1.  Be a leader - Bring a "take charge" friendly attitude to the ride start.  Arrive at the ride start at least 20 minutes early.  Arrive prepared.  This includes blank Sign-in Sheets, a clipboard, pens, blank Release Form for Minors, an Incident Report Form, cue sheets if being provided.

Note:  If no Ride Leader shows up the ride may proceed if another SBRA Ride Leader is present and is willing to lead the ride.  If no SBRA Ride Leader is present the ride cannot continue as an SBRA ride.

2.  Rider Readiness - Observe your riders.  Helmets are required (no exceptions!).  Look for potential inadequacies regarding clothing, proper equipment and equipment condition.  Inform riders of your expectations of the ride.  Discretely discuss your concerns with riders you feel may not be able to safely complete your ride due to clothing, equipment or ability. As Ride Leader you have final say as to whether a rider is permitted to attend your ride. Ask discreetly if anyone has a medical condition you need to be aware of.

3.  Introduction - Introduce new riders.  Have all riders introduce themselves.

4.  Sign-In Sheets - Have all riders sign the Ride Sign-in Sheet (and Club Liability Waiver).  Be sure that each rider includes an emergency number, circle SBRA membership status and carry the sheet with you while on the ride.  As an alternative take a picture of the sign-in sheet with your smart phone. Count the number of riders prior to starting out to give you a check number to use over the course of the ride. All Riders must BOTH Print and Sign their own entries or mileage may not apply for those riders. Riders who refuse to