Tdf Ride Leader Resources

How To Be A Ride Leader

Pre-Ride Preparation:

1. Sign-up for a Sunday in April through October to lead your ride. Sign-up by contacting the ride coordinator for that month.

2006 Ride Coordinators:

April	Art Moswin
May	Craig Newlander
June	Emily Greenberg-Gorman
July	Robert "Binny" Orenstein
August	TBD
September	Julie Hochstadter
October	Gail Harkavy

2. Select a Route:

a) Select a start point/meeting place (which will also be the ending point).
b) Determine the distance of your ride.
c) Select appropriate rest stop locations.
Spots to allow riders to regroup, rest and hydrate. Ideally with restroom facilities.
d) Select a spot to stop for lunch.
e) Be familiar with the ride route. Make note of potential hazards: heavy traffic, construction, etc.
f) Prepare maps or directions to distribute to all riders on the day of the ride. Ideally, including a cell phone number in case riders have bike problems, medical emergencies or get lost.

3. Fill out the "Ride Leaders Ride Information" form and e-mail to Mike Macygin, the webmaster, at tdf@tourdefriends.org NO LATER THAN 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE RIDE DATE. Mike will add this information to the Tour de Friends website and it will be referenced in the evite.

Here is a list of the information which is included on this form:

Ride Date:

Leaders Name:

Contact Info: (preferably cell phone or a number that can be called on Sunday)

Ride Distance (in miles):

Approximate Pace (mph):

Meeting Place:

Directions to Meeting Place:

Terrain Surface: Gravel or Asphalt

Tire Recommendation: Slicks or Nubbies

Highlights of Ride:

Lunch Spot:

Additional Rides Possibilities:

a) Consider the possibility of teaming up with another ride leader for your ride date. One person to lead a faster, longer ride and one to lead a slower, shorter ride. It has been suggested that there are many people who would ride more often with the group if the rides were a little slower paced (ie. 10-12mph) and there are people who have mentioned their willingness to lead these slower groups.

b) Consider the possibility of scheduling an afternoon ride followed by dinner. It has been suggested that this can be nice in months when the days are longer and not terribly hot (ie. in June).

Day of the Ride:

1. Arrive at the meeting point ten minutes early.

2. Give a brief introduction/overview:

Introduce yourself.
Give a brief description of the ride.
Review the pace and difficulty.
Distribute maps or directions and make sure they are clear.
Review known hazards on the route.
Review safety considerations. Remind riders to...
- Follow all traffic regulations (ie. stopping at stop-signs and red lights)
- Use hand signals
- Ride in a single-file on the right side of the road
- Point out hazards to other riders
- Use voice signals when appropriate (car-back, passing on your left, etc.)

3. Ask everyone to introduce themselves. Encourage making it a fun day.

4. Only allow riders wearing helmets to ride.

5. Take a headcount of all riders. Have riders inform you if they leave early.

6. Select a sweep on rides with a large number of riders. This is someone to stay behind all riders to be sure no one gets left behind and to handle any problems which may arise. Make sure that the sweep rider has an accurate headcount to keep track of the riders.

During the Ride:

1. Follow the route plan. If you change the route or regroup points, make certain that all riders are aware of the change. Do not change pacing or difficulty, unless all riders agree. If your class of ride waits for stragglers, wait for them. Suggest that faster riders go ahead but meet with the group periodically; optionally suggest a longer and/or more difficult route for the faster riders.

2. Enforce good riding practice.

3. Keep track of all riders. If there is a physical or mechanical problem, solve it before continuing the ride. DO NOT EVER ABANDON A RIDER. Get medical help if necessary.

After the Ride:

1. Account for all riders. Thank them and ask for comments on the ride.

2. Get the names of the riders to include in the summary report of your ride.

Summary Ride Report:

Write a brief summary of the ride and e-mail it Mike Macygin, the webmaster, at tdf@tourdefriends.org, to post to the website and include in the newsletter.

Canceling the Ride:

If you must cancel, contact the ride coordinator for that month as soon as possible. Have someone at the meeting point to inform riders that the ride is canceled or hand out the route sheets or map and appoint a substitute ride leader.

Additional Informational Links:

Rider Tips

Handling Injuries

Cascade Bicycle Club Ride Leader Guidelines