please arrive at or before the departure time. The event leader should always allow enough time to arrive at
the destination at a reasonable pace, while taking into account pit stops, traffic, the occasional wrong turn
and any unexpected delays.
When parking in a business parking lot, use the back areas of the lot out of the way of paying customers.
1. LEAD VEHICLE. The event leader is typically the lead vehicle. Where a large group is in attendance,
he/she may request the large group separate into two smaller groups for easier management. In this case
there will be two group leaders.
2. KEEP UP. Traveling in a group is one of the benefits. It is important for you as a member of the group to
keep the car in front and in back of you in sight. If you or those around you are having problems keeping
up then contact the leader immediately and ask him/her to slow down or pull over to allow us to regroup.
This ensures that no one gets lost or falls too far behind.
3. BE PREPARED. When the group is ready to roll, do not dawdle. This includes all stops during the event.
Also help those who travel solo and communicate immediately to the leader if you see an empty car when
the group is ready to roll. We especially don’t want to leave anyone behind.
4. COMMUNICATE. During an event each member plays an important role in helping the other members
follow the leader. Communicate what is happening on the road in front of you such as hazards and when
you get stopped by a traffic light. Always use your turn signals. If you feel sick or need a pit stop, speak up
as soon as possible. If you pass the lead vehicle or if you pull over and wave the sweep car past, you have
effectively left the group and are on your own.
5. DRIVE SAFELY & WITHIN LIMITS. At all times each member is responsible to remain alert and to operate
his/her vehicle safely, within traffic regulations and within the vehicles and his/her own limits. We do not pass
other Miatas to play cat and mouse. Do not tailgate. Never pass on double yellow lines or on curves.
Pass only when legal and safe. Use common sense and obey the law. Positions at the rear are best for you if
you wish to go slower.
6. SWEEP VEHICLE. The car in the back has a very important role in the group. He/She has the best view of
the group and can monitor the distance we are spread out on the road. He/She must communicate with the
leader to help keep the group together.
In Summary....Give the miles lots of smiles. Be courteous while driving. When we drive as a group, we tend to
dominate the road. Therefore, we should be extra nice to the other motorists out there. If others are trying
to pass us, let them. If a member of our group wants to pass you, let him/her. Speeding up to push through a
“red” light, honking our horns in residential neighborhoods, cutting people off, and making unsafe passing
maneuvers will just make Miata owners everywhere look bad and could lead to someone getting hurt. Also be
extra nice to the members in our group. Allow another member to “cut in” in front of you when we are
passing slow traffic on a divided highway. This helps keep the group together in a crowded area. Cell phones
come in handy but becareful to “drive safely”. Cell phones CAN distract your attention from the road so use
them sparingly while driving.
Have real “MIATATUDE”. Again, we are all here to have fun, so remember that these guidelines exist to help
ensure that everyone has a good, safe time. If something doesn’t go according to plan – hey, that’s life. Part
of the fun is “u-es” which are u-turns. We have now experienced a few “o-es” which is going in circles when
the event leader forgets to turn the correct way. If you do not know another Miata driver, make the 1st step
to introduce yourself. For us “old timers”, we have learned that this is a family – NOT just a club. Welcome
everyone with enthusiasm and enjoy the ride!!
ZOOM ! ZOOM ! ZOOM !
