GUIDANCE FOR RIDE CAPTAINS
- All club members should read and understand the club guidance on Group Cycling Etiquette.
- The primary role of the Ride Captain is to help ensure the proper and safe functioning of the club groups so that all group members can have an enjoyable spin.
- Experienced club members are expected to act as Ride Captains for all club spins
- A ride captain should be nominated before each spin club spin.
- Before the start of the spin the Ride Captain should announce what group, it is and should let the group members know the expected average speed, destination, distance and if it is a hilly route.
- The Ride Captains should ensure a controlled warm up pace at the start of the spin.
- Ride Captains should ensure that the club guidance on spins is followed throughout, and the use of proper calls and communication of upcoming obstacles is maintained. During the spin Ride Captains should give feedback or instructions on the proper use of same.
- Ride captains should watch the speed of the group and call reductions in speed if the speed is too high for some group members. The Ride Captain should work with the group to ensure that the group rides safely and that no member is left behind.
- Where there is a mechanical or puncture the Ride Captain should direct members to a safe location to wait.
- The Ride captain may decide to allow to the group ride to “Open Up” on certain sections, once its obvious to all and its possible to re-group in a safe location further up the road. E.g. Ballinadee Climb, everyone goes up at own pace and regroup on top. This will then allow for the stronger riders in the group to get a blowout if they so wish.
- Where a new member has turned up, one of the Ride Captains should have a brief conversation with them to judge their level of experience. Where the new member’s bike appears un-roadworthy, they should be advised to have it serviced before coming on a club ride.
- This advice is intended to let our club ride captains know what is expected of them when leading a ride with our club.