Submitted by John Morgan
Touring is always a great way to enjoy your Model A and we have multiple tours during the year that are run by both old and new members. As a long time tour organizer and participant, a tour will run more smoothly and SAFELY if some easy tips are followed:
- The Leader (meet-head) provides readable directions. (large enough font for those of us visually impaired) Mileage for each direction is a plus but not required.
- The route should provide for stops at least every two to three hours with restrooms available.
- Provide cell phone number of the Leader and any other participants whose cell is known.
- The Leader leads the tour. Drivers with no passengers should be in the middle of the pack.
- Followers should follow at a reasonable distance behind the car in front of them.
- If on the open road, maybe a little more distance is acceptable.
- If in an area where there are several traffic lights, or several turns, stay closer to the car in front to minimize missing a light or turn.
- When continuing on the same route direction and the car behind gets caught at a light, keep going till they catch up. (that will usually happen quickly)
- When a route direction says to make a turn, assure the car behind you can see you make the turn. If not, wait for that car in a SAFE PLACE until they can see you and make their turn. ( If no safe place, and they miss the turn, blame it on them for not keeping up!!)
- If you have car trouble, pull over where safe for you and others behind you. Call the organizer to let him know your status.
- Everyone should be able to keep up. Leader should only need to stop if someone calls him. LINING UP AT THE EDGE OF THE ROAD WAITING FOR ALL TO CATCH UP IS DANGEROUS AND USUALLY NOT NECESSARY.
Let’s make this touring season the best yet. Driving our “A”s is what this club does best.