Group Ride – a simple & fun way to contribute to the group

The following are helpful hints to ensure the success of your next group ride.

1)   Post your ride info on the NWTA Calendar. 

Include as much info as possible so that people know what to expect.  Basics include:  Who, what, where, when, how... 

Include estimates (if you have them) for skill level, distance, time, miles, pace, description of typical rider you want (beginner, intermediate, advanced, gonzo).  For a description of these terms see http://nw-trail.org/forum/rides-events/general/2758

If you have them, include web links of trails maps or info about the meeting location

2)  Get the word out via the NWTA Face Book, Twitter, and your other favorite list serves.  Keep the message brief and include the web link to your event on the NWTA calendar. 

Goal is to have the NWTA website be “the go to” location for all of our ride and trail info.  FB, Twitter, and other list serves should be used to direct people to the NWTA site.

3)  Prior to the event, print a copy of the NWTA Ride Waver which is located on the NWTA site under Resources/Forms.

4)  At the trailhead, do introductions and have people sign the NWTA Ride Waver.  Encourage people to include their email for future reference and/or for follow up (especially helpful for being able to follow up with new people).  As a precaution get an emergency contact and phone # in case someone gets hurt and a family member needs to be contacted.

Note: the waiver is used to protect both the club and you as the ride leader. After your ride retain a copy of the waiver for yourself and send the original to: Northwest Trail Alliance, P.O. Box 1846, Portland, OR 97207-1846. You may also scan and email the waivers info@nw-trail.org

5)  At the trailhead share the ride plan and what is expected from the other riders.  Good communication here prevents confusion later.

• Get a head count
• Stop at all trail intersections as to not loose anyone
  • A “Relay” can be used for trails have multiple trail intersections which are slowing down the ride.  Make sure everyone know what a "Relay" is before using it. 
• No one leaves the group without telling the ride leader.  This prevents the group from having to look for a person (or people) who are not really lost. 
• If the group brakes into smaller groups, clearly communicate who is with who and get new head count(s).

6) No one is left behind.  Make sure everyone makes it back at the end of the day.

Leading a ride is as simple as thinking ahead and taking the time to communicate with others.

Think like a Boy Scout.  Be Prepared!

If you follow these simple suggestion everyone will come prepared, and everyone (including you) will have a good time.

Additional  resources

http://usscouts.org/advance/boyscout/bsoathlaw.asp

http://www.more-mtb.org/index.php?page=LeadingRides

http://www.imba.com/resources/freeriding/trail-difficulty-rating-system

http://www.imba.com/resources/kids

http://nw-trail.org/files/Ride%20Waiver.pdf – waiver for minors