Planning the ride
- Know your route. A cue sheet is not required, but, if you do not have one, it is considered good practice to indicate this fact in the newsletter announcement of your ride.
- If you do have a cue sheet, double check it for errors and unmarked turns.
- It is a good idea to take along a detailed map of the area.
- Check food stops and bathrooms open on the day of the ride
- Road conditions checked by car or bike this week
- Short cuts and emergency procedures worked out.
At the start
- Everyone must complete and sign release form before riding
- Distribute cue sheets if available
- Helmets are required
- Check riders for water bottle, spare tube or tire, pump, tools
- Assess capabilities; ask how much riding has been done
- Appoint a sweep, especially if the group is large
Opening remarks to the whole group
- The route, planned stops, potential hazards
- How I want to lead; waiting at turns; allowing space for cars
- Ask riders who leave to tell leader or sweep
- Take a headcount
- Leave within 10 minutes of published starting time
On the road
- Keep to listed pace, unless there is a unanimous vote to change
- A rider who expects that pace must not be left behind
- Any rider who goes off the front is on his or her own
- Your responsibility is the riders behind you
- Take a head count at each stop
- Regroup as necessary, but get the bikes off the road when stopped
- Allow motorized traffic to flow; signal turns and hazards
- Give instructions on getting back to any rider who cannot keep up
In case of emergency...
Mechanical failure
See if the parts and or skills are handy, or arrange for a pick-up of the bike and rider.
Serious injury
Leave at least one rider with the person, send two to call for help. Call the rides chairperson within 24 hours and help fill out an accident report.
Inconsiderate drivers
Avoid confrontation. Know the law. Communicate in a non-belligerent, non-antagonistic way.
Principles for Leading a Good Ride
- To have fun is to plan, to do, and to make adjustments
- Our responsibility is to ride at the published speed
- We must be assertive without being bossy, to lead by example
- The standard for safe riding is ours to establish
- We share the road with motorists; fighting is silly and dangerous