Westchester Cycle Club/My WCC: Ride Leader Checklist

Suggestions for leading a ride

Decide when and where to start your ride. Consider the pace, length and terrain. Use a cue sheet from the online library, or create your own. If you use a library cue sheet, check for accuracy and updates. It’s a good idea to add your name and cell phone number to the cue sheet and plan to carry your cell phone. You can take along a GPS or map of the area as well.
Write a description and requirements for the ride, and include a link to the cue sheet and post your ride announcement.
Decide time and location of rest stops and make sure the places will be open with bathroom available.
If you are not going to have a cue sheet, state that in your ride announcement and make a plan to stay together, or otherwise ensure riders know the route.
Know the route. If you are not familiar with the roads, or unsure of road conditions, drive the course a few days ahead of time. Make sure street signs are visible.
Print out cue sheets, SMART pre-ride briefing, accident reports, minor release and release form (sign up sheets).
Check the weather. If you feel conditions are unsafe you may elect to cancel the ride, but follow posted guidelines.

Introduce yourself to all riders and hand out cue sheets.
Make sure all riders sign and complete the release form, even if their names are already printed.
Survey riders to find out if anyone is new to club riding and/or new to the ride level.
Helmets are required. You may also want to check supplies such as tubes and water bottles.
Appoint a sweep, especially if the group is large.
Talk about safety and your expectations for the ride.
If you have listed a target pace, suggest that faster riders may go ahead on their own.
If you do not plan on regrouping, let slower riders know they may be dropped.
Take a head-count.
Leave within 10 minutes of published start time.

Lead by example, obeying traffic laws and riding safely.
If you have listed a target pace, lead at that pace.
If you have planned on regrouping, make suggestions for where to wait, and then wait for the sweep, or last rider, before continuing.
If somebody cannot keep up with the group, speak to that person and give directions for return to the start, joining with another group, or calling for a pick up.
Give guidance about safety, technique and group riding skills as needed.
Take a head count occasionally. The rest stop is a good time to check in make sure everyone is OK and has what they need to continue.

If rider has a serious injury, call 911.
Give comfort and reassurance, but do not move rider.
Signal traffic so that injured rider is protected from oncoming cars.
Call rider’s emergency contact. If rider is to be transported to hospital, inform emergency contact of the location.
After the ride, follow up to find out condition of rider and offer assistance.
Fill out an accident report and send to the treasurer.