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RIDE LEADER 101
( The short version)
Leading a ride is a simple, straightforward process. If you would like to lead a ride, but don’t know where to start, call the current Ride Director (Julia Parker 827-4018), or any of the other club members who have led rides (Dave Larson, Pat Larson, Terry McAfee, Tim Sullivan, Nicki Humphrey, Lauren Farrar, Ernie McNeill, Ted Rowe, Gary Ide, to name a few) and he or she will help you through the process, which is also summarized below:
Select a date and time for the event; if
possible chose a time to avoid conflicting with other club rides. Go
to the club website, and open the Dynamic Calendar page to see currently
posted rides.
Decide where you want to ride or select a
route from those listed on the website (see
“Route Sheets” link). Note – some routes, such as a simple out &
back course, do not warrant a route sheet. If there is a route you
would like to do for which there is no route sheet, contact the Ride
Director.
Post the ride on the website. To do
this, open the Dynamic Calendar, then log in using “Procrastinating” as the
user id, and “Pedalers” as the password. Just follow the directions on
the website after you log in, and your ride will be published. Check
the Calendar again after posting to ensure that all the information is
correct. If any errors appear, contact the Ride Director for editing
the entries.
Download the sign in sheet/ liability waiver forms
from the “Ride Leader Information” on the website. From the “Route Sheets”
link, print enough copies of the route sheet for everyone to have one.
At the ride start, have each rider sign the forms (people under 18 must bring a signed "Minor Release Form" and give it to you prior to the ride) and take a route sheet. Once all the riders have arrived, introduce any new riders, discuss the route briefly for any first time riders, identify regroup points (if any), and enjoy the ride.
After the ride starts, remember you don’t have to lead a ride from the front of the group.
Creating New Route Slips
Ken Bartholic, our previous Club Ride Coordinator has decided to introduce route sheets for the majority of Pedalers road rides. There are two reasons for this: First, it will ensure that all riders can follow the same route after the group splits up (due to different riding speeds, hills, etc...); no one will get lost – this is especially important for riders new to the club or new to Reno. If a new rider gets dropped on his or her first club ride, and has to find a way back to the starting point, we probably won’t ever see that rider again. Second, having a library of route sheets will make it much easier for club members to lead a ride – just pick out a route, post it on the website, print a few copies of the route sheet, and show up for the event.
I’ve initially created route sheets for 8 rides and posted these on this website.
You will also find a tabular Microsoft Excel spreadsheet with road segment distances on the website. This represents all of the distances I’ve measured to date; as more are completed, they will be added to the table and allow other route sheets to be created.
The reason these are posted is to allow club members to create routes. I’ve also included a template of the route sheet for this purpose. One minor caveat – All such routes will be reviewed by myself and other club members knowledgeable on the local roads, to ensure that any route we publish is as safe as it can be given the local traffic conditions, before publishing on the website. If you wish to build a route slip, follow this link to Route Building 101.
If you are aware of a route suitable for a club ride and don’t want to create the route sheet, just forward the information to me by calling 853-3824 and I’ll be glad to assist.
I look forward to working with all of you. I hope this approach encourages ride leadership and adds value to our club.
- Ken Bartholic, Procrastinating Pedaler Ride
Coordinator