Convoy Tips for Marauderville X (MV10)

[Bluerauder]

With the very large number of cars and many first time MV attendees, I thought a refresher on convoys might be appropriate prior to the events.

CONVOY TIPS

1. Cars with FRS/GMRS radios should be dispersed at the lead, middle and tail end of the convoy if at all possible. Channel 5 for MM.Net.

2. Lights On (sidelamps & fogs /or/ headlights & fogs). If you still have your "Marauder Flag" from MV9 ... bring it and fly it in convoy.

3. If time permits, make a recon run of the route to check out turns, exits, potential problem areas, and the parking situation upon arrival.

4. Speeds should be maintained at 5-10 miles UNDER the posted speed limit – otherwise the cars at the end will be doing triple digits trying to catch up.

5. Recognize that “outsiders” will occasionally (or frequently) drop into the line and separate cars in the convoy and open up gaps between convoy cars. Speeds should anticipate this.

6. If an outside driver cuts into the convoy and slows half the group down, don't just sit behind the offending vehicle, accelerate to passing speed to go around and catch up. Breaking a large convoy into 2 or 3 smaller "serials" should be considered depending on the complexity of the route.

7. Give advanced notice (over the radio) and with turn signals of any planned move or lane changes. Last minute lane changes and exits are potential problems for folks at the end of the convoy.

8. When changing lanes, give notice on the radio when “Moving Right” or “Moving Left”. Use of turn signals also helps those without radios.

9. Notify everyone of a slow down with a “Brake Check” announcement.

10. When making an exit or a turn, the lead car should get in the exit lane well in advance (about 1-2 miles) of the exit so that cars on the tail end have enough time to merge.

11. If you get caught at a traffic signal, maintain visibility with the car ahead of you.

12. Conversely, if you were the last car through the light and see the car behind you get stopped, slow down and notify everyone in your section to slow so that the others can catch up.

13. Follow the cars in front of you. The “GPS Bozo or Bozette” doesn’t necessarily know the best way to where you are heading. Pre-loading the addresses of the hotel and other activities into your GPS before arriving at the hotel (or from the direction sheet in your goodie bag) can help if you get separated from the group or miss the convoy departure.

14. If you are aware that the cars ahead of you are changing lanes – make the change as soon as you can so you can serve as a blocker to allow other cars to run up and get in front of you.

15. Use your FRS/GMRS radios to keep the other drivers “in the loop” of what you plan to do. Other drivers echo those announcements back through the convoy to the trail vehicle.

16. FRS Radios should not be used for any conversations other than the logistics of the trip. PERIOD! Idle chatter makes it hard to follow directions.

17. Speak clearly and don't have the mic so close to your mouth that we can't understand a word you're saying. Short and to the point.

18. Please don't keep your "mike" open. It just broadcasts static and disrupts other communications. "PRESS" to talk. "RELEASE" to listen.

19. If you have a voice activated mike or automatic mike setting, the radio will pick up your music selection or your "private" in-car conversations and broadcast it continuously to the group. If sufficiently embarrassing , these "private" conversations will be published in the "MEMORIES OF MV10" THREAD following the event. Remember to speak clearly and distinctly so that you are not misquoted.

If you have any other CONVOY TIPS …. Please list them here.

[TooManyFords]

20. Don't follow ProRauder. He turns into Train Hobby Stores if he sees them. He also doesn't like long convoys and thinks they are dangerous. Oh, and he drives slow....

[Haggis]

21. And like wearing woman's underware.

[DOOM]

#2 on Charlie's list! (lights)

We can never do this as an entire group!

Don't know why it's so hard!

[N40GL]

And, one we learned from MV9:

23. On long convoys, cars at the front of the convoy may be requested to block intersections as we enter them, wait until the last car is through, and then rejoin the convoy at the end. This keeps the group together, but should ONLY be used to block secondary roads (i.e., no more than one lane each way on at least one side of the intersecting road) where a traffic signal exists, or at a 4-way stop.

Since, arguably, this is a traffic offense, volunteers to take the leading positions to perform this task may be solicited. Collections will be taken if fines are levied.

[Haggis]

24. Speaky wit Chinee akcent prferred. (Learned this in NH)

[FastMerc]

21. And like wearing woman's underware.

Just not right,lol...