BAMD group drives are well planned and organized. Safety of the participants
is our number one priority. Having fun is a close second. In order to accomplish this, we do two things.
First, we limit the publication of route locations and times. A few weeks prior to each drive, at least two
emails are sent to everyone who's on the driving event email list. If you reply to either
email at least 3 days prior to the event, you'll be sent the starting location and time of the drive, plus additional useful information, and we'll
be very happy to have you along.
Due to the highly organized nature of BAMD runs, last-minute
sign-ups are extremely problematic, and are unlikely to be accomodated. Also remember that
the only way to sign up for a run is to reply to an email announcing the run. You can't sign
up for a run by posting on the forum or sending a private message.
The second thing we do is ask every group drive participant to agree to the guidelines below. This isn't a
waiver or release of liability, but it is intended to encourage everyone to understand what BAMD is all about. We
don't want any arguments or discussions about how we handle runs. We've had enough of those to last a lifetime.
We hope you'll agree with these guidelines and have fun driving with us.
BAMD runs are for Miatas only. Runs are split into groups of no more than twelve cars. The
speed of each group differs, but the lead group drives at an aggresively spirited pace, and groups
behind the lead group drive at a pace that is brisk but not agressive. All groups have a group leader
who sets the pace. Most BAMD runs include at least one or two roads that won't accomodate Miatas lowered more than about an inch.
Drivers who have not been on previous BAMD runs, or who have Miatas with stock suspensions or
low-performance tires, will be strongly discouraged from driving in the lead group. We want everyone
to have a good time, but we don't want incidents caused by overdriving in an effort to keep up. Our
runs are for Miata drivers who are familiar enough with their Miatas and have enough back road driving
experience to know what their car can do.
Drivers may switch groups at rest stops. Drivers who are unable or unwilling to keep the Miata ahead
of them in sight will be encouraged to drive in a slower group. Participants who want to drive slower
than the least spirited group will be encouraged to find another Miata club, such as BAMA (Bay Area
Miata Association).
Participants at BAMD events are discouraged from driving any faster than they feel comfortable, and
are encouraged to move back in their group if they feel pushed. Definitions of spirited vary among
drivers, so each participant must evaluate his or her driving skills and comfort in relation to other
BAMD drivers. Drivers must maintain an adequate safety margin, taking into account road width, surface,
obstacles, and visibility, as well as the condition and level of modifications of their Miatas.
Participants who want to drive faster than the lead group will be encouraged to find another Miata
club, such as BAMO (Bay Area Miata Outlaws).
We ask that drivers new to BAMD go to the BAMD website forum and click on the "BAMD Drive Info-Please
Read" thread in the Announcements section. This provides more details about BAMD driving events. If you
still have any questions, please ask.
Since BAMD is not a club, we assume no liability for drivers or their cars. We expect participants
to act as adults. Participants are solely responsible for their own actions and must provide their own
insurance.
Safety is our number one priority on runs. BAMD will never tell anyone how to drive his or her
Miata, but participants exhibiting poor judgement or unsafe driving practices will not be allowed to
participate in future BAMD events. Examples of unsafe driving practices include spinning, tailgating,
poor lines, or incorrect use of the brakes. Examples of poor judgement include passing with limited
visibility, driving too fast near bicyclists, or excessive drifting.
Participants on BAMD runs want to enjoy the drive without worrying about reckless drivers or drivers
falling behind. BAMD does not negotiate, modify, or apologize for the speed of its runs. We want to
create a unique and fun driving experience.
Driving a car is part skill and part art. A lot of cars ask
neither of the driver, but a Miata demands both. It's not a point and shoot car with multiple
computers figuring out what the driver wants to do, and then doing something else. It does exactly
what the driver tells it to. As such, it delivers the ultimate in compliments when it's handled well.
BAMD organizes group drives in part to allow drivers to practice their skills and improve the
art of driving. We believe the best drivers are those who work on three things, in this order:
- Smoothness
- Safety
- Efficiency
Smoothness is key to everything. It's important for both speed and safety, and it's an important
goal in its own right. Smoothness can be felt in the blending of straightaways into turns, the
planting of the tires under braking, and the synchronization of the gears during shifting.
Smooth driving is the art that most accurately reflects the skill of the driver.
Safety is the result of attention, planning, judgement, and driving skill. Speed is not in
that list and for a good driver it's not a component of safety. Judgement is in the list, and good
judgement determines safe speeds far better than arbitrary road signs or vehicle codes. It's
difficult to practice safety directly, but a good driver practices each of the components of safety on a regular basis.
Efficient driving is where skill and art come together. Speed is the essence of transportation, the measure
of efficiency. Efficient driving derives from being smooth and safe. Some
may not agree with BAMD on this, because some people incorrectly assume speed
is the sole measure of safety. But everyone agrees on the need for safety, and
BAMD believes that so long as Miata drivers continue to practice the art and skill of driving, we
present far less of a threat to safety than does the general population.
