Marker System

(Flexible Marshalling System)

This system of route marking on group rides means that there is absolutely no need for anyone to go faster than they wish or to try to ‘keep up’. It also means that no one gets lost (usually!). This is how it works:

  • There is a group leader and a back marker for each group
  • These two remain the same for the entirety of the run
  • At every deviation from the ‘straight ahead’ route, the leader will indicate that they wish to ‘drop off’ a marker. They will do this by pointing towards the side of the road in good time before the deviation
  • The rider following the leader will then stop and indicate to the rest of the group which way the leader went
  • Usually the marker wil make it obvious which turn is appropriate, sometimes the marker may have to use hand signals to avoid confusion
  • The best places to stop are generally:
  • Left turn – prior to the junction
  • Right turn – immediately after the turn (providing you are still visible to the following riders)
  • Right turn with visibility problems – before the junction
  • Roundabouts – just after exiting
  • Large or complex roundabouts – a marker may be needed on both entrance and exit
  • Once all the riders in the middle of the group have gone past, the marker looks out for the ‘back marker’  and rejoins the group 
  • Thus, the first and last bikes for each group will always remain the same, but everyone else will find themselves following the leader at some point
  • Riders who are neither leader nor back marker should feel free to change position within the group is wished (just don’t overtake the leader)
  • The marker system works well for the Quick Quacks and leads to enjoyable rides where no one gets lost (in most cases!)
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