Ride Leader Script

Ride Leader Script

The goal of ride leading is to have drama-free rides that are fun for everyone.  If you want to learn more about ride leading, this page is for you.  Contact ridecoordinator@ffbc.org if you have any questions.

Click HERE for a printable version.

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1. Decide whether to be a ride leader
   • Review the ride leader qualifications and tips.
2. Decide to ride

2. • Find a route, ensure it is appropriate for your target riders, determine its pace, decide whether it will be “no-drop”, “drop and wait” or “drop.”
   • Submit the ride to the ride calendar (if 3 or more than days out) or post to info discussion board (if within 3 days).  Set expectations, note route challenges.
   • Optionally, advertise the ride a day or two ahead by posting an announcement to the info discussion board.
   • Decide to modify, delay, reschedule, cancel based on weather, road conditions, air quality, illness, etc.  If within 3 days, announce on info discussion board.
3. Prepare to ride

3. • Print the required documents:

1. • • Road Ride Sign-in sheet or MTB Ride Sign-in sheet (2-sided, landscape) to make the ride official.
     • Incident form (2-sided, portrait) just in case (and hopefully not needed).
     • Minor consent form (1-sided, portrait) for Road Rides, only in case a parent forgets to bring one.  All minors (<18) must have consent forms for Road Rides. Only adult members (18+) are allowed on MTN Bike rides – no minors or guests.

3. • Put the forms and 2 pens in a plastic bag that will fit in jersey pocket or bike bag
   • Recommended – Pack first aid items: calcium tablet (e.g., Tums for cramps), Benadryl (bee sting), bandages (minor cuts), etc.

4. At the start

4. • Document the ride

1. • • Sign-in riders, ensuring legibility in case you need to use the phone numbers, to make the ride official and protect yourself and the club.
     • Check for minor (<18) waivers to protect yourself and the club.  Minors <16 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
     • If a co-leader, snap a photo of the sign-in sheet.

4. • Set ride expectations

1. • • Introduce riders so new riders feel welcome.
     • Ensure everyone has your mobile number to text if delayed, mechanical, lost, abandoning, etc. call if emergency (after accident protocol, below).
     • Make sure phones ringers are on. 
     • Review ABCs:  air pressure, brakes, chain not stuck.  Ensure riders have helmets with snug chin straps.  Ensure sufficient hydration, nutrition.
     • Review safety and etiquette expectations.
     • Preview the route to the first regroup; announce any safety concerns and the first meet-up point.

5. During the ride

5. • Sign-in late riders at the next regroup.  Don’t stop everyone at other locations.
   • If a rider has an accident:

1. • • Do not hesitate to call 911!
     • Follow the protocol on the incident form in your plastic bag of docs.
       
     • Always ensure the safety of the rider. 
     • Decide how the remaining riders get back to the start safely (e.g., deputize a co-leader).

5. • If a rider becomes ill:

1. • • Determine how that rider will safely finish the ride or arrange for the emergency contact to pick up the rider. 
     • Never let the rider ride back by themselves.

• • If a rider has a mechanical:
    • Move to somewhere safe.
    • Leave someone to help
    • Tell remaining riders to go to a safe spot (e.g., next regroup) to wait.
• • At each regroup:

1. • • Count the riders to ensure everyone is there.  Call a missing rider and decide where to reconnect (e.g., regroup or coffee
       stop).
     • Coach riders of safety and etiquette if you saw any deviations.
     • Preview the route and any safety issues to the next regroup.
     • If descending, have riders re-check air pressure and brakes. 

6. After the ride
   • Count the number of riders to ensure everyone has arrived.  Call a missing rider and determine what action needs to be taken.
   • Scan and email the sign-in sheet to the Pedal Pounder Coordinator.  The information is at the bottom of the form.
   • If there was an incident resulting in an injury or property damage – regardless of whether a claim will be filed – complete online incident entry form.