north meets south july 2012 ??

That is South!
I've probably ran out of brownie points for the excursions I have planned so probably won't manage.

Good on ya though and good luck.

The south hasn't been covered for quite a while.

Cheers
Rosco

Advice...erm...

You may know the vast majority of all this already but hear goes.....

How far to go... Anywhere between about 175 -> 225 I'd suggest. Might want options for cutting it short or possibly extending it whilst en-route.

If you do a tryout (you really need to if you can) bear in mind that average riding speed, stops, fuel stops and lunch etc will all take longer in a group. The bigger the group the slower it is.

Suggest you have a stop fairly soon after you start to make sure everyone is ok / still with you. Suggest you go no longer than 45-60 miles between stops. Stops for fuel, lunch, photos, fags, pees, etc.

Accommodation - suggest you find a good pub that ideally has its own accommodation and/or plenty of accommodation nearby. Probably best to let folks pair up / sort their own accommodation as they see fit.

We've started to use Youth Hostels up here even although the number of 30, 40, 50, 60 and even 70 year olds outnumbers the youth's. We are allowed in our Hostels up here though and it does help keep costs down even if you have to make your own breakfast / do your own washing up.

If you don't know the marker system that we normally use on our rideouts then try and get along to one before this one.

A rough guide is... Leader and Tail End Charlie should wear something easily recognisable such as a High-Viz.

EVERY junction, roundabout(island), slip road etc should be marked by No.2 in the group. If No.3 sees that No.2 hasn't marked then they should mark (and so on). Ideally the Leader should indicate to those behind that the junction should be marked.

Most important to be safe when marking. Might be safer to mark before OR after the junction. Might be safer to get off the bike completely. It is up to the individual(s)

If some folks are total newbies or prefer to ride at a lower average speed then they might be better not marking (keep moving) - this obviously needs to be known by everyone before heading off. And ideally they shouldn't be riding in position No.2

I personally prefer if 2 people can mark every junction where safe as it does allow for one rider to head back if there has been an excessive wait while still marking the junction. Don't forget to wait on their return should the Tail-End-Charlie appear from nowhere.

If only ONE person marks then they MUST NOT leave their post as people making their way towards there or back there will not know which way to go.

Folks MUST be told to STAY at their marker post ad finitum until someone comes to them or contacts them.

Everyone should at least have the mobile number of the leader and tail end charlie. Leader and Tail End Charlie should have everyone's number.

EVERYONE's SAFETY is EVERYONE's concern. Look after your own and others safety. If you think you're going too fast then you are. Give everyone plenty of room. Ride to your own ability and don't get sucked in. Ride your own ride. Feel free to wave people past you. Feel free to overtake (if you are 100% sure it's safe to do so for you and other riders) Don't just overtake for the sake of it. No bravado please.

As for advice on 'things' you'll need to be more specific.

Hope that helps
Cheers
Rosoc

There are a few Ride-Out ex-virgins down there that might be able to get involved. I'm sure they'll be along shortly.

Hat's off to you for posting this up and hope it gets plenty of interest.

Cheers
Rosco

Good Luck with the rideout, but I'm watching Big Mick, hoping the dates fit.

A pub, real ale, fantastic food and a comfy bed, petrol in my tank and sunshine, what else do you need??!!!

Ah,but that small matter is sorted