Thoughts about the ride leader gig?

Hi Claire-

Quoted message said:

Have you lead rides for your bike club?

I led some informal (non-club) rides last spring & summer for a group of
folks preparing for the Seattle to Vancouver BC ride. I enjoyed that
experience enough to go through the training/certification process to
lead rides for the local club. I have led or co-led about 6 club rides
so far.

Quoted message said:

Do you like being a ride leader?

Yes, I have enjoyed the leader role so far. I've not had to deal with
any "incidents" yet, however.

Quoted message said:

What kind of rides do you like leading?

So far I've just led rides for folks new to group riding. I've found it
rewarding to be able to impart my small amount of knowledge of group
riding, and to see the smiles on the faces at the end of the ride.

Quoted message said:

What kind of rides do you like going on?

The "newcomers" rides have been fun, but I personally prefer a bit
higher pace, and greater distance. The non-club rides I did last year
were in this faster, farther category. I plan to offer a few of these
through the club this summer.

John Calnan
http://www.calnan-web.com/weblog

Claire Petersky said:

Have you lead rides for your bike club? Do you like being a ride leader?
What kind of rides do you like leading? What kind of rides do you like
going on?

I lead our Sunday Social Ride occasionally. If I can't, I try to make
sure someone does! This is our main ongoing outreach opportunity, so it's
important it goes on unless the weather is truly terrible.

I don't mind being a ride leader, and I'm happy to lead anything that
needs leading. I don't do it a lot because others have already taken the
lead, so to speak, plus I'm often too busy to make commitments.

I think all clubs should try to have something for everyone, plus an
atmosphere that makes it easy and comfortable for newcomers to join.
Besides a no-drop policy, it's important that people never feel like
they're holding anyone up. So besides a committed "sweep" group, bigger
rides should have predetermined shorter options, etc. The faster and more
experienced folks will always find ways to entertain themselves.

I really like the idea of riding to some scenic/historical/culinary
destination, but most people have a hard time getting back on the bike for
the ride home after sitting awhile.

Matt O.

"Claire Petersky" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Have you lead rides for your bike club?

Yes.

Quoted message said:

Do you like being a ride leader?

Being a leader is OK. If it's a familiar route, I personally like sweeping
(being the last guy at the back). That's where the unusual stuff tends to
happen.

Quoted message said:

What kind of rides do you like leading?

I don't lead a lot of rides, but last year I led everything from a "very
slow" 10 m.p.h. maximum 20 mile ride to a fast century. Leading a fast
out-and-back century with the wind against us for the back half was a bit
much for me, though.

Quoted message said:

What kind of rides do you like going on?

Bike rides 😉

Claire Petersky said:

Have you lead rides for your bike club?
Do you like being a ride leader?
What kind of rides do you like leading?
What kind of rides do you like going on?

I regularly lead rides for my club, the Capital City Cyclists, here in
Tallahassee. The term "lead" is a bit of a misnomer since I actually
ride sweep.

The ride leader provides a map and cue sheet to those who want one and
gets each rider to sign a waiver that says that neither I, nor the
club, is responsible for nuthin' nohow even if it is our fault..

Most of our rides have a long and a short option. If there is a short
option, the ride leader rides sweep on that one. While serving as a
ride leader I usually ride quite a bit slower than if I am riding at my
own pace, but it gives me the opportunity to meet new riders, many of
whom have become good friends.

Since I am riding sweep, many of the riders I ride with are folks who
have recently gotten into riding and don't have a lot of experience
riding with groups. I use that opportunity to offer tips on group
riding safety and ettiquette.

I normally volunteer to lead the sort of rides that I really enjoy,
i.e. ones that avoid city or suburban traffic and go out into the North
Florida/South Georgia countryside.