Ever wanted to help support NWTA’s group rides? Interested in building your leadership skills out on the trails? Join us!

Have you ever volunteered to lead a group ride and found yourself in over your head? 

Unsure how to manage multiple skill levels and puzzled by what to do when riders go different paces? 

Have you wanted to sweep a mountain bike race, but wished you had more background going into it? 

Ever wanted to help with a group ride and wondered if you’re a “good enough” rider? 

NWTA’s Ride Leader Training helps prepare you to confidently lead and sweep group rides–like Good GRVL! or Good Dirt! with River City Bicycles–and teaches you to anticipate the types of things that happen when folks ride in groups.

This class is for anyone who wants to share their love for the trails with others and is looking to gain experience to lead or sweep a ride. This class is also a great intro for those interested in becoming a certified Ride Leader through the Bike Instructor Certification Program (Visit https://icp.bike/ride-leader/ for more information.)

 During this class we will help prepare you to host a ride as a volunteer ride leader or sweep rider (who picks up the rear and troubleshoots problems). We’ll cover basic preparation, how to plan your ride, important considerations for the day, and how to assess whether your riders are up for the trail you have in mind.

 You will also learn how to accurately describe the trail, how to pace your group, and communication expectations for the ride. We will discuss the difference between a skills instructor and a ride leader, review important safety considerations, and practice skills to help you monitor your riders, as well as what to do if something unexpected happens along the way!

 Rider Experience: beginner to advanced! You don’t have to be an advanced or even intermediate to lead a ride!

Bike: For this class, you may bring a mountain bike, hybrid or e-bike in good working condition with tires suitable for dirt trails. No kickstands or street/smooth tires. Flat pedals are recommended but not required. Fenders are OK as long as they don’t make noise or interfere with the seat, because we may move the seat up and down for some of the skills. 

 Required Gear:

-A properly fitting helmet in good condition and is less than 5 years old.

-Water bottle and snacks

-Clothing appropriate for the weather

-Tools for moving the seat up and down if necessary

-Pack to carry layers, snacks, tools and water

 Recommended Gear:

-Full-fingered gloves

-Knee and elbow protection

-Eye protection

-Tools and supplies to change a flat tire

A note on cost and volunteer commitment: NWTA is offering this training to our members free of charge, with the expectation that participants will seek out at least two opportunities to lead or sweep NWTA social rides in the 2025 riding season.

For more information, please contact Eric Oliver at [email protected]