How it works
“Second man drop-off” is important and everyone in the group has a role and responsibility to play. This is especially true when they have been dropped off and they do not leave the spot they have been told to wait until everyone in the group has passed them.
1. Lead and tail rider
In this system of “second man drop-off” there is a lead rider and a tail rider whose positions never change in the column. The lead and tail biker will be designated and will always stay in position. All riders should take a good look at their bikes and clothing so that they can be identified during the ride. You do not want group riders to inadvertently follow a biker from another group (which has happened before).
2. The Second man drops
As the group arrives at a point of deviation on the route (e.g. a motorway exit, a turn or a roundabout) the second bike in the column “drops off” (“second man drop-off”) at the roadside in a position that is safe from other road users and visible to the following bikes. The second man dropped-off is acting as a visible signpost for the following riders. The lead biker will point out the spot where the “second man drop-off” will be placed.
3. They must wait
The “second man drop-off” motorcyclist stays in this position until the last biker has passed them. On seeing the tail biker go past or to be allowed to ride off in front of them they resume position in the line immediately in front of the tail marker.
4. Stay patient
It is absolutely imperative that the “second man drop-off” biker remains patient and stays in place until the tail rider appears. This system has been used on many occasions and it works if everybody follows the rules.
An old friend of mine with a mixed group of bikes and rider abilities told me that he had once gone on a ride around Wales of about 230 miles with about 35 other riders. By using the second man drop-off system they didn’t lose a single rider all day. Sometimes the wait was as long as 10 minutes or more but because everyone played their role correctly, it worked.
5. Not always necessary to drop
There should be no need to have a second rider stop when the exit is clear and travelling: – straight on at traffic lights, roundabouts, or crossroads if no “drop off” is evident. But the group can make their own decisions if they want to mark every junction.
6. Everyone must ride safely
Riders in the group must not ride above their own ability or limits just to try and keep up. There will be a bike waiting at the next turn off point. Do not rush and cause yourself or others any problems.
Do not get pushed along by a faster bike behind you. Move over and let them through if you are unhappy with their position if it is too close to you and you feel pressured. Slower riders, beware you may be holding up a faster rider and move over to let them pass.
Ride at a pace that is within your ability and you are comfortable with.
It’s not a race and you won’t get left behind. Just because you can’t see the bike in front doesn’t mean you’re going to get left behind. Take it steady, someone will be waiting somewhere. Trust in the “second man drop-off system”.
7. You create your own group rules
You may overtake your fellow riders to make it towards the front if the group allows this but do not at any time overtake the lead rider. Overtaking should be done safely and with respect, make sure you have time to complete the manoeuvre and do not rely on the bike in front to wave you on, make sure it is safe to do so with your open decision-making.
8. Bikers joining the group
Do not worry if another vehicle that is not part of your group gets in between you and the rider in front or behind. Make sure you keep track of the bike in front and concentrate at junctions so that you do not follow the wrong motorcycle. The second man drop-off should be there waiting for you to pass anyway.
9.Let the lead rider know what’s going on
If there is a problem during the ride, a rider within the group should come alongside the lead bike and flag them down to stop in a safe place. Having a radio to communicate will be a huge advantage to keep in touch with other riders and be able to inform the lead rider what is happening further back in the group. It does not need to be the second man to give this information to the lead rider, it can be anyone in the group who feels things are not right especially if the safety of the group is in jeopardy.
10. Everyone is inexperienced at some stage
Remember everyone has different riding abilities and skills. Having a lack of experience is short-lived, everyone has to start somewhere, and respect their fellow riders in the group. Not everyone will be happy being the “second man drop-off”, so it is better to let those who feel they are not ready for it, do it on another day when they feel ready.
People gain experience and confidence with time and practice. Nothing is easy to start with and riding in a group may feel awkward, frightening or daunting.