Join others for a weekday event that involves breakfast and a fun, short drive!
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7TH
Itinerary
10:00 am - Meet at Big Daddy Bagels, 106 N. Rubey Drive Ste. D, Golden, CO 80403 for food, coffee, and socializing.
11:00ish am - Depart for a short drive. We will take Golden Gate Canyon Road down to Blackhawk and then return to Golden. The drive length will be 43 miles, 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Google maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ihLSaDbcXbjdzbd17
2-way radio channel to be used: Channel 20, sub channel 24 (also called tones or codes). Please set this on your radio before arrival.
My phone number is 719-221-1891. Please call or text should you have any questions or suggestions.
Z Series Car Club of America
Basics of Convoy Driving
All drive participants must agree to abide by the following requirements.
Requirements for Participation in Group Drives & Convoys
Convoy Driving Best Practices
*All participants must have a smartphone or GPS device and be provided with a Google Maps link or GPX file ahead of time. A paper turn-by-turn document can be helpful as well, which can be printed out from the Google Maps link provided by the route planner. Review the drive route before arriving.
*All participants must be given the drive leader’s phone number.
*All participants should have a GMRS or FRS 2-way radio with fresh batteries.
*A radio check on the assigned channel will be done prior to departure.
*All participants will show up with a full tank of gas and an empty bladder.
*Use the provided opportunities for food, fuel and restroom breaks to keep the group on schedule.
*The drive leader sets the pace. Choose a position within the group that suits you. Generally, faster drivers are closer to the front. Passing within the group is not allowed and never overtake the drive leader or fall behind the sweeper. Do not ask other drivers to drive faster or slower. Wait until a rest stop to change your position within the group.
*At the drive leader’s discretion, it can be helpful to break up groups larger than 12 cars into 2 groups. These groups should depart with a 10-15 minute gap between them and use a different radio channel.
*Each group will have a drive leader and sweeper, and a relay if the group size requires it.
*Drive leader: leads the group and follows the route as planned. He/she will use the 2-way radio to call out turns and road hazards.
*Relay: As the FRS/GMRS radios have limited range, a group of 10 or more cars may put the rear of the group out of radio range of the leader. The relay acts to repeat calls from the leader or the sweeper that they may not otherwise be heard.
*Sweeper: The sweeper is the last car of the group. The sweeper reports to the drive leader as they complete each element of the route (like a turn). The sweeper will also notify the leader if anyone in the group has an issue, or if the group is held up by any circumstance (like a red light) which the leader may not be aware of.
*The drive leader will hold a driver’s meeting before departure to assign a relay and sweeper, assign a radio channel, talk generally about the drive, answer questions and discuss the following rules of the road:
*Headlights on, not just daytime running (parking) lights. This indicates that you are part of a group.
*You are responsible for the car behind you. Make sure that car follows through turns at intersections. If you see a car in distress, radio the drive leader. All cars should slow down or pull off when safety allows. ZSCCA has a “no driver left behind” policy. If someone has trouble, another participant will stay with them until the issue is resolved. If someone goes missing, the group will make every effort to reconnect. NEVER leave the group without notifying the drive leader first.
*Use your best judgment when coming to a yellow traffic light and err on the side of safety. If the group gets separated at a traffic light or for any other reason, the driver leader will pull over and stop when a suitable and safe location is reached and wait for the group to reform. Obey all traffic signs, signal turns early and continuously.
*Choose the right lane on a highway and allow interlopers to enter the convoy. It is not desirable but a matter of public safety. Passing interlopers should be done one car at a time. Do not slow down after passing so that the convoy car behind you has room to reenter after they pass.
*Never drive in an aggressive or hazardous manner. You will endanger yourself and all other cars on the road.
V 1.0 1/2024
Z Series Car Club of America
Proper Use of 2-way Radios
The FRS/GMRS radio is an indispensable safety tool in convoy driving. If you plan to travel with us it is strongly recommended to buy a set (they usually come in sets of 2). Buy radios that utilize sub-channels, and include headsets or earbuds with an inline microphone. Most of the time, it is very difficult or nearly impossible to hear radio transmissions with the top down without a headset or earbuds. Headsets or earbuds can be purchased separately as well. Below are best practices for radio use.
*Your drive leader will choose a channel in advance and announce it. If you have a GMRS radio, choose a channel below 7 or above 15 for the most powerful transmission. Do a radio check with your group before departure.
*Your drive leader will assign a sweeper (and a relay for larger groups) for ease of communication and safety.
*If you have a voice activated microphone (VOX) you must disable that function to avoid inadvertent communication.
*Have your radio charged up or have good non-rechargeable batteries installed.
*Find a secure place within your car to place the radio so that it will not impair your driving. Many radios come with a seat belt clip. This will prevent the talk button from being pressed accidentally and interfering with the drive leader's communication. It also is a safety measure in case of an accident or abrupt turning.
*When starting to talk, press the talk button and wait 2 seconds before speaking. If you don't, your first few words will not be heard. Position the microphone approximately 2-3 inches away from your face, not up against your cheek or mouth.
*The two-way radios are not to be used for idle chatter. Communication between the drive leader, relay, and sweeper is paramount and must not be hindered. Any other talking is limited to important direction, location, start/stop points or emergency information only.