternoon showers, pack extra rain ponchos.  Also even though the other riders might bring other gear, as the leader make sure you have a basic first-aid kit.  Plenty of water is always a good idea as well.

3.  Know your route

Know the area well.  Know where the parking is, how much parking and the route you will take to get to the trail head as well as the trails themselves.  Especially with new riders to the area you want to instill confidence that you know your way around.  Make sure if it is a complicated area be sure to provide maps for everyone just in case someone happens to get behind.  Be sure to discuss how to read the map.

4.  Don’t get too far ahead

This one is simple.  Keep track of your group.  Stop at every fork in the trail and make sure everyone is accounted for and that everyone can see the proper turn.  If there are difficult obstacles it might be a good idea to stop and make sure everyone clears the section before proceeding, this can also be a good time to take a break if people need it.

5.  Action plan

Have an action plan for the extreme case of someone getting lost, breaking down, or getting hurt.  A good plan is to have everyone meet at a certain well known landmark or area at the end of the day.  This way when someone comes up missing it is easier to plan your search of the trail to find that person.

Every situation will warrant different tactics.  These tips should only serve as introductory guidelines as the leader or organizer of a group ride.



First time rider on Jones Pass by thejunkman

Share

Comments
comments powered by Disqus
Details
    Subscribe to me on YouTube

    Author

    Jon "the junk man" helping to promote responsible riding and recreation whether it be at the track or at the trail. Your source for motorcycle how to videos and much more!

    Picture
    How To Videos
    How To Articles
    In The Media

    Archives

    February 2023
    January 2023
    May 2022
    December 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    October 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    January 2012
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011

    RSS Feed

    Blog Directory & Business Pages - OnToplist.com
Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • How To Videos
  • Barn Fresh restoration
  • Toy Restorations
  • About the Junkman
  • The Junk Man's Blog
  • Service manuals
    • Kawasaki Service manuals
    • Suzuki Service Manuals
    • Yamaha Service Manuals
    • Honda Service manuals
    • Chinese clone engines
    • Hodaka
    • Impac Industries
  • JMG Behind the scenes
  • Media apperances
  • Current Sponsors