The pre-tour briefing: how we ride as a group

Every tour starts with George's riders' briefing. Here's the short version — how the group rides, what the guides do, and the few rules that keep everyone safe.

Your guides position themselves at the front and rear of the group, watching out for everyone — a breakdown, someone needing to pull in and stop, anything at all. The lead guide sets the pace: relaxed but steady, always keeping to or within the speed limits.

The lead guide calls the stops beyond the designated ones on the itinerary — raising a left arm and indicating in plenty of time. While in motion the group travels in a staggered pattern, so nobody is riding directly behind the wheel in front. Keep your position within the group, and leave the overtaking to the guides — only they will overtake or drop back to change positions.

If you need to stop, raise your left hand and pull into the left as safely as possible — a guide will tend to you. That is exactly what the staggered pattern is for.

Before we set out: wear gear appropriate for the conditions, and check your bike for fuel, oil, and tyre pressure. And absolutely no wheelies, stoppies, or showboating — we ride to a good name and set the example.

So let's have a great trip — and above all a safe one. — George