Marshall System

WYAMs organise many weekend and evening runs throughout the year. These are of varying length to suit all and are advertised in the newsletter. They offer a good opportunity for riders to practice and develop their standard of Advanced Riding. You are encouraged to attend as many as possible and to organise one if you are able. We also organise occasional weekend trips and trips into Europe.

WYAMs’ Flexible Marshalling System last amended August 2006
The following system is intended to allow people of various attitudes and aptitudes to enjoy a group run at their own pace, and follow the route without complicated directions. The system is intended to be simple such that it can easily be understood, yet capable of coping with the majority of eventualities encountered on a group run. The success of the system is down to the cooperation and teamwork of the people attending each run and the creative application of advanced riding skills for those few difficult eventualities that no system will cope with.

The system is also designed to increase safety when riding as a group, minimise inconvenience to other road users, and reduce the likelihood of losing riders. However, we do advise that you carry a road map just in case.

Please ensure that you are adequately clothed for both safety and comfort. Being cold and wet for long periods of time is very uncomfortable; this particularly applies to pillion riders. See pages 10 to 14 of PYAMT for advice.

All run participants have certain responsibilities to ensure the enjoyment and safety of themselves, and their companions. If you are not familiar with this system it is suggested that you position yourself towards the rear of the group to enable you to observe the actions of others during the early stages.
Your responsibilities will vary depending upon your position during the run, which will be one of the following:

RUN LEADER. (Usually fixed for the duration of the run.)

1. Identify any "first timers" in the group, and ensure they are familiar with the marshalling system to be used.
2. Establish the probable "minimum fuel range" of those machines present, and arrange fuel stops as necessary.
3. Identify a back marker (who should be a full member of WYAMs), and ensure that at least the back marker has details of the route; major stopping places, etc.
4. Make sure that the Number 2 rider is aware of the need to mark each junction, and give them time to select a suitably safe stopping place.

NUMBER 2. (Everyone else may find themselves in this slot at some time during the run!)

1. Don't get too close to the Leader, they may just slow down for a junction, whereas you will have to stop.
2. The general rule of marking all deviations from the "straight ahead" (i.e.; "follow the white line") route must be maintained.
3. The exit on all roundabouts must be marked, even if the route is "straight ahead" (this may be eliminated only if the route is "straight ahead", AND all exits can easily be seen on the approach, such as many small roundabouts in towns, etc.) This is to prevent anyone taking the "straight ahead" exit when, in fact, it is a concealed "right turn" exit that is being marked.
4. When marking a junction, position yourself in a safe and as highly visible a position as possible, visible from the direction of approach of the group.
5. If necessary reinforce the direction to be taken by use of indicators and / or hand signals.
6. Remain at the junction until the Back Marker arrives. Ensure that the Back Marker has seen you, and knows which route to take, then re-join the run in front of the Back Marker, when it is safe to do so.
7. Advise the Back Marker if you believe that anyone has missed the junction.

ALL RUN PARTICIPANTS.

1. Start with a full tank of fuel.
2. Ensure you can identify the Leader and the Back Marker.
3. Travel at your own pace. Do not worry about losing sight of the rider in front, as any deviation from the "straight ahead" route will be marshalled.
4. If you wish to pass a slower rider, do so when it is safe.
5. Be observant and look out for junction marshals.
6. Participants at the rear of the group should ensure that the Back Marker is kept in view.
7. If in doubt about the direction to be taken, consult the marshal, and / or wait for the Back Marker.
8. If you would like to incorporate an “observed ride” at some stage during the run, then make your wishes known to the run leader, who will try and put you in touch with an Observer, who will be more than willing to assist.
9. If, at any point during the ride, you wish to leave the group, please stop and notify the Back Marker of your intention to leave. This avoids the run leader thinking that you have been lost.
10. ENJOY YOURSELF!
THE RUN GUIDELINES THAT WYAMs USE, ARE DESIGNED AS AN EFFICIENT WAY OF GETTING A GROUP FROM ONE PLACE TO ANOTHER, BUT SAFETY IS AN INDIVIDUAL’S RESPONSIBILITY.

Last amended 2 August 2006