Before you set off, make sure you know who is leading and who is the nominated back marker. This knowledge may come in very handy if a problem arises.

Every rider in a group owes it to those following for them to see where the front of the group have gone.

Whilst riding every person on the ride should make it his (or her) duty to periodically check that the person following is actually there. This should be done at every intersection or change of direction and also whilst riding along a trail. Each rider should wait for the rider behind to see the route you are about to take.

If they're not then stop and wait where you are, most likely they will soon come into view. There is no need to worry about losing the man in front, because before long that rider in turn will be waiting down the line. If everyone in a group does this, any problems at the back of a group will become apparent to the leader, because before long, no-one will be following. The leader will turn back and run back along the route to find the problem.

The lead rider never needs to get off the bike.

The second rider at a gate, gets off, opens the gate and holds it open for the rest.

The third rider rides through the gate and takes over at the gate from number two. 'Number three' then closes the gate after the 'back marker' who pauses for "Number three" to pass in front.

The 'back marker' never gets off to shut gates and instead just concentrates on being ready to rescue the 'lame ducks'.

Through a succession of gates, the person who is the number two and three will change continually thus giving everyone in turn a piece of the action. Follow this system and quite a satisfying rate of progress can be maintained.