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Ride leader notes
Thank you for volunteering to lead a mountain bike ride.
BEFORE RIDE DAY
- Be familiar with the route. If possible, ride it within the previous couple weeks, keeping an eye out for detours, easy-to-miss turns, washouts, downed trees or other potentially dangerous obstacles and rest stops. The more recent your knowledge, the more helpful you can be to others.
- Compare the route you have ridden to the Team Evergreen map. If there are notable differences announce them at the start of the ride (and perhaps mark them on the maps).
- Bring maps (if possible), rider waiver/sign in form, accident report form and TE membership form.
- Write yourself some notes of things you want to announce to the ride group at the start of the ride (see #L below) Have a contingency plan ready to go. Items to address would include:
- Is there cell phone reception?
- Know the “escape” routes along the course to get (injured person) out.
- Have a first aid kit and “space blanket” in the event of extreme weather changes
- Having spare parts for trailside repairs
- Knowing in advance, who will be going on the ride.
- If there is someone you know is already familiar with the ride, “deputize” him or her to help with ride responsibilities (they might lead while you take clean-up).
RIDE DAY MORNING
E. Check the weather and the forecast, but don't believe everything you hear. Our rides are 'go" if the temperature is 40 degrees and the trails are not muddy at starting time. Iffy weather can quickly become very agreeable. If conditions are borderline, please show up at the starting place, chances are that other riders will be there.
F. Leave home in time to arrive at the starting place 15 minutes before the scheduled start.
G. Make sure that your contingency plan is working and up to date.
AT THE STARTING PLACE
H. Set yourself up in a location that won't interfere with traffic or parking. A tailgate or car hood can be used for maps and sign-ins.
I. As people show up, remember you represent Team Evergreen and shape its image. Resist the human tendency to pay more attention to people you know than to strangers.
J. Have everyone sign the waiver before they ride. Team Evergreen welcomes nonmembers and members' guests, but everyone must sign the Waiver & Release. This point cannot be emphasized enough!
K. Make sure everyone has adequate equipment for the trail and clothing for the weather. Let the riders know to use 911 in case of emergency, as this is how Alpine Rescue is dispatched.
STARTING TIME
L. At the scheduled starting time, ask everyone to gather within listening distance. If you talk long, you'll lose your audience. Points you might cover include:
- Introduce yourself as the ride leader for today.
- Ask if there are people riding with Team Evergreen for the first time. Welcome them, encourage membership, and ask current members to say hello during the ride.
- Encourage people to ride with a ‘buddy” and to let you know if they do not intend to complete the whole trip.
- Make sure that you explain what the waiver is and what it represents (only riders that sign the waiver have the option to use TE insurance)
- If you or a member of the Team Evergreen Board has brought newsletters or tour brochures, take a minute to promote membership, tours, and volunteering.
M. Last minute announcements before ride
- Ask again if everyone has signed the waiver, (give out Cliff Shots, maps, etc.)
- Remind everyone of the Team Evergreen safety rules.
- Reference: These are the DRAFT Yielding Regulations for JCOS as of 6/23/09
- 6.4.1.C.25. Failure to Yield Right-of-way:
For the safety of park users, all users must yield the right-of-way to equestrians;
bicyclists and other wheeled users must also yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. - 6.4.1.C.26. Passing on Trails:
C.26.a. Natural Surface Trails: At no less than ten (10) feet of approaching
another trail user from any direction, slow to a walking pace, communicate
and gain the attention of the user being passed. Pass single file at no more than
five (5) miles per hour when oncoming traffic is clear. Stop when necessary to
allow passage. When the lateral distance between you and the user being passed
is greater than five (5) feet without leaving the trail, you are required to slow
down, communicate and gain the attention of the user being passed, and pass
safely. Stop when necessary to allow passage. - Wear your helmet at all times while on your bike
- Explain the role you will play as leader or sweep (see #p below).
- Announce any important points about the route/map.
- Ask if anyone has a question.
- Wish everyone a great ride!
AFTER THE SCHEDULED START
N. These remaining duties assume that you, the 'leader, will also designate the sweep. If you are leading the ride from the front of the pack, you will need a designated sweep for a large or diverse group. There is always a balance between being sure the group knows the route, which requires good directions and leading, and keeping some semblance of unity to the group. This can be done by setting up a meeting place mid-way through the ride.
O. Remain at the starting place for no more than 10 minutes or so for late-comers. Punctuality will encourage riders to be on time for the next ride.
P. Ride the route at a pace which is between the slower and the faster of the days riders. If you are extra-thoughtful, you might carry some extra supplies (tools, tire patches) which could solve other riders' problems.
Q. Offer tactful advice to less than expert riders and stop for riders with trouble.
AFTER THE RIDE
R. If the weather is bad or you feel someone is long overdue, consider riding the route backwards to find and help the straggler. If that's not warranted, you might call the person's phone number later in the day. If an accident report form is filled out please notify Chris Porter (303) 888-9001.
S. Mark one copy of the map with any significant changes in the route and . . .
T. Return the map and signed waiver form to the “Mountain Bike Ride Coordinator”:
(Team Evergreen, P.O. Box 3804, Evergreen, CO 80437)
Once again, Thanks!