Disapointing Guildford cruise to Goodwood.
Discussion
And how do you do that at junctions - or when overtaking, or when one or more random cars enter the convoy? However, if it works for you then that's great; it's just that I've done quite a few spirited cruises and there's much more to it than most of you seem to believe - if you want to keep it flowing, together and safe.
I'm not disagreeing with you delbox, I'm fully aware of the intricacies. It's my opinion that in a large group you need to simplify the 'rules' so that everybody clearly understands.
That rule still applies at junctions - I'm sure everybody can see a few cars back - and if it takes longer than that then it's a case of pulling in at the next opportunity for a regroup. Same with overtaking or picking up random traffic. As far as the organiser is concerned then a quick and clued-up tail-end charlie is a good idea so that people know if they lose their way they can sit tight and wait for a new lead. And a well thought-out route is good for allowing overtaking and regrouping points, but I'm all for keeping it as simple as possible for the runners. They just want to have fun and I think making it too regimented, despite it being a more 'successful' system, would kill that.
Just my opinion. If you do choose to write a convoying handbook then I'll be reading it though.
That rule still applies at junctions - I'm sure everybody can see a few cars back - and if it takes longer than that then it's a case of pulling in at the next opportunity for a regroup. Same with overtaking or picking up random traffic. As far as the organiser is concerned then a quick and clued-up tail-end charlie is a good idea so that people know if they lose their way they can sit tight and wait for a new lead. And a well thought-out route is good for allowing overtaking and regrouping points, but I'm all for keeping it as simple as possible for the runners. They just want to have fun and I think making it too regimented, despite it being a more 'successful' system, would kill that.
Just my opinion. If you do choose to write a convoying handbook then I'll be reading it though.
Organised and led a group of about 20 TVRs from Crawley to a pub in Peterborough. We pretty much stayed together the whole time but I was very conscious (and stressed!) about keeping the group together. I made sure I always kept the Tiv behind me in sight and hoped (nay prayed!) that the other drivers would do the same. I handed out concise directions to everyone beforehand although the route was straightforward. The fact that the A272 was (and always is) clogged with 40 mph SUV/MPV numpties probably helped - at one point an old Micra headed up our convoy 
, I'd love to have seen his facial expression when he looked in the rear view mirror. 
, I'd love to have seen his facial expression when he looked in the rear view mirror. Once convoyed 16 TVRs from Calais to Le Mans. Considering I had never been to Le Mans before I did well to keep all the cars together until 400 yards from the camp site.
But never again. The original idea was that we would be in four groups of four cars - but once we got to Calais no one else wanted the responsibilty even though others had done the route before. It was highly stressful. Not to mention the 45 minutes it took to get all the cars refulled.
In my experience large convoys don't work - and at times can be dangerous to other road uses. Far better to split the group up and appoint several leaders.
General basic rules should apply:-
1. Everyone should know the route beforehand and have a road map in their car and know the final intended destination
2. Ensure the car behind can see where you are going
3. The lead car should have a passenger to take phone calls from those that get lost and assist with map reading.
4. The lead car should remember that the car at the back will be doing 10% more mph than him to keep up
5. Agree maximum speed limits and make sure everyone is happy. Not everyone wants to risk their licence.
BTW - I hate convoys and wont do them if there are more than 4 or 5 cars. It is the only cause of arguements between me and my OH.
But never again. The original idea was that we would be in four groups of four cars - but once we got to Calais no one else wanted the responsibilty even though others had done the route before. It was highly stressful. Not to mention the 45 minutes it took to get all the cars refulled.
In my experience large convoys don't work - and at times can be dangerous to other road uses. Far better to split the group up and appoint several leaders.
General basic rules should apply:-
1. Everyone should know the route beforehand and have a road map in their car and know the final intended destination
2. Ensure the car behind can see where you are going
3. The lead car should have a passenger to take phone calls from those that get lost and assist with map reading.
4. The lead car should remember that the car at the back will be doing 10% more mph than him to keep up
5. Agree maximum speed limits and make sure everyone is happy. Not everyone wants to risk their licence.
BTW - I hate convoys and wont do them if there are more than 4 or 5 cars. It is the only cause of arguements between me and my OH.
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