Cruise Rules of the Road

To read the thread on this, go to: Cruise Rules

Linda and I got to ride in the back of the pack for the first time in a while yesterday. We had a good time watching the cars serpentine through the curves and hills on the route that Tony planned and led. Just a few observations of "cruise rules" when we're in a pack together.

• When there is a large pack of cars, it is very helpful for the leader for the last car in the pack to have their lights ON, all others OFF. With a glance in the mirror, the leader can see if the last car in line made it through a light, stop sign or around a slow car and is back in line.
• Last car has responsibility for the car in front of them. Cars up front have responsibility for the car behind them. Cars in the middle of the pack, you're responsible for the car behind you. The idea is to keep up with the pack of cars in case of issues. As many of us have experienced, it's no fun being on the side of the road alone waiting for a tow truck. Also, many times we are in area where there is no cell phone service, so, a 'running' car can always drive to service to get help for the broken car if need be.
• IF during a cruise you have to drop off due to your schedule, you have to empty your bladder or you just need a break, please let others know. Brian let me know that he and his friend Joe were peeling off after lunch as he had an event to attend. Kent and Scott let us know they had to drop early due to prior commitments, thanks guys! If you have to stop during the cruise on the side of the road, or at a gas station. Please take a few seconds to text the leaders a short message "Had to stop" or "broke down"....just something so the leaders are aware. It's best if the leader's share their number as well as their spouse's number pre-cruise.
• Hand signals/honks/flashing lights - Please only do so if someone needs help or has stopped unexpectedly. Again, stay with the car behind you if at all possible. Only turn around when SAFE TO DO SO!
• Turn Misses - We had a few yesterday, and that's expected! Don't lose your cool, objective is to have fun and enjoy the ride. So what if we have to turn around a time or two, it happens. That's where the Ride with GPS helped yesterday. Kent, myself, Scott, and Paul were using it and knew when we missed turns or stops. Again, best to stay with someone rather than separate from the group. Bottom line, it happens.
• Separation - Two car lengths is typical. Main thing is, don't allow so much room to the car in front of you that a slow car can pull out in the group if at all possible. Be safe!! As you saw yesterday, lot's of road kill....more separation allows more reaction time. Just be aware....following at a close distance requires your full attention. Drive to your and your cars' availability.
• As a leader, we typically wait just past the turn so those that are lagging behind see the cars at the turn. If the leader doesn't wait, if you're the LAST car in the group, just wait up at the turn since you are aware of the turn, and when the rest make the turn, just stay on that road. By this time, the leader will have noticed that his group has separated and wait for you at the next turn. Kerry did a great job of this yesterday!

The idea is to keep an eye on each other. These cars vibrate a lot and with the way they are driven, things shake loose. MOST issues can be solved on the side of the road, others, require AAA.

I want to commend Tony/Theresa for stepping up and leading yesterday. I'm still getting used to the Miata, so, it was helpful to be in the back to see the pace being set and how everyone kept up and if I could keep up!

PLAN A CRUISE!! if you want, plan a cruise, short or long, we'll show up!! Let me know if you need help, more than willing to do so. This is just a sticky reminder, no replies needed. Questions if you have 'em.