some face and neck warmth as well as permit your helmet to slide on easier. There are also various styles of face masks to provide additional protection in very cold weather. Leader and Trail Rider The first step is to choose a leader and a trail rider. The leader should be an experienced rider who knows the area and the trails. The trail rider should also be experienced and have knowledge of the area and trails. The leader and the trail rider count and agree on the number of people in the group. This number should be checked periodically to make sure everyone is accounted for. The group leader handles navigation, designated the road crossing methods (see below) and set the pace for the group. They signal all turns and oncoming traffic to riders behind. The trail rider always rides last, ensures that everyone is accounted for, assists anyone who has a problem, keeps count of any departed riders, and never lets anyone fall behind. Group Rides The group should always stay together, in single file. Riders should change positions in the line with great care. No one should ever pass the leader or fall behind the trail rider. If riders leave the group, they should tell the trail rider, who can advise the leader at the next stop. Riders should leave adequate following distance. Three or four sled lengths is a good following distance or reasonable trail speeds. Increase following distance as trail speeds increase. All riders must relay hand signals to the rider behind them. This is critical at turns. Make sure the rider following makes the correct turn. If the following rider is out of sight, stop and wait for the rest of the group to catch up. 44