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Ride Leader's Guidelines

Thank you for leading one of our rides.  The following is a guideline to assist you when leading a ride.

Download the Riders' Participation Sheet HERE

Information for first-time ride leaders:

Plan to start the ride near a Met train station, or in a place where there is ample all-day parking if possible.  To obtain train times call the Met on 13 1638, or at www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au.  Also encourage riders to make use of the $3.10 Sunday Saver tickets if possible.  If starting in the city, Federation Square is a good meeting spot.

If uncertain of the ride route, it can be a good idea to survey the ride a few weeks prior to the ride to test the hardness, the distance and check your navigation.  It is a good idea to avoid heavily congested, busy roads which can be unsafe and unpleasant to ride on.  A well-surveyed route can find safer, more enjoyable alternatives.

On the day, allow a bit of time for late arrivals and sorting out time.  Meanwhile pass around the ride sheet for people to sign and collect ride money.

• Ride fees are $3 for a day ride, $5 for a weekend or $7 for a long weekend.

Once riders are gathered, do introductions before giving a brief description of the ride route and where you’ll likely be stopping for morning tea or lunch. 

It can be a good idea to provide riders with maps and written instructions in case they become separated from the group.  Also provide riders with your mobile number if you have one and carry the ride list with phone numbers with you.

You may wish to ask an experienced rider to ride at the back and see everyone is alright and ensure no one gets lost.

Attempt to keep the group together as much as possible.  Stop periodically to wait for slower riders and allow them a rest.

As a ride leader you must always encourage riders to observe road rules, to ride safely and behave responsibly.  Riding in a large group can sometimes be unruly and unwieldy.  Discourage this from happening.  Encourage riders to make hook-turns when turning right in busy areas.

Remember to enjoy yourself.

Preparation for the Ride:

• If organising a weekend ride, we encourage you to collect a deposit to ensure people make a commitment to the weekend.  It is also advisable to collect the balance at least 2 weeks prior to the ride.
• Send out a reminder email about a week before a day ride and several weeks before a weekend ride, with another reminder about a fortnight beforehand.  Try to include all the relevant information, and do a bit of a sell to stimulate interest.  Send this email to yhacyclingvic@yahoogroups.com.
• It is advised that leaders carry the club First Aid kit.  Contact the previous ride leader to obtain the kit, or phone Susan (goblues@netlink.com.au).  Ride leaders should also carry a puncture repair kit and a mobile phone can be handy.
• Print out a copy of the ride sheet and take it along to the ride.  Remember that the ride leader puts their name first on the ride sheet, and is exempt from paying the ride fee.
• Also take a pen, a bag to collect all the monies in and a bit of spare change can be useful.

After the Ride:

• When the ride is finished, fill out an electronic version of the form with names, email address, phone numbers and at least the postcode, carefully transcribed and email back to Mark, at address below.  Alternatively, hand the ride sheet to a committee member, or if this is difficult, contact Mark and make alternative arrangements.
• Deposit the money in the YHA cycle account: Westpac Bank BSB 033 083, account no. 116949, South Yarra Branch
• Send an email to Mark, proforma below.

To: Mark.Burns@PSNWorld.com

Subject:  Ride details

Hi Mark,

Ride Date:

Ride Name:

No of Riders (not including leader)

Amount of monies collected:

Date Banked:

Receipt No: