Responsibilities
Responsibilities of Ride Participants
Every person participating in a BCC club ride has responsibilities towards the group so that the ride is conducted safely and enjoyably for all. The key points are given below, both for the leader and for the individuals.Individual Responsibilities
Group riding is, by definition, a group activity and requires the active input and cooperation of all participants. It is not possible for the tour leader to see and hear everything that is going on at all times and so you can help out in many ways;- By calling out if you are towards the back of the group and see somebody falling behind. Some leaders designate sweepers to rider at the back and look after slower riders but it is still necessary to communicate any such occurrences.
- By repeating any calls up or down the group so that everyone, especially the leader, hears what’s happening.
- By properly following the leaders instructions, for instance, if asked to wait at a designated place for everyone to re-group you physically stop and wait and not just ride on a reduced pace.
- By making sure that you tell someone before you leave a group ride and ensuring that your message was heard and understood.
- By taking your turn at the front of the group and not leaving it to others to do all the work. The stronger riders will naturally take longer turns but everyone should do their bit within their ability.
- By selecting a group appropriate to your abilities based on the 4 levels of rides that the BCC offer. Stronger riders who choose to ride with a slower group must ride at the speed appropriate to that group. It is not acceptable to force up the speed for whatever reason and you should understand that other riders may already be working hard just to maintain the designated pace and you should therefore take extra care to ensure that you do not cause problems for other riders.
- If you wish to ride with a faster group than you are used to and are unsure about your ability to keep up you should let the leader know before the ride starts. By so doing the leader can keep a special eye out for you and can also advise you, perhaps, to stay in the back part of the group for the best drafting until you adapt to the new pace. Riders are encouraged to try a faster group at any time they wish but should do so with the understanding that it will involve working harder than normal.
- If you plan to turn back early as you are unable to devote sufficient time to complete the entire ride, please understand that the leader or other participants have no obligation to escort you back.
Tour Leader Responsibilities
The designated tour leader is responsible for the proper conduct of the ride and has the final decision on all matters pertaining to the ride. More particularly;- Check that all participants are members of either the BCC or another OCA affiliated club.
- Ensure that all riders are wearing crash helmets as these are mandatory (and common sense!!) on all BCC rides.
- If an ineligible rider insists on participating even after being asked not to then the ride must be cancelled.
- Identify all participants, especially new members and ensure that new members know who is leading the ride.
- Check that all participants have adequate food and drinks for the ride. This clearly applies to new riders who may not realise the importance of nutrition and hydration. You may also wish to cast a discrete eye over new member’s bikes to make sure they look in good shape for the ride.
- Let all participants know how you want to prevent dropped riders. This can be perhaps by asking the last few people in the group to keep an eye out and call out if the see anyone dropping back or by having someone act as a sweeper. The chosen method is not limited to the preceding and is at the leader’s discretion.
- Conduct a headcount just prior to departure and periodically during the ride.
- During the week prior to the ride please consider posting a message on the forum outlining the intended route as many members like to know what to prepare for and when they might get back home. Destination and distance plus any comment about the nature of the route would be a minimum level of detail. A link to an on-line map is optional. If circumstances require a last minute change of the published plan then so be it.
- If the ride is departing from a location that is not covered by the existing start location maps on our website then please make sure that full details are provided in your post.
- If the group size is too large for safety on the intended route you should split the group into a more a more manageable size and designate an experienced rider as leader for the separate group. A size of 12-16 is a reasonable group. The 2 groups should be at least 100m apart on the road to allow other vehicles to pass safely in 2 manoeuvres.
- If you feel it necessary to call off a ride because of unsuitable weather please try and post a message on the forum in good time to let everyone know. As safety is a priority you can make this call at any time and your decision is final.
