Ride Leader Responsibilities

Planning the Ride

1. Establish the start, destination, and route. If possible ride the route the day before the ride to check for new construction, detours, etc.
2. When deciding on the pace of the ride, note that club guidelines specify that the pace is the speed the ride leader expects to ride on a level road without appreciable headwind or tailwind. The pace should be given in a range of 2-3 mph, e.g. 16-18 mph. If the ride leader intends to permit either sprints or a faster pace, then a “+” should be appended to the end of the pace speed, e.g. 16-18+ mph.
3. Post the ride to the Ride Schedule using the form on the EBC website. If the ride is within the next 4 weeks, also send a message to the list server at least 24 hours in advance of the ride start.

At the Ride Start

1. All members and guests must sign in on an official Club Ride Sheet that includes the Club release and liability waiver. Both members and guests must provide an emergency contact (ICE) number, unless they are wearing a Road ID bracelet. Guests refusing to complete the liability waiver may not participate on the ride. If a guest wishes to receive Club membership information, they should so indicate on the form. Ride Leaders should carry the Ride Sheet with them on the ride. In the event of an emergency, the ride leader is to provide the emergency medical personnel with the contact information.
2. Make an announcement at the beginning of the ride describing the ride, including the speed, distance, time, general route, difficulties and dangers, rest/regroup points, and any other pertinent information. Remind riders that they are responsible for their own safety and that they should share the road with motorists.
3. It is recommended that Ride Leaders carry a map of the area (or GPS) in case an alternate route is needed, a first aid kit, and a cell phone (if they have one).
4. Know how many riders you have. In order to reduce the risk of losing a rider, consider one of the following methods:
1. Ask for a volunteer to be a sweep rider.
2. Ask each rider to be aware of riders behind them and to make the leader aware of any riders who may be falling behind or out of sight.
3. If the size of the group warrants, consider splitting the ride into smaller groups and appointing section leaders. Provide the section leaders with the route.

Leading the Ride

1. Adhere to the advertized speed of the ride.
2. Ride Leader should make sure all riders have crossed intersections (e.g. at traffic lights) and/or made the route turn before disappearing out of sight. Keep the sweep in sight.
3. Ride Leaders and riders should show respect for motorists and to “share the road” by moving to the right when taking a break or regrouping, and permitting automobile traffic to proceed through an intersection rather than “blowing through” forcing drivers to yield.
4. When “car back” is called this should be verbally passed forward and all riders must move to the right in single file.
5. Riders who can maintain the posted speed should not be dropped.
6. Riders not able to maintain the speed or distance should be offered an alternative to completing the scheduled ride.

After the Ride

1. Complete the Ride Sheet and send it to the Data Base Manager within 30 days of the event.