[Akshay S]

These etiquettes make me feel safe to be part of a convoy. I feel that a good sweeper can actually take care of any eventuality arising. I'm all for it! Let's make sure at the start that the route to the next check point is known to all, to ensure a smooth drive & keep the group together. Just can't wait till Saturday :-D.
Cheers.

[RSUDARSANAN]

Originally Posted by KiloAlpha

Niiiiice! I like! BUT, it ain't gonna happen. I speak from experience.
The best we can do is....

You nailed it "The best we can do" is what we need to arrive at.

Let's cobble up basic guidelines so that we enjoy the drive knowing what is expected of each of us.

PS. The shutter-bugs should also let us know how the photo stops should be factored in.

Cheers

[Dr.AD]

Originally Posted by RSUDARSANAN

http://norrians.tripod.com/convoy_ru..._etiquette.htm

Folks,

Am looking at adopting the best practices from the article, relevant to us, so that we, when in convoy, are on the same page while on the road.

Like, me thinks we are responsible enough to do away with a 'Marshall'.
So also do post your pov/comments for the benefit of all concerned.

Thanks

Nice article! Thanks for sharing this. I also think we are responsible enough and we don't need to stick to every single rule (and we don't need a designated "Marshall"), but nonetheless, it is good to be aware of all the suggested points in the article.

I also agree with KiloAlpha that we can't follow all the rules. My suggestions for the best we can do are:

1. Have a lead car. As KiloAlpha suggested, as the organizer, RSUDARSANAN should be the lead car.

2. As KiloAlpha suggested, at every pitstop, we get a briefing on the next route and the next meeting point.

3. As part of Point 2 above, we also decide on a time window when we expect all of us to gather at the next stop. This time window should cover the fastest possible reaching time and the slowest likely time considering unknown road parameters. If someone does not arrive a few minutes after the slowest likely time, we should call them on mobile and check. Or better yet, if someone is getting delayed beyond the expected slowest reaching tine, they should proactively call lead car (RSUDARSANAN) and inform of the delay. Hopefully this situation will not arise :-)

4. In addition, if there are some tricky turns (which are likely to be the confusing points; those who know the local roads best should be able to identify these), then we can stop there for the full convoy to gather and then move ahead. In other sections, we can pretty much drive on our own.

I think these precautions, and in general being responsible, should get us through quite well.

On a general note, I think the following points from the article (copied verbatim below) are relevant and it will be good if we stick to these:

"
Headlights On:
During daytime: On your "small" lights and your fog lights.
During nighttime: On your headlights and your fog lights.
This is how the rest of the world knows what is going on. Your lights on enable you to see your fellow members and know who is with you. If someone pulls off the road in trouble they are easier to identify in the rear view mirror. Best of all it really looks cool.

Take it easy:
Sometimes not everything goes as planned. Participants in a convoy usually have pretty high expectations and are loaded with anticipation of the day's events. It is important to stay focused on the trip at hand and be able to relax when things get hectic, people get lost, or traffic snarls throw you off schedule.
"

I think we have got it all covered. Once again, many thanks to RSUDARSANAN for this immaculate planning and organization. Lets hope we all have great fun!

See you all on Saturday.

Thanks
-AD

[KiloAlpha]

Googly time!

Hibernating member @lottoman got wind of this drive, and might join in, riding shotgun with me. Highly tentative, he should confirm by tomorrow evening.

[Nikhilb2008]

All talk of the convoy is great, but what about some of us who may just want to let loose for a bit?

We should consider that possibility as well. Which is why informing everyone of the next stopping point is very important.

[KiloAlpha]

Originally Posted by Nikhilb2008

All talk of the convoy is great, but what about some of us who may just want to let loose for a bit?

We should consider that possibility as well. Which is why informing everyone of the next stopping point is very important.

Trust me mate. The only reason we go on these mad drives is to ... as you put it, let loose for a bit.

See ya at the top of the hill.

[RSUDARSANAN]

Originally Posted by Nikhilb2008

All talk of the convoy is great, but what about some of us who may just want to let loose for a bit?
We should consider that possibility as well. Which is why informing everyone of the next stopping point is very important.

