[DVBC] DVBC Rides

Tue Jul 24 22:06:37 EDT 2007

I too, want to say thanks to Clarence for speaking up.  I'm a ride leader, and sometimes, even though I'm not finished having a rest break (and I'm supposed to be the one who gets to decide when to get back out on the road), there are riders on my rides who want to go, go, go, keep it moving, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon.  I'm not saying this is overtly mentioned, but the implication is there.  Hey folks, I lead C rides, and there are C rides for a reason.  Refer to Dom's article in the July newsletter about this same topic.  Looks like this is coming up again and again.    

  Let me make the suggestion to those riders who are anxious to just put the pedal to the metal for the entire ride - no breaks, no waiting, just a kick your own butt kinda ride, you get dropped if you get a flat, etc.  Go find an A ride, and you can do just that.  Or, if you're not about dealing with the dynamics of riding with a group and all that implies, then maybe a solo spin is a better choice.  

  Otherwise, if you're out on an all levels or other than A ride, then be prepared for what that entails, and read the ride descriptions carefully to help you choose a ride that's right for you.  If you're on one of my rides, we're going to set a pace that everyone can manage.  There will ALWAYS be food and bathroom stops as anyone needs them.  If needed, we're going to wait while others catch up, and then when they do, we're going to give them a minute to get themselves together and catch their breath.  If someone gets a flat, we're all going to stop and help that person change it.  We're going to try to keep the group together so people don't miss turns and get lost.  We're going to check in to make sure we all make it through traffic lights and road crossings.      

  Let's also think about what draws new members to the club or any club.  A welcoming attitude and non-clique-ish behavior for newcomers.  Varied rides that appeal to all levels ir ridership.  An opportunity for riders to have some FUN!  This is a sport, that's true, but it's also a positive social opportunity to meet some very nice and interesting people.  For me, C rides stand for community, cooperation, camraderie, sometimes courage (when a new rider comes out for the first time, that's brave, man!), companionship, conversation, congeniality.  I always say when it stops being fun, I'm going home!  It's up to the leaders to set the tone for any ride, and it's up to the ride participants to remember this is a GROUP ride. And did I mention the part about this being FUN?  

  Thanks again, Clarence, you rock!

  Valerie             

Drew Knox <agknox at gmail.com> wrote:
  That's a terrific post, Clarence.

  On 7/24/07, tcupshoch at comcast.net <tcupshoch at comcast.net> wrote:   I've been reading the latest thoughts of Penny and Len, and I agree with them completely.  I participated in the KK ride on Sunday and found it difficult to feel anything but "put down" by some of the riders.  I was truly the 'caboose' on the ride. When I caught up to the riders waiting (I being very tired and thirsty, they were sometimes off when I approached.  On one catchup, I arrived before they left, and shortly after, the leader said-'Ready, Clarence'.  I said" No, give me another 30 seconds. The caboose should be allowed at least a minute of rest."  They went on anyway--Right, Debbie!!  My thanks to those of you who stayed back to enjoy my tired company. You and the good food and service at KK made my day!!!   My bicycle computer registered my average speed at 12.2mph which I don't consider bad or embarassing for a C or All Class ride.

What can be done at DVBC?  Let's inform the membership that ride leadership is available to anyone.  Let's have a short course in training candidates on the essential elements of being a ride leader.  Let's make up a check list for all ride leaders to improve their confidence in heading a group.  Let's appoint a 'mentor' for anyone interested in being a ride leader to provide assistance during his/her first rides.  Let's look at each ride for 'breakaway' opportunities to enable the faster riders to get their needed runs (Len does this on some of his NJ rides). 

I've seen more than enough talent among DVBC members to assure that these things can be accomplished. The end result will be a balanced club that enjoys their cycling and the exhileration that goes with it.

Clarence Shoch

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