[DVBC] DVBC Rides

[Ira Josephs]

This certainly sounds like a good topic for the board to discuss. I think 
ride leader training and mentoring is a very good idea. I would be willing 
to mentor new ride leaders. I would bet that you might find other clubs 
(SCU, BCP, Lancaster BC) have materials for such training that they would be 
willing to share.
In a nutshell, I would say that the ride leader is responsible for the tone 
of the ride. It is helpful to explain to the riders at the start what to 
expect and then follow through with the plan you have outlined. The leader 
is responsible to those on the ride who are adhering to the advertised pace. 
(The only thing is I don't even think many of our ride leaders know what the 
pace is that corresponds to the letter classification.)
Ira
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <tcupshoch at comcast.net>
To: "DVBC" <dvbc-list at dvbc.org>
Sent: Tuesday, July 24, 2007 8:26 PM
Subject: [DVBC] DVBC Rides


> 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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