Originally Posted by KiloAlpha

Trust me mate. The only reason we go on these mad drives is to ... as you put it, let loose for a bit.
See ya at the top of the hill.

The writer of the article was spot on when he wrote "When you have a diverse group of drivers and car capability, there will be people who think it's too slow and others who say you are going too fast."

As we are all in it together for the fun of it, let's:

A. For those who wish to put the pedal to the metal here are the regrouping points:

1. Before the T junction @ Malavalli where we turn left for Chamarajanagar
2. On the outskirts, before entering of Chamarajanagar
3. On the outskirts, before entering of Bannari
4. On the outskirts, before entering of Mettupalayam
5. On the outskirts before Manjoor
6. At Chamaraj Tea Centre

B. The designated lead car, shall bring up the rest following the convoy principle "It is each individual driver's responsibility to keep the vehicle behind him or her in sight, insuring the group stays together.

Downside, enroute group photo ops may be a casuality. Btw, any specialist photographer in the group ?

C. Three dams are on the way viz., Bhavani Sagar, Gedhai and Kundah. A fleeting thought, do we visit all or any one/two.

Cheers

[Diesel_convert]

Nice planning and thanks for the hard work RSUDARSANAN :-)

About the convoy driving I agree in principle, but on our last drive it was quite hard to maintain .

We can stick to the meeting points religiously and leave only after the last car has arrived.

People are free to stay with the convoy or leave as they please.

I wouldn't mind being the sweeper.

We should definitely exchange phone numbers and car numbers/colours before we leave in the morning.

That should be enough to keep us together through the drive, I hope

Cheers

[krish3]

Originally Posted by RSUDARSANAN

Three dams are on the way viz., Bhavani Sagar, Gedhai and Kundah. A fleeting thought, do we visit all or any one/two.

Cheers

If I join, I wouldn't mind visiting a dam, provided the scenery is beautiful and relaxing.

Also, the group convoy driving needs a committed set of individuals, who are really interested in that. Else the fun is lost and it becomes more like a school parade where kids are forced to march.

Could someone going for the drive please pass on their number? I shall keep Nikhil and the rest informed of whether I'll be able to reach on time (6:45-7PM) at the NICE-Kanakapura road junction.

[KarthikK]

So what's the time we meet up at Kanakapura NICE exit tomorrow?? I'll be covering the meet and greet photoshoot and post it for you guys tomorrow itself!

Since some of you might like to stretch your car's limits tomorrow, just a word of caution - you will run out of mobile signal reach between Chamarajanagar and Sathyamangalam. Better for someone who knows this route to stand near the Bhavani sagar dam deviation and allow regrouping again. If people carry on with the flow of the NH there, they will head straight to Sathy, and no one will be able to contact them either!

Have fun with the Dhimbam ghats , and watch out for mammoth potholes on the straights and hairpins. Some of those can bend an alloy wheel or two.

In case any of you are left with a lot of time and want to try more twisties on the return route, here's an interesting detour:
https://maps.google.co.in/maps?saddr...via=1&t=m&z=11


The only place where you might get delayed on this NH-209 route on the return journey is in Kollegal where the NH becomes narrow through the town and there are lots of buses stopping haphazardly. Everywhere else it is flying time! I strongly recommend you guys use the same route while returning too.

[RSUDARSANAN]

Originally Posted by krish3

If I join, I wouldn't mind visiting a dam, provided the scenery is beautiful and relaxing.
Also, the group convoy driving needs a committed set of individuals, who are really interested in that. Else the fun is lost and it becomes more like a school parade where kids are forced to march.
Could someone going for the drive please pass on their number? I shall keep Nikhil and the rest informed of whether I'll be able to reach on time (6:45-7PM) at the NICE-Kanakapura road junction.

Dam(ning) observation We can take a call @ Nijaguna Residency.

Hellow, its 6:45-7AM and we are looking at an 'Indigo' departure, i.e. all aboard, push back, in our case, hit the tarmac...

