Rules of Convoy Driving by Rick Larson ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I just remembered I said I'd write something up on the topic of Convoy Rules on our last not-a-trip. I don't claim any formal training in the subject and would welcome any additional contributions. 1) You are responsible for the vehicle behind you. a) At all intersections make sure the vehicle behind you knows which way to go. If there is any doubt, wait till you see them make the turn. b) If the vehicle behind you stops for any reason, wait till they go. 2) Get lost together. Unless it is previously agreed upon to split up the group, don't. Work out any differences of opinion before acting.... 3) CB's, extremely useful for Mendo, we'll know where were going when we get there, type trips. 4) Keep moving. a) We will stop more than enough times to discuss directions, take pictures, eat lunch, fix LR's, etc. Minimize unnecessary stopping. b) If you do stop let everyone know why and for approximately how long. Nothing more frustrating than being at the back of a convoy and not knowing what is going on. (See 3.) c) If you see something you feel is interesting and want to stop and investigate please call it to the groups attention (See 3.). It is likely others are thinking the same thing or just happened to miss seeing it. I think to often we drive by interesting places, side trails, etc., just because no one wants to be the one to stop the convoy. For the most part Mendo trips are make it up as we go explorations. (Use judgement if it is getting late in the day.) 5) Be on time. a) Mendo trips leave on time (Really, they left without me last time and I was only 10 min late....). Seriously, there tend to be a number of no shows at each trip. No point in waiting as there is no way to distinquish a no show from a late without an infinite wait. b) Be ready to move out in the mornings. The purpose of most trips is to get out on the trails and explore. A possible exception being the big Mendo and Paradise base camp type get togethers. 6) Be self sufficient. 7) Learn/ask about spotting. There are some rules, but that would be a post by itself. 8) Safety first. 9) Don't tailgate. Leave plenty of space. The person in front of you won't let you get lost. (See 1) Keep any mishaps isolated to one vehicle. 10) Recognize that LR's and LRO's are differentially abled. Try to be patient. The diversity of the trip attendies is generally a positive thing. But everyone must be willing to compromise. Try and describe expected trip conditions/attitudes up front so people can make a decision on whether to attend and with what vehicle. Ask before you commit to something you won't be comfortable with. 11) Call all on coming traffic or obstacles. Much of the time dust obscures trailing vehicles vision. (See 3) 12) After you have overcome the obstacle park out of the way. Make sure the next person has just as much room as you did. 13) One person at a time on steep up and down slopes. Leave a clear path downhill in case a transfer case pops out of gear or brakes fail. 14) Never, ever do anything you are uncomfortable with. (See 10)