One of the most important rules we MUST follow is that of how to handle a stricken rider. It is very simple.
If someone on the ride pulls over and stops, FIND OUT WHY.
If there is a problem, LET SOMEONE KNOW.
Find a radio bike, flag down another rider, if you can't...stop the column, if half the riders are missing in the rear view the front can stop the group.
Remember if we don't know up front, we can't stop to help.
I mention this because on the Thimble Island cruise we had a bike break a drive belt. He broke it in Branford at rte 146. Do you know when I found out as Road Sargent? When we stopped the bikes to wait for the Ferry at the Hadlyme crossing!!!
The Road Captain found out when he got home!!!
NEVER leave a Member stranded!!!
Today's rider came to a stop and literally a dozen bikes went by him and continued on their way.
Now picture yourself, 60 or more miles from home on a dead bike and your Friends ride off and leave you. Probably not the best feeling in the world. And I'm willing to bet he had a few chosen thoughts about us rolling through his head.
Luckily three bikes turned around when they found out he was stopped and went back to him. Still no one notified the front.
One of them had a AAA card and got his bike and his Ass home. One of them even followed the truck back to his house and helped unload it.
The point is...the rest of us, blissful in our ignorance left a brother on the side of the road.
Remember...get word to the front. The ride leader is responsible for all those in the ride, he cannot do his job if the rest of us don't look out for each other.
If some one pulls off or stops, find out why. Give them a thumbs up, if you don't get one back...chances are he or she needs help. Get word up the line.
Leaving someone behind is down right un-fathomable and should NEVER HAPPEN!!
We are a family...look out for each other!!!
Klay
There are two photos of the ride back both within 200 feet of the break down when. It happend
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