Some Riding Rules

In each group of riders, two of them will do Lead and Sweep. The motos go first as they are faster than the truck.  The rules are:

If you can't see the moto behind you, you are too far ahead... slow down or stop until he catches up or you can see him.  If after 5 minutes he doesn't arrive, then return until you find him.  When you come to a 'Y' in the road or anywhere there are two or more options, STOP.  When the following moto arrives at that point, take off in the correct direction.  The following moto must wait for the one following him, and so on.  The motos between Lead and Sweep may switch places or ride together, but never get ahead of Lead or behind Sweep.  There will be pre-agreed upon stops for rest and/or food breaks where the Lead moto stops and all catch up, even the truck.

Lead moto must have map and/or GPS, know what the road ahead is, what each turn-off means, and when and where we have determined to stop.  I have very good road maps and carry a GPS with 10 to 20 points pre-located via Google Earth coordinates per day of travel.

Sweep is the last moto, stopping when coming upon any rider fallen, ill, or with moto problems.  Sweep will carry a few tools, tire patch kit, and some First Aid supplies.  He will wait with problem until truck arrives and load rider and moto.  Yes, the one ahead of sweep will stop when he no longer sees Sweep, eventually stopping all the others.  There will be rough roads where the truck will be quite a ways behind, and we will pre-decide how much the motos can get ahead of the truck before stopping and waiting.

At a few points, the motos will take a different route (rougher and/or more adventurous, ie: a short-cut) than the truck, to join again at a pre-determined spot.  During that interval, sweep will carry extra First Aid supplies, a tow strap, and tie-down ratchet straps (should we decide to hire a pickup that comes along to haul a moto and rider hurt, ill, or broken down, to where our truck will meet us).  We will also have a cell phone with the motos and one with the truck.  At altitude it is pretty incredible the coverage of a cheap cell phone....

Every evening, the Lead, Sweep, and truck driver will meet to go over the ride for the following day and coordinate pre-arranged stopping points, etc.

There are many more "Rules of Riding" I will instruct everyone on (with reminders along the way) at the beginning of each section.  These rules have been proven to work, keep communication clear, and create safety among the team.  There are no "cowboys" on these rides.  The rides will be breath-taking and inspiring.  They can also be dangerous if we do not work as a team.  These "rules" have been developed by your Peruvian and MK friends over many, many rides, some with near escapes.  Please determine to respect them or please do not come on this ride!


Toby