GCBC Bicycle Safety:Ride Leader Responsibilities

Ride Leader Responsibilities
Set the pace	Before the group starts out, set the pace and route based on the abilities of the riders that show up. (Best guess)
Count noses	Know how many riders are in the group let new riders know the difficulty and length of the route before they start.
Tune-up	Have your equipment in good working order.
Sweeper	Appoint a sweeper to stay with the slower riders and keep the group together. (The sweeper needs to be a strong rider who can sprint to the lead position and keep you appraised of riders who may be struggling.)
Warm the group up	Warm up at a civil pace. Muscles need warming up and joints needs to be lubricated.
Regroup	Stop and regroup often, stay at the rest stop long enough for late arrivals to get rested.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate	Communicate where sprints, pacelines, and rest stops are located
Spot the bonk	Watch for riders who seem to be having extreme difficulty or look ill. Advise them to drop the ride, call for a lift, or send a rider back with them.
Check on riders	If someone has a mechanical, wait for that person and be certain they are OK before abandoning them. Just because they say they are OK doesn’t mean they are.
Take Charge	Be prepared to take charge of any unusual or emergency situation. Know the location of emergency services located along your route.