Ride Leader "Stuff"

Direct any questions you may have to the Touring Coordinator at bicyclistsofiowacity@gmail.com

Ride Leader Guidance Summery

10) Give, mail, or e-mail the sign-up sheet to the Touring Coordinator. - Nick Maddix, 2812 Sterling Drive, Iowa City, IA 52240-3045 at bicyclistsofiowacity@gmail.com - 319-594-2857

Detailed Leader Guidance Information (read this if you are a new ride leader or need to review)

Introduction

As a ride leader, your general responsibility is to ensure that riders has a safe and enjoyable experience. Each ride is different, and thus you may need to "cater" to different rider experiences. Your commitment to leadership is far more important than your riding speed! Don't worry if you don't know everything there is to know about bicycling, chances are there is someone else on the ride that may know what you do not know. You don't have to be the fastest rider in the group to be a ride leader either. A more in-depth list of your leadership functions follows below.

Before the Ride

You'll need access to a Ride Liability Sheet and various Maps. Save and print them to a computer or to some form of external media. (CD-R / Flash Drive, etc.) Starting in 2008, participating riders may be required to print maps based on their own needs, and so this will no longer be a responsibility for the ride leader. Until then, print a general basis of five to ten copies. Larger rides will obviously need more materials, so contact the Rider Coordinator if you have any doubts. Riders can always group up and share accordingly. Don't forget to select the option on the printer to print in Black & White only if your printing any other maps other than the regular BIC maps! (Unless you actually want a colorized map, of course)

If you find that there is a conflict in your schedule, or are not feeling well enough to lead the ride, then please contact the Touring Coordinator in advance if at all possible. Advanced warning allows us to potentially find a replacement ride leader.

You might find it a good idea to transport your bike via a motor vehicle. Part of your responsibility is to ensure that all riders are accounted before, during and after the ride. However, if riders choose to branch out on their own at anytime during the ride, or are ahead of the group, it will not be required by you to look after them. Take special notice and care of the slower riders. If you are able to assign a "sweeper" (a rider who bring up the rear - watches out for the slower riders), then be sure to instruct them on their duties and responsibilities (Read further).  Have them sign the rider sheet under "Sweeper".

Carry a cell phone if at all possible, and write your number on the ride maps. If a sweeper is involved, exchange numbers. Communicate accordingly during the ride.

A sweeper generally does one thing and that is to look after the slower riders. Should a rider be unable to finish the ride for whatever reason, it is the sweeper responsibility to stay with them at all times. Contact the ride leader and/or arrange a transport to pick up the rider. The leader may be the one to pick up the rider if they have a suitable vehicle to transport both the rider and the bicycle. After all is said and done, finish your ride or hitch a ride with the rider leader if space is available.

In some cases where riders may be going for longer distances, a sag wagon may be used. This is a motorized vehicle that can transport riders and gear from and to a location. In situation where heavy traffic is present or during exceptionally big events, this option may be used to help accommodate riders. Obviously if there is a sag wagon present, then a sweeper is not needed during the ride.

Weather may play a factor for rides. A rider leader's responsibility also is to check the weather forecast at least two hours before a ride. You can do so easily on the main page of the website. Generally rides should be cancelled if any of the following condition apply:

• Heavy rain/snow falling   
• Heavy fog   
• High Winds   
• Lightning & Thunderstorms (Severe Weather Warnings) 
• Temperatures below 32°F/above 90°F (Heat indexes above 90°F, Wind Chill below 32°F)  (check the dew point)
• Air Stagnation Warning  

**Note that exposure to full sunshine can increase heat index values by up to 15 °F (8 °C).

Use your best judgment for any given situation. Check the Hourly Forecast between ride starting time(s) and about the time the ride will end. Also, check the Road Construction Reports (displayed on the left frame pane) and adjust the ride route accordingly to bypass the construction. Later on, you might contact the Touring Coordinator and inform him on potentially hazardous conditions that were present on the ride, so that he can spread the word and help adjust future rides accordingly should it be necessary.

Arrive at least 20 minutes before the ride's starting time. This allows you ample time to greet riders and to get everything ready for departure. Be sure to have every attendee sign the liability release form. If the Touring Coordinator is present at the ride, you can turn in the sheet before departure.

Assist the bicyclists in organizing compatible riding groups. Also assure that each group has someone with bicycle know-how (fixing flat tires). If groups are not a feasible option, just and have generally everyone stick together (faster riders are, again,  the exception).

During the Ride

Stick to the route at all times if possible. Ride as far right as is practical. Watch for careless riders and motorists. Represent the group in a respectful manner to everyday citizens. Call out your intentions when riding  If sweeping, stay with the slower rider(s) at all times. Arrange for everyone to meet up at an easy-to-find location at the ride destination (a Casey's is generally a good bet).

Take note of weather and road conditions. If conditions rapidly change (this is Iowa, anything can and WILL happen) adjust the ride accordingly. Having a portable radio on hand may be useful. Review above in "Before the Ride" for additional tips.

After the Ride

Account for all cyclists (with the exception of those who did not stick with the group). Sweep the ride if need be. Assist when necessary if any troubles arise.

Give, mail, or e-mail the sign-up sheet to the Touring Coordinator sometime after the ride. (E-mail is suggested, scan electronically as an e-mail attachment if at all possible) The contact info is provided below:

Nick Maddix
2812 Sterling Drive
Iowa City, IA
52240-3045
Phone Number: 319-594-2857 (Generally, leave a voice message)
E-mail: moonlightrose44@gmail.com, OR bicyclistsofiowacity@gmail.com

As always, any questions or comment can be directed towards the Touring Coordinator at anytime. I'm here to help you in any way that I can! Happy riding, and thanks again for leading a ride! If you would like to volunteer for future rides, I'll add you to the "list" and a ride leader recruiter for any given month may contact you.

Last updated: 11-13-2007