Thank you for volunteering to be a ride leader – you are an essential part of the club. Your role is not a “coach” You are not allowed to coach on-the-road. You are helping to make the ride as safe as possible, welcoming to members (new, old and guests!) and rewarding.
Ride Coordinator/Primary Leader
- Make sure a Ride is posted to the club website at least a week in advance
- Include a route map link (eg to http://www.ridewithgps.com)
- Arrive at the starting point in plenty of time and be on the lookout for new riders and welcome them
- If the weather is poor (eg possible ice), then change the route to something suitable – the club has a series of recommended winter routes
- The preferred group size is 6; avoid groups greater than 8; split into smaller groups as appropriate, agree a ride leader for each group and set-off with at least two minute gaps
- Ride Leader
Every member of GS Avanti is required to have individual third party liability insurance. This may be provided through membership of a cycling organisation such as British Cycling or Cycling UK. This insurance provides legal support and compensation settlement if a third party brings action against an individual rider. The club itself also has third party liability insurance provided by British Cycling as part of our affiliation to them. This insurance extends to all club officials acting on behalf of the club, including ride leaders. Guest riders, not yet members, are covered as ‘individuals’ for up to three rides by the club insurance.
- Individual riders are responsible for their own actions during the ride and this includes the ride leader – always ride safely and follow the highway code
- Give the Group a short briefing before the start – introduce each other, provide a short overview of the route, and explain likely organisation (e.g. re-grouping at hill tops)
- Ask someone to act as a “rear gunner” to assist in ensuring riders don’t get dropped or lost at the back
- Run at the guided pace unless the group agrees to go slower/ faster. If the pace is clearly too fast for one or more in the group, then slow it down. Individuals should not continually be on the limit
- Never leave a rider or group to find his or her own way at a junction. Always wait at every junction until everyone is with you – that is the responsibility of the group as a whole.
- Pay special attention to new riders to ensure they are comfortable riding in the group. Educate on basic group riding skills and hand signals if necessary during the ride – and encourage experienced members to do likewise – but remember, coaching is not allowed
