The majority of effort in leading a ride happens before the ride day. This includes:

Route Selection
  • Choose an existing ride - You may work with the ride coordinator to select a ride in the NSC library. If you select one of these rides and make no changes, you should still familiarize yourself with the route in case any changes need to be made due to road closures or construction.
  • Modify an existing ride - You may choose a ride from the library and modify it to make it new. You will have to create a new RWGPS file and submit it to the ride coordinator to add to the library.
  • Create a brand new ride - If you want to create a brand new ride, plan for large groups. On a Sunday ride with 50 or more riders it is not uncommon for groups of 10 to stay together over the whole route. Some routes may not be appropriate for large groups.

Avoid these Hazards

  • Dirt or poorly paved roads
  • Extremely fast, busy roads
  • Dangerous intersections, especially when a left turn is required
  • Bridges on busy roads or other choke points for heavy automotive traffic

Plan for a Short and Long Loop

  • Rides occurring in the height of the season should be longer than rides in the beginning of the season (when fewer riders are conditioned) or in October (when it's getting cold).
  • Plan the short loop to use roads on the long loop to give short and long loop riders a chance to cross paths. Remember that short loop riders prefer flatter terrain.

Consider:

  • Short loop of 20 to 30 miles
  • Medium loop of 30 to 40 miles
  • Long loop of 40 to 60 miles

Designated Lunch Stops

  • Lunch stops are generally not designated on NSC rides, but if there is an attraction or event near the route consider incorporating it into the ride. The Llama farm in Rock's Village is a typical NSC example.
Choosing a Start Location
  • See the list of starting locations for existing rides. If selecting a new starting location, it must be added to the master list before creating your ride page.
  • Avoid town centers without a large municipal lot.
  • Avoid small shopping centers with stores that are open on Sunday.
  • Provide a safe and legal entrance onto the roadway for bicycles at the ride start.
Specify Start Times
  • Normal starting times for club rides are 9:00 from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 10:00 AM during April, May, September and October and 11:00 AM for winter rides.  Times may be changed based on the weather forecast.
  • When there is an after-ride event such as a cookout or picnic, try to set start times for different length routes so everybody returns about the same time.
  • Be sure it has sufficient parking - In the summer months plan for about 30-40 cars. In early spring or late fall you can arrange for fewer cars.
Review the GPS Route and Cues
  • It is most important to ride or drive the routes following both the current RWGPS map, voice cues, and the cue sheet.  This is to get to know the route, road conditions, and RWGPS accuracy. This should be done 2-3 weeks prior to the ride.
  • Let the Ride Coordinator know if any corrections are needed.
     
Review the Website Ride Page
  • Check the website page for your ride to ensure that all information is accurate, including ride start time, starting location, the route links, the route cues, the ride description, and any other special instructions or information.
  • Enhance the ride description on the NSC web site and let the Ride Coordinator know if you’d like to make changes. For example, highlight the ride’s unique features, views, or character; add the location of restrooms or food stops (if unlikely to change), or mention the mileage where the splits occur.
  • Make your page show how special your ride is.
  • For Sunday rides you can also include a picture on your page.