Ride leaders make our club work. This one-page guide and a little bit of common sense will allow you to lead a ride that is safe and enjoyable. Plan a ride today! At least that way you can be sure there will be a ride you like on a time you can make it.

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    1    Pick the ride:

Choose one of your favorite rides or get a ride and cue sheet from one of these excellent sites.
Club Route Sheets

www.ctbikeroutes.org 

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    2    Plan the ride: 

 a    Pick a date and time – Check the calendar in the Member's Area for open days

 b    Pick a starting location – This should be easy to find with parking 

 c    See if you can get a co-leader – This is a help, but you can often recruit someone on the spot 

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    3    Publish the ride:

Submit the ride online or send an email with the ride description to submissions@ctcycle.org. Use the format used in the Newsletter or copy the event description from the ride library. Don't forget to add the date and start time as well as your contact details including your cell phone.

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    4    Promptly cancel the ride if you are ill or if the weather requires it:

• Event leaders: Please send an email ASAP to submissions@ctcycle.org so that we can promptly send out a cancellation notice and minimize the likelihood of a member turning up at the start location for an event that has been canceled.

• Members: Please reach out to event leaders ahead of an event if the weather looks challenging to ensure that it is indeed being held. Their contact details are included in the event description. 

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    5    Lead the ride: 

 a    Before the ride: 

•    Print and bring copies of the Cue Sheets with your cell phone number 

•    Bring the Rider List / Release Form along with a pen. Have riders enter their cell phone number and bring it with you on the ride. 

•    If possible bring some extra water and snacks 

•    Bring a cell phone if you have one for emergencies. 

  b    At the start of the ride: 

•    Show up 15 minutes early & don’t leave until about 10-15 minutes after the start time. 

•    Welcome the people and have them introduce themselves. 

•    Have them fill out the Rider List & Release form with their cell phone number & hand out Cue sheets 

•    Describe the ride (Difficulty, speed, duration, regrouping if any, lunch and water locations) 

•    Assign a sweep. 

 •    Give the riders a short Safety discussion 

    a.  Everyone is required to wear a helmet - no exceptions

    b.  Head lights, tail lights and a rearview mirror are strongly recommended

    c.  A puncture repair kit (spare tube / patch / tire levers / Allen keys / C02 inflator) is strongly recommended

    d.  Follow all the rules of the road (stop signs, traffic lights ...) 

    e.  Ride single file except off-road or on-road with no traffic 

    f.   Keep a safe distance 

    g.  Signal road hazards 

    h.  Water and snacks are important. If you have extras see if anyone needs some. 

    c    On the ride 

    •    Keep to pace listed, regroup occasionally and keep a headcount 

    •    Stop for lunch or snacks. 

    •    Have riders let you know if they want to ride ahead. Try to assign an experienced rider to go with them. 

    •    In case of accident stay with the rider if at all possible. Call 911 or send others for help with time, location & accident description. Have them report back. 

    d    After the ride 

• Share information about SCCC and its activities. Invite them to join & hand out cards if you have them.

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    6    Follow up with SCCC:

    a    Complete and return the Rider List / Sign up Sheet 

    b    See how easy it is? Now plan your NEXT ride !