Want to lead a ride?  It's easy!

Before the ride

Post to the email list (preferably a couple days before the ride, but we've been known to post spur-of-the-moment rides):

1. Ride name: summarize what you’re doing.

2. Ride date, start time, and start location.

3. Ride category (speed and difficulty). See the standard categories that we use.

4. Ride distance. and terrain (flat, rolling hills, etc.). Call out any big climbs.

5. Ride description: a short summary of the route. Any useful information that you think riders might want: Are there any stretches with gravel? Are there spots to refill water bottles if it's a long ride? Etc.

6. Map link (Strava, RideWithGps, etc.) if you have one.

7. Your name and how to contact you (email and/or phone number)

8. For road rides, remind for folks to fill out the online ride waiver (only needed once per year) to save them time.

9. Print out the Ride Waiver Sheet; bring it to the start of the ride with a pen. Fill out the top and sign your name as the first rider.

Example email list message:

"Subject: Sandy Ridge loop, 30 miles, 4 May at 9 AM
Saturday 4 May, 9:00 AM.
Leaving from the Blacksburg Rec Center, Patrick Henry Dr.
Category C.
30 miles.
Rolling terrain with one climb.
We’re going clockwise out Mt. Tabor Rd., right on Sandy Ridge, right on Catawba Rd, finish with the climb up Harding Rd.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/9852401
Sign the waiver at http://nrvbike.org/waiver/ (only need to do it once per calendar year) to save time.
Led by Ed Hokanson, edh@email.com. Email me if you have any questions.”

Day of Ride

1. Show up a few minutes early.

   1. For mountain bike rides: have your fellow riders fill out and sign the waiver form. Riders must be wearing a helmet and must sign every time. (The electronic waiver form does not cover MTB rides.)

   2. For non-mountain bike rides: once everyone is gathered, say, "raise your hand if you have signed the club's online liability waiver this year."

      "Okay, everyone who does NOT have their hand up has to come up and sign this ride printed waiver form." Have your fellow riders fill out and sign the waiver sheet.

2. Riders must be wearing a helmet and must have signed a waiver form.

3. Say hello and tell them the plan: make sure you're all expecting the same things.

4. Ride and have fun!

5. Repeat and take advantage of the Ride Leader Incentive program (see below) by emailing the waiver sheet (and a group photo if you have one!) to the Ride Coordinator at rides@nrvbike.com

If you have questions, please contact our Ride Coordinator.  We have a lot of well-practiced ride leaders who can help you out.

Ride Leader Incentives

The NRVBA offers a number of incentives to members who regularly lead rides.  You can earn these benefits when you meet all of the following conditions.  If you:

• Are an NRVBA member.

• Post your ride to the listserv at least 48 hours before the ride

• Have at least two other NRVBA members participate in the ride

• Email the ride coordinator after the ride

Lead a ride:

• $20 Gift Certificate to a local Bicycle Shop

Lead 4 or more rides:

• an additional $50 Gift Certificate to a local Bicycle Shop (so $70 total!)

(You may also request that your prize be donated to the New River Valley Youth Cycling Alliance in the form of a monetary donation from the club.)

Contact our ride coordinator once you've met the conditions above!

Ride Leader Guidelines

We refer you to the excellent Westchester Cycle Club’s Ride Leader Guidelines (used with their permission; for the original visit their club web site). Their guide isn’t a requirement, but it’s a good guide if you have any questions on how leading works, how to deal with common issues, etc.