[DVBC] DVBC Rides

[tcupshoch at comcast.net]

Most of us are concerned about assuming a leadership position such as a ride 
leader.  Those of us in the slower speed zones attend rides, but taking on the 
job of ride leader raises questions in our mind. Some of these are:

What are my obligations to the club?
What are my obligations to the riders?
Do I need a cue sheet?  How do I make up one?
How do I keep the group together (like Valerie does)?
Can I give faster riders an opportunity to exercise their skills (like Len 
does)?
Can I promote a clever feature (like Drew, Debbie,and Bob Martin do)?
What is my liability as a leader, and what protection does the club provide?
When should I stop the group and caution them about coming hazards (like Mike 
does)?
What if nobody shows up?
Additional questions are probably lingering in the minds of any potential 
candidates.

Each of these can be addressed and each seems like a minor issue, but in the 
aggregate, they become a major stumbling block.  If we want to get new leaders 
to handle rides at the C level, we'll have to take steps directed toward individuals
 to  encourage, cajole, entice, seduce, or conscript them into stepping forward.  

Clarence Shoch