Originally Posted by KarthikK

So what's the time we meet up at Kanakapura NICE exit tomorrow?? I'll be covering the meet and greet photoshoot and post it for you guys tomorrow itself!
Since some of you might like to stretch your car's limits tomorrow, just a word of caution - you will run out of mobile signal reach between Chamarajanagar and Sathyamangalam. Better for someone who knows this route to stand near the Bhavani sagar dam deviation and allow regrouping again. If people carry on with the flow of the NH there, they will head straight to Sathy, and no one will be able to contact them either!
Have fun with the Dhimbam ghats.
In case any of you are left with a lot of time and want to try more twisties on the return route, here's an interesting detour:
https://maps.google.co.in/maps?saddr...via=1&t=m&z=11
The only place where you might get delayed on this NH-209 route on the return journey is in Kollegal where the NH becomes narrow through the town and there are lots of buses stopping haphazardly. Everywhere else it is flying time! I strongly recommend you guys use the same route while returning too.

Thanks for your inputs. I suppose Chamarajnagar-Mettupalayam would have to be in convoy mode.
The return itinerary proposed is the same as we are taking, the difference being we are taking the Lovedale route whilst your is the Avalanche route

[KarthikK]

Originally Posted by RSUDARSANAN

Hellow, its 6:45-7AM and we are looking at an 'Indigo' departure, i.e. all aboard, push back, in our case, hit the tarmac...

See you guys at 6.30! Anyone fancy a tea break at Kanakapura?? *spoilsport here trying to delay*

Thanks for your inputs. I suppose Chamarajnagar-Mettupalayam would have to be in convoy mode.

Fantastic stuff Sudarsanan sir! Kudos for the superb organization by you all the way since the past few months. I only wish I could have made it for this full event to join the party. Have fun all of you, and do come back with loads of snaps and videos.

[RSUDARSANAN]

TEAM overnighter:

Thanks for your candid responses. Summarising the best we can do:

- Members are free to stay with the convoy or leave as they please.
- Members in the convoy shall religiously observe "It is each individual driver's responsibility to keep the vehicle behind him or her in sight, insuring the group stays together.”
- Members to stick to the regrouping points cited below (defined by the member reaching the regrouping point first) and the group departs only after the last car has arrived.
- Outskirts= say about 1/2 kms before town limits
- if someone is getting delayed beyond the expected slowest reaching time, they should proactively call lead car (RSUDARSANAN) and inform of the delay.
- cell phone signal drop would indicate regroup and revert to convoy mode

6.30-7.00 am: Rendezvous: Karnataka State Sericulture Research&Development InstituteThalagattapur, National Highway 209, Bangalore, Karnataka 560062
http://goo.gl/maps/WshWQ ; Just park next to that


07.00 am Depart, the convoy starts
08.30 am Regroup before the T junction @ Malavalli where we turn left for Chamarajanagar
10.00 am Regroup on the outskirts, before entering Chamarajanagar
11.00 am dep Nijaguna Residency
12.30 pm Regroup on the outskirts, before entering Bannari
01.30 pm Regroup on the outskirts, before entering Mettupalayam
03.00 pm dep Oasis, Mettupalayam
04.30 pm Regroup on the outskirts before Geddai Dam
05.30 pm At Chamaraj Tea Centre
07.00 pm Taj Savoy

Except the initial departure time, the other times indicated are the expected slowest arr/dep time

Better safe than sorry -
1. Carry adequate water, personal medication, munchies and first aid
2. Carry vehicle documents, preferably in original and your car shipshape.
3. Keep emergency numbers handy, in case of need.
4. Disclaimer: Untoward event/s, if any, shall be the sole responsibility of the member/s involved. Organizer/s, TBHP take no responsibility for such unforeseen mishaps. Nevertheless, rest assured fellow members are at hand to render all possible assistance to mitigate the situation and I have personally experienced that.

See you tomorrow

[Diesel_convert]

Car is washed, fluids topped up and ready to go.

[KarthikK]

Live update at 5.45AM.. I don't see anyone at the NH-209 NICE exit yet . I'll be back in an hour