scenery with these two in charge.

BUT…..We all need to remember that even those of us in the middle of the formation have responsibilities.  We are responsible to pass on the hand signals from the Lead, such as for single file, stagger formation, pointing out potholes and ROAD KILL, sand in the corners, and other hazards, etc.  We need to be aware who we are riding with, too.  The burden is not all on the Road Captains.  We cannot sleep because we ride in the middle of the pack.  We need to maintain safe spacing with the other bikes around us.  And most importantly, we need to ride our own ride.  We must stay alert.   Hazards don't always appear in front of the Lead bike.  Sometimes they come at the riders in the middle of the group. We need to be aware of our surroundings and ready to react to the unexpected at all times.  We must remember that, just because our Road Captain is leading us, we are not excused from thinking for ourselves and riding our own ride.  We are all responsible for our own safety at all times.  Never give that responsibility away.  It is nice to have someone willing to help look out for your safety, but ultimately, it is your life.  Guard it wisely! Be sure to ride your own ride, even in Team Riding!
(Above text [edited by David Smith] taken from September 2008 Rider Ed Direct , a monthly newsletter from MI District Rider Ed Team to MI's Chapter Educators.)

We are requesting training sessions for CPR/First Aid, a Road Captain's Course, and a Facilitated Parking Lot Practice (PLP).  Just as soon as I know which dates are set up for us, I will let everyone know so that we can make plans accordingly.  The CPR/First Aid class will, hopefully, be one Saturday in April, the Road Captain's course on a Saturday in May, and the Facilitated PLP on a Saturday in June.

Most of us have already experienced icy roads…we will see more!!  Please drive with care!!

In GWRRA we are always doing things in groups.  We join each other for a weekend run.  We make an ice cream run together on a weekly basis.  Most chapters have this kind of camaraderie and fellowship in one form or another.  Then there are the monthly Gatherings where we meet and eat and have fun.  There are also rides to visit other chapters and support them at their Fun Run or Anniversary Party or Pig Out, and various other events that chapters put on.  Most of the time we ride together in groups to and from our destination.

Whenever we ride in groups, someone is in the Lead.  Hopefully, it is one of our GWRRA-trained Road Captains.  It should be someone whom we trust, respect and have confidence in…someone with good judgment who is prepared to lead the group from the starting point all the way to our destination…someone who has a planned route and shares it with all who join the ride. 

We also have another Road Captain, trained in the GWRRA way, to bring up the rear of the group. (This is our Drag bike, or Tail Gunner.)  These two work together like Lennon and McCartney.  The Drag seems to know what the Lead is thinking, SECURING the lane almost as the thought passes through the mind of our Lead.  They communicate well with each other.  They let the group know what is going on around them.  They inform us about things, like telling us we will be turning - in advance of the turn; when a car is attempting to pass the group on a 2-lane road; or when a car is passing on the right when we are on the highway.  Our Lead and Drag are always making us aware of hazards on the road and around us.  We know they are looking out of the safety of the group. With Road Captains of this caliber, we feel very safe.  We know we can enjoy the ride and watch the