Ride Leader Code

 Alaska Dirt Divas: Ride Leader Code

Thank you for volunteering to lead! Following is some guidance for successful ride leading.

 

Leading is not about being the first to the top; it’s about bringing everyone along with you.

 

Being a ride leader is about providing a fun, appropriate ride for your group. A good leader challenges riders and is willing to change the ride based on the group’s needs and/or skill level.

 

Before signing up to lead a ride:

o   Think about trails you enjoy riding and sign up to lead on those trails.

o   Check your schedule to make sure you can be on time and be at the ride for the full time allotted. If your schedule changes, find someone else to lead the ride.

 

Planning the ride:

o   Plan the route (with a friend if you can). If you’re not familiar with the route, practice riding your route for difficulty and time considerations. Remember a group will always take longer.

o   Notice places where you can take a break and check in with the group without blocking the trail.

o   Notice where it may be easy to take a wrong turn.

 

Immediately before the ride:

o   Describe the route/s offered so riders can decide which group is right for them.

o   Be sure to balance how many people are in each group – this may mean changing the ride based on the skill levels of the majority of those in attendance.

o   Conduct group introductions, welcoming riders.

o   Assign or ask for a volunteer to be the sweep (this should be an experienced rider).

o   Discuss trail etiquette, and reminders to be bear aware.

o   Remind people to wait at intersections if the rider behind them is not within sight: No Diva left behind!

 

After the start of the ride:

o   Stop a few times to gauge how the group is doing with pacing or skill level.

o   Pace yourself to not be too far ahead of the group and to not leave the slower riders in the group too far behind.

o   Communicate with everyone and alter the route or pace to meet the needs of the group.

o   Remember: No Diva left behind!

 

After the ride:

o   Check in with everyone, listening to their feedback.

o   Thank them for joining the ride.

o   Invite them to the next event!

o   Enjoy snacks!

 

Ride follow-up:

o   Turn in the sign-in sheet to Gloria.

o   Post photos on MeetUp

o   If a BLM ride, make note of ride route for reporting purposes.