Ride Leader/Group additional?

Seems we are getting larger and larger groups which makes keeping track of everyone much more difficult. The last few rides/events I have seen between 15-20 in a group. Regardless of how much it is stressed that: "EACH MAN IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RIDER BEHIND THEM" in a group this large there always seems to be someone who does not get the importance, may get into a lul, riders change order...etc.
I have no golden answer but one idea might be in a group that big, for the leader to stop ever so many miles, 30 seconds? and take a head count?

A rider this last weekend was down and missed, thankfully not lost, but I don't want anyone missed either.

I think most have agreed the ideal group size is 5-7, 5-10...

One thing I did on my 5 May ride was ask for a mid pack lead/sweep I trusted. Also having led my first ride I think it important or helpful to have a good wingman as a lead. That let me concentrate on the route and know I had someone watching the part of the group behind me.

Practically every ride leader knows this tale. It's a bummer. I've had maybe ten out of 120+ rides that I've led result in separations. Several patrols were 20+ riders. Here's what I learned through the years ...

Before rides, I try to point prospective riders to the Safety page: http://www.backroadstouring.org/kansas/safety.htm

When riders are gathered, I verbally go through it again in the safety meeting. Then, at subsequent rest stops, will occasionally reinforce the concept. (am I repeating myself?)

Once groups start to click and think as one unit out on a recon patrol, group separations become fewer and farther between. It's up to the ride leader, wingman, and sweep to gently educate the other members as to the importance of keeping track of their buddy.

Best ... Roger

Its not complicated, people just need to watch their mirrors for the guy behind them.  Its easy to get wrapped up in the fun and forget to do this.  Some guys require more 'reminding' of this task than others.  The bigger the group, the more this is important. I don't think we need to kick this dead horse any more