You are here:
BBC homepage >
education and advocacy >
leading a ride
Leading a BBC Ride
by Linda Woods, based on a seminar given by Frank Prosser
Before the ride | Ride day |
Guidelines | On the ride |
After 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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
You are here: http://bloomingtonbicycleclub.org/lead.html
Contact the BBC webmaster .