Ok,
I volunteered to be a ride leader for the ECC long ride this weekend before the picnic.
Steve twisted my arm.
I will lead but ask the following of the group.
It will be a Blue/Yellow Ride of 60-70 miles.

• Obey all traffic laws.
• This is a group ride, if you want to ride alone, leave before or after the group. A group ride stays together for the whole ride.
• Any rider experienced in pack riding may "lead the pack" - for part or all of the ride. Whomever is leading is expected to keep the speed at 15-18 mph avg.
• The ride leader is expected to keep an eye on the pack. If the pack gets spread out, the leader is expected to slow the pace.
• Sweeper - it's preferred that an experienced cyclist ride at the rear to assist inexperienced cyclists with cycling tips/repairs as needed.
• We stop as a group for anyone in the group, someone may have the tool, knowledge or spare to keep us all rolling.
• Ride single file except in areas where it is safe to ride side by side.
• When riding in a pack, look at "shoulder level" of cyclists in front of you to allow you to see what is occurring ahead of you. Look further up the road than just the cyclists in front of you. Fixing your gaze on the back tire of the person in front of you does not give you enough time to react should the entire group slow down!
• It is the responsibility of the sweeper to notify the cyclist in front of them that a car is approaching from the rear by saying, "Car Back." Each rider is expected to pass the caution towards the front in order that all riders can take appropriate action - usually "thinning" the pack to single file or closer side-by-side.
• It is the responsibility of the lead rider to notify the cyclist behind them of approaching issues by saying, "Jogger Up, Cyclist Up" or whatever potential danger is approaching. It is the responsibility of each cyclist to pass the caution back.
• Any object big enough to knock you off your bike should not only get a hand signal but a verbal signal as well. (Look out!!!)
• Hand signals, instead of words, are used to warn riders of potential danger on the roadway. In a pack, oftentimes, the only cyclist who has enough visual warning is the front cyclist. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the lead rider to warn the cyclists behind them. If the lead cyclist (or the cyclist in front of you) shakes their hand, pointing to the ground to the right, that means there's a pothole, branch or some obstacle to the right. Shaking of the left hand, pointing to the ground, means there is an obstacle to the left. If the lead rider puts their hand behind their posterior, that means to follow right behind them as there might be obstacles on both sides. If the lead cyclist puts their right hand down with the flat of the hand facing you, that means the lead cyclist is slowing down or coming to a stop.The lead rider comes off  the front with a flick of the elbow on the side that he wants the next rider to pass, most of the time this is the right, but not always.
•  If you are in the lead and are ready to let the person(s) behind you lead, there are several options. If we are in two columns, the front riders smoothly slide to the outside and let the next two riders gradually ride through to the front. The previous leaders let the columns of riders pass through and then catch on the back. If we are in a single column, the lead rider smoothly drops to the side where the wind is coming from. That allows the next rider to pull to the front without also dealing with the wind.
• The lead cyclist is responsible for determining when it is safe for the group to "ride through" a stop sign or stoplight. However, look for yourself, don't assume, and if there is any doubt, signal you are stopping verbally and with hand signals to warn the riders behind you. I have always liked when the lead rider waits in the intersection to clear the pack through.
• It is the responsibility of each cyclist to operate their bike in such a manner as to not offend motorists, pedestrians, etc. While not required, a "thank you wave" to a motorist who yields to the pack does make friends! A "hi" or "good morning" to others leaves a great impression. Yelling and flipping folks off accomplishes nothing but the possibility of 3-5 ton hammer trying to nail your ass.
• Avoid slowing down abruptly or making any other sudden moves. With the size of our riding groups, a nasty group spill could occur.  
•  Do ask questions of more experienced riders when you are not sure what is occurring.

cowboy 

(a.k.a. Mark Lewis)