Leading an SCC Ride
Guidelines concerning novices, new members and guest riders. (now referred to as The Guest )
Objectives.
- The run is primarily for our members to enjoy and accomplish.
- The guest also should enjoy the run and not be put off cycling.
- If the above are achieved, we may have a new member.
Responsibility.
- The leader decides if the Guest can ride, not other members.
- Having done so, you must be prepared to take responsibility for their well being, in the event of a ‘bale out’, returning home with them, or delegate their return to a run member. Delegate a substitute run leader as necessary to complete the ride.
- Before half way to the café, access how The Guest is doing? Can they make it comfortably?
- The Guest must provide a ‘contact & home phone no. & address.’
- Check their food and water, be prepared to share your supply.
- Check their spares, tyres, etc., can the group ‘cover’ for likely eventualities?
- Check their clothing, The weather could be a big factor for a novice?
The Approach and Assessment.
- Try to be friendly and tactful in discovering The Guests capabilities.
- Ask what experience they have?
- How fit do they think they are?
- Tell them about the run, destination, distance, time and speed.
- Do they think they are up for it?
Assessment.
- Do they look OK?
- Is their bike OK? Old and badly kept? Brand new and unsuitable?
- A cheap fully suspended mountain bike, with knobbly tyres, beware! Conversely, a fit cross country rider on a ‘hardtail’ MTB, on slicks could be fine. BMX, no way!
- IF IN DOUBT, SAY NO.
- If there is time, give advice, and ask them to return when better prepared.