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Couple things learned.
>Communication is key.
Rider B and myself ride/guide together often. The two of us are good about reading each other, and knowing what's going on.
Rider A is a solid rider, but has little experience with groups that aren't at a high skill level. Leading a group where half the riders had almost zero experience was far out of his comfort zone. Things that wouldn't be a problem for his usual group turned into a major issue for this group.
>Assumptions
also played into the incident. Rider B assumed without confirmation that we were to follow A. We (B, C, 1, 2, 3, 4) all assumed he knew the route, not that he was unsure and was looking for a "checkpoint" or familiar area.
We should have been one more ridgeline over.
>Good riders aren't always good guides.
Some people are naturally good at reading a group of riders of all skill levels, and keeping things challenging for everyone but not overwhelming the less-experienced. Not everyone has that ability. I pick up on this a lot more now, and it makes me appreciate those that have that ability a lot more.
>Communication
yes, again. Especially with riders you don't ride with regularly. Keep an open attitude, where input from all riders is taken into account, and "there are no stupid questions".
Having equipment (two-way radios) and/or standards (hand symbols/gestures) established before heading out, and using these tools, helps with communication within the crew.
A lot of the hand gestures I use now come from diving standards.