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SKYVUE · 05-05-2008, 03:56 PM

After our last "Sunday Lotus Drive" in the Santa Monica Mountains, and after reflecting about the "good and bad" during the drive, I summarized a guide to future group drives.

Planning:
1. Posted on LT in the "RoadTrip" section explaining the length, duration, lunch etc. The routes should also mentioned.
2. A "Theme" or destination makes the day more interesting!
3. Participants should confirm their interest. This allows the leader to plan the number in the group, restaurant reservations etc. THIS IS IMPORTANT!
4. The "Starting Point" should be easily located including a gas station, fast food and restrooms available.
5. A "DRIVER's Meeting" will gage the driver's expertise and skill level. This drive is NOT A RACE! The drive must follow laws (as possible) and also follows safe and courteous driving practices. All participants will know the route, the type of road condition etc.
6. The last car in the line volunteers as the "sweep" car. The sweep car MUST have continuous radio communication with the lead car. Especially there is a temporary emergency, stopping the drive.

The Route:
1. The roads should be checked out before the drive. A "pre-run" drive will check out the traffic, road conditions, presence of bicycles, motorcycles and pedestrian traffic.
2. There must be rest stops, especially for those who have weak bladders. An hour of driving and a restroon is a welcome break!
3. Scenery gives a flair to a Sunday drive. Coastal and mountain views can be spectacular, allowing a viewpoint stop.
4. A simple direction sheet or map helps to avoid being lost.
5. If there is a transition, turn, traffic light etc., there should be a "Queue-up" to allow everyone to catch up.

Car, Driver and Passenger....
1. Before you leave home, your Lotus must be maintained as usual, checking tire pressures, fluids, etc. Make sure you have a FULL TANK BEFORE YOU ARRIVE! (full tank, empty bladder!)
2. If you are carrying a passenger, it's your responsibility to make them comfortable during the drive. If you were the passenger, and someone else drove your Lotus, how would you feel?

3. Drive at YOUR COMFORTABLE PACE! If you want to drive faster than the lead, you're welcome to pass (safely) and you'll be the leader. During my "drives" I assume there are cars carrying passengers. The least experience should be the near the end of the line. I will NOT lose a car, I will wait for the line at the next transition/turn.
4. FRS Radio Communication is essential! This is an inexpensive device that makes a drive less stressful and a pleasure!

To Bring....
1. Plentiful drinking water
2. Sunscreen
3. Snacks
4. Sunglasses
5. Jacket
6. Camera, cellphone
7. Extra keys

Additions from this list is welcomed! Please!

The next Sunday Lotus Drive will be June 1st, details forthcoming....

--Hal

05-05-2008, 03:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
SKYVUE SKYVUE Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Thousand Oaks, CA Posts: 1,788 Images: 1	GUIDE FOR A GROUP DRIVE After our last "Sunday Lotus Drive" in the Santa Monica Mountains, and after reflecting about the "good and bad" during the drive, I summarized a guide to future group drives. Planning: 1. Posted on LT in the "RoadTrip" section explaining the length, duration, lunch etc. The routes should also mentioned. 2. A "Theme" or destination makes the day more interesting! 3. Participants should confirm their interest. This allows the leader to plan the number in the group, restaurant reservations etc. THIS IS IMPORTANT! 4. The "Starting Point" should be easily located including a gas station, fast food and restrooms available. 5. A "DRIVER's Meeting" will gage the driver's expertise and skill level. This drive is NOT A RACE! The drive must follow laws (as possible) and also follows safe and courteous driving practices. All participants will know the route, the type of road condition etc. 6. The last car in the line volunteers as the "sweep" car. The sweep car MUST have continuous radio communication with the lead car. Especially there is a temporary emergency, stopping the drive. The Route: 1. The roads should be checked out before the drive. A "pre-run" drive will check out the traffic, road conditions, presence of bicycles, motorcycles and pedestrian traffic. 2. There must be rest stops, especially for those who have weak bladders. An hour of driving and a restroon is a welcome break! 3. Scenery gives a flair to a Sunday drive. Coastal and mountain views can be spectacular, allowing a viewpoint stop. 4. A simple direction sheet or map helps to avoid being lost. 5. If there is a transition, turn, traffic light etc., there should be a "Queue-up" to allow everyone to catch up. Car, Driver and Passenger.... 1. Before you leave home, your Lotus must be maintained as usual, checking tire pressures, fluids, etc. Make sure you have a FULL TANK BEFORE YOU ARRIVE! (full tank, empty bladder!) 2. If you are carrying a passenger, it's your responsibility to make them comfortable during the drive. If you were the passenger, and someone else drove your Lotus, how would you feel? 3. Drive at YOUR COMFORTABLE PACE! If you want to drive faster than the lead, you're welcome to pass (safely) and you'll be the leader. During my "drives" I assume there are cars carrying passengers. The least experience should be the near the end of the line. I will NOT lose a car, I will wait for the line at the next transition/turn. 4. FRS Radio Communication is essential! This is an inexpensive device that makes a drive less stressful and a pleasure! To Bring.... 1. Plentiful drinking water 2. Sunscreen 3. Snacks 4. Sunglasses 5. Jacket 6. Camera, cellphone 7. Extra keys Additions from this list is welcomed! Please! The next Sunday Lotus Drive will be June 1st, details forthcoming.... --Hal __________________ --SKYVUE, '05 Elise SY (I love that car too!) Resident Astronomer Last edited by SKYVUE : 05-05-2008 at 04:14 PM.