How to successfully complete a weekend cruise
Posted Sep 21st 2011 3:30PM
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Let's not kid ourselves, large group cruises have been in the news more than they should as of late, due to a certain occurrence that took place a few short weeks ago in Vancouver. It is unfortunate when the drivers of vehicles going on a group drive can't contain themselves and end up putting others lives in danger. With the turning of the seasons we thought it would be a good idea to go over some ground rules to set everyone up for great fall driving that is both safe and fun, especially since there were lots of driving roads listed to visit in our top 10 Canadian drives article.
We tagged along on an exotic cruise organized by a stand-up individual from a large car forum that was complete with Ferraris, Porsches, BMWs, Lotuses, a Maserati, a Dodge Viper ACR and a Lamborghini Gallardo Supperleggera. Everyone on the cruise could not thank the organizer enough; he took a lot of time out of his schedule to do a pre-drive of the almost 400 km route and planned the day with a high level of impressiveness. He went above and beyond to contact a restaurant where the group would be meeting following the drive to ensure accommodations would be available and even had a file folder full of map outlines and routes for each vehicle. This is a great precautionary measure in case of the inevitable event that a select few become separated for one reason or another. This time around the drive would pass through the Lake Muskoka area in Northern Ontario.
Our drive this past weekend went wonderfully, in large part in thanks to the well-orchestrated organization that came to fruition. We would like anyone else venturing off onto a scenic Canadian drive to look through a list of 10 steps on how to organize and complete your own weekend drive by clicking past the jump.
Related GalleryLake Muskoka Cruise - September 18, 2011
10 steps to having a fulfilling and safe group cruise:
1. Have one person take the lead for organizing the day and keeping everything as well as everyone in check. This may be as simple as an individual stepping up to the plate for the task or having a quick general consensus vote.
2. Give the leader some time to organize a route and to develop a master plan for the drive.
3. Once at the meeting point for the start of the drive, listen for the leader to go over some simple ground rules – these should generally include safety matters and any road condition concerns to express before heading out on the adventure.
4. On the safety matter – always ensure that all drivers and passengers follow all rules and regulations of the road. Be sure to always wear your seat belts, practice defensive driving, focus on the road ahead and pay attention to your surroundings while respecting all others that you share the road with.
5. Let it be known that everyone is responsible for their own actions and irresponsible
drivers will be asked not to participate. Everyone in attendance should be there for the same reasons, to enjoy the drive and sights.
6. Before taking off it should be made clear that the scheduling is just a basis outline and that it is best to stick to the originated plan as close to as possible. In some instances the times of scheduling may alter, and it is up to the group's discretion.
7. Be sure to follow the leader in a single order. The leader knows the route best, and even if you have a passenger or GPS navigating the way for you it is very easy to pass a turn and risk being left behind.
8. Depending on the size of group participating in the cruise it can be next to impossible for everyone to stick together the whole time. If everyone has maps and understands the route before leaving this should pose no problems. There should be short rest stops along the way for washroom breaks and gas that will allow others to catch up and rejoin the group safely.
9. Use General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) walkie-talkies. They can be had fairly cheaply and depending on your driving location you can avoid costly long-distance and roaming charges on your mobile. Hands-free adaptors are also sold for these units and it can give everyone in the group an opportunity to be connected throughout the drive should anything happen.
10. The last step is the best one – enjoy the sights and have a fun drive! Know that when you get to the last stop some good food will be awaiting, as well as engaging conversation with interesting people. Spend some time with the others to talk about the drive experience and share stories.
Happy trails!
Image Credit: Copyright 2011 Daniel Ponzini / AOL
