ISOA Caravan Guidelines

Typical Daily Schedule

(The specific day's schedule will depend on how far the caravan plans to go, road conditions, number of cars in caravan, frequency of problems, etc.)

• Be ready to start on the road between 8:00 - 9:00 am (or whatever time is agreed upon).
• Optional -- sometimes it is necessary to make a brief "pit stop" not long after the start (for personal comfort after pancake breakfasts, etc.). If necessary, we can make a brief pit stop, often at a highway rest area. But everyone should try to be ready to proceed in about 10 minutes.
• Stop for gas and a stretch about 10:30 am. (Try to limit stop to 15 minutes)
• Stop for gas and lunch about 12:30 - 1:00. (Try to limit stop to 1 -- 1-1/4 hours including getting gas)
• Stop for gas and a stretch about 3:30 - 4:00. (Try to limit stop to 15 minutes)
• Stop for the evening about 6:00 - 7:00
• If desired, meet for dinner (pizza, etc.) about 30-45 minutes after arrival and check-in.

Distance between stops is determined by time of day, weather conditions, car performance, smallest gas tank, weakest bladder, etc. We generally try to go 2 - 2-1/2 hours between stops, sometimes 3 hours. Too many stops can result in arriving at our destination town quite late in the evening.

Hints for Happy Caravaning

General

• Make sure you understand the planned route, approximate distance the caravan plans to travel that day, and the planned evening stop location. Have hotel number, road, town, etc.
• At the beginning of the day, be ready to leave at the agreed upon time. Have a full tank of gas, full stomach, empty bladder, etc. by the departure time.
• If you have a CB radio, tune it to the agreed upon channel.
• Caravan will have a "lead car" at the front and a "sweep car" at the rear. The lead car will do its best to know the route and have a working CB radio.
• The slowest cars (or the car which is expected to be least dependable) should take positions near the front of the caravan.
• The "sweep car" (last) should drive with headlights on so it's easier for the lead car to see where the end of the caravan is. Sweep car should have a working CB.
• Once driving, try to keep a consistent interval between you and the car ahead of you. This helps avoid frequent speed changes farther back in the caravan.
• If you think the caravan is going too fast or slow, call the leader on your CB or signal some other car in some way. However, keep in mind that no two Triumph speedometers read the same. Some can be 10-20 mph off. The leader usually tries to drive at about the legal speed limit. Therefore, it's important to keep your interval with other cars to minimize need to slow way down or speed way up.
• If the caravan needs to make an unplanned stop for repairs, personal comfort, etc. and the group has been driving for at least 1-1/2 hours, fill up with gas if you have a chance. Will prevent getting "out of sync" with the other cars.
• For driving variety (especially on Interstates), switch driving order once in a while by passing a couple of caravan cars or having several pass you. Keeps the "scenery" a little different and occupies your mind.

Communications

• A CB radio is most effective and enjoyable for short ranges. At the start of the day, find out which channel will be used. Use the CB to give instructions, tell of problems, comment on society, etc. Makes the trip seem shorter.
• If you have an operating cell phone, give your number to leader (if leader has a phone) and get other car's numbers. Shouldn't need the phone, but it might help if group gets separated.
• If you see a problem with anyone else's car, try to signal them and explain what it is.

Trouble/Unplanned stops/Emergencies, etc.

• If your car has trouble (or if you need an emergency stop for personal reasons) try to locate a rest area or wide shoulder. Signal caravan leader that you are pulling off. Entire caravan will probably stop if it's safe to do so. If not, caravan will pull off on next exit or road.
• Pull as far off the pavement as possible. Turn on flashers (if you have them)
• If you get out of your car to work on it, try to stay on the passenger side of the car, away from passing traffic. Keep anyone who is helping you on that side too. Don't forget about passing high speed traffic which will be surprised by a number of cars parked along the shoulder.
• When pulling back onto the highway, it usually works best if everyone is ready to roll, then the last car pulls on to the road to "block" for the others. Sounds good but doesn't always work, especially on Interstates.

Leaving the Caravan

• If you decide to (or are forced to) leave the caravan for personal or mechanical reasons, make sure someone knows that the caravan shouldn't wait for you or look for you. Try to inform the caravan leader or sweep car.
• If you plan to meet up with the caravan later in the day or at the evening stop, know where caravan plans to stop for the night. Get hotel phone number, etc. if possible.

Summary

• Remember, this is our vacation. We must have fun.

Jack Billimack 8/24/98