Leading a BBC ride

Leading a BBC Ride

by Linda Woods, based on a seminar given by Frank Prosser

Before the ride

Choose a route. Pick an existing route for which maps and information are already available, put together a new route seeking out variations of existing routes, or go trailblazing in unexplored territory. (The latter option may not always be suitable for a group Saturday ride.) If needed, the touring director can help you select a suitable route.
Considerations include:
- distance,
- difficulty (hills),
- purpose (social, fitness, etc.),
- pace,
- alternatives (shorter route options),
- stops,
- availability of food and water,
- road conditions, and
- expected total time for the ride.
Social rides can be expected to have a riding pace of 12 to 16 mph. Overall average speed with several stops is about 10 mph; with few stops, about 12 mph. For fitness rides the riding pace is about 15 to 18 mph; the average speed with few stops is about 15 mph. High speed rides (not for club tours) would be 20+ mph, nonstop.
Be prepared to bring maps of the route that you select. Popular route maps are collected in the BBC ride packets. Or make your own map or cue sheet.

Ride day

Come about 10 minutes early. If you can't lead your scheduled ride, it is your responsibility to find a substitute.
If the weather is bad and you don't want to ride, go to the meeting place and designate a de facto ride leader from among the riders who may show up.
Greet newcomers. If you sense that a newcomer might not be prepared for the ride, you can start a conversation asking if the person has ridden with the BBC before, has ridden with other clubs, what sort of rides the person likes to do, and how often (s)he rides. It's to the advantage of both the newcomer and the regulars to forestall a mismatch of abilities or intentions.
Hand out maps. Briefly explain the route, pace, etc. Note any hazards such as gravel, dangerous curves, etc. Point out food stops and specify at least the first regrouping point. Traffic signals in town often fragment the group at the start of the ride, so the first regroup should be close to town, after the major impediments are past.
Review rules and practices for club rides. Remember that there is more at stake on a club ride that just the individual's enjoyment. Our club represents bicycling in south central Indiana. Wherever we are seen people will draw conclusions about bicyclists. It is particularly important that groups of bicyclists behave in an exemplary manner.

Guidelines

Helmets are strongly encouraged. Every rider is expected to wear one. Headphones are not allowed; their use on a club ride is dangerous and antisocial.
The goal is to stay mostly together, not in a pack, but in small groups. Ride off the front and you are on your own. Fall off the rear and the leader or another club volunteer will stay with you. Riders should plan to regroup under the direction of the leader. If riders intend to do otherwise, they should inform the leader and form their own ride.
Good riding habits are required. (Review the How to Ride in a Group booklet). Obey all laws for drivers of vehicles. Ride predictably. Signal turns and position yourself properly. Don't blow by cyclists (or cars either) stopped at an intersection! Point at or call out road hazards. In the rear of the group, call "car back." Single up promptly when a car is back. Regular riders with the club should already have developed good riding habits and their example will help newcomers learn appropriate riding habits.

On the ride

Early in the ride, note how newcomers and weaker riders are doing. If someone seems unlikely to finish the ride at an appropriate pace advise them courteously to leave the ride. If you catch this early you can avoid burning out or discouraging a potential new member. Suggest that the rider come to a Nice 'n Easy to get a comfortable calibration, and mention that people who come to the easier rides for a few weeks will soon be able to manage more strenuous rides.
The leader may ride anywhere in the group. If convenient, ride near the front of the main pack to make decisions about stops, detours and any changes. It is the ride leader's responsibility to see that no one gets left behind. In certain situations it is appropriate to designate a sweep. It then becomes the responsibility of the sweep to see that no one gets left behind. At regrouping points, give the stragglers time to rest before you let the group ride off. Regrouping points can also provide an opportunity for someone else to take a shift at being sweep for the next portion of the ride.
In case of a mechanical breakdown, injury or other emergency, the ride should stop until the situation is clarified. If the problem is serious you may have to alter the plans for your ride. You may wish to appoint an alternate ride leader to continue on with the group while you and some others assist with the problem. Don't leave a single rider alone. If a repair becomes complex or impossible, there will be no one to ride on to notify you, and no one to help the rider get home. Don't move an injured cyclist more than absolutely necessary. If necessary send another rider to call for medical help.
Enjoy the ride, even with your added responsibilities.

After the ride

Write up the ride for publication in our newsletter. The write-up may be one sentence or several pages, depending on your inclination and the events during the ride. Submit any photographs you may have taken during the ride along with your article. Photographs make a ride all the more memorable.
As a gesture of friendship, it's nice to call a rider who had trouble and left the ride early.