VBC Ride Leader Pre-Ride Talk Topics

Are you a new VBC ride leader or an experienced ride leader looking to give a better pre-ride talk? Here are some topics you might want to cover:

1. Introduce yourself! Let people know you’re the ride leader, which route you’re leading, and which pace group (if there’s more than one). Help riders find the appropriate pace group if they’re in the wrong place

2. Ride-specific notes or concerns. Are there specific safety-concerns for the route? Where will you stop to regroup? Are you following the RideWithGPS route exactly?

3. Remind riders of the pace. Mention any well-known pace variations (ex: slower while climbing hills, sprinting faster along China Ditch, etc.)

4. Remind riders of safe riding practices:

• Don't pass on the right; pass only on the left. Yell "On your left" before passing
• Point out or call out obstacles in front (potholes, gravel, debris, etc)
• Call out traffic approaching from the rear (“Car back”, “Back”, “Car passing”, “Passing”)
• Signal or call out before changing your speed (slowing, stopping)
• Leave some space around you so you have time and space to react to things happening around you
• Repeat signals or calls you hear/see so everyone in the group knows what’s happening
• If someone does something that makes a rider uncomfortable during a ride, they can politely ask the other person to change their behavior
5. Ask if there are any additional announcements or questions
6. Do a round of introductions if there are brand-new or newer riders in the group. Remember: riders won’t remember everyone they meet the first time so it’s good to do intros for 2-3 weeks after someone joins a ride.