Choosing a Sweep
The bloke who rides at the back of the group should be one of the best riders. He needs to be able to ride the entire route with ease, because he’ll have to help others in tight spots. He needs to be fit because it can be heavy physical work, and he needs to be very good mechanically so breakdowns can be solved quickly. He also needs to be able to make good decisions under pressure. He’ll be the one dealing with injuries, crash damage and blokes who aren’t coping, so quick evaluations and rapid solutions should come easily.
The sweep should carry as many spares and tools as he can. He should also have the sat phone if one is available, and know where any back-up vehicles will be at various times of the day. These, by the way, should always be held as close to the group as possible – they’re no good 150ks away at a pub if someone breaks down in the middle of the afternoon. It’s all part of the planning. The sweep should also have great people skills. He’ll be the one keeping tired riders going, reassuring the injured, and consoling the bloke with the dead bike. A good sweep is a special bloke; everyone in the group should look after him in return, appreciating his efforts. Beer at the end of the day works for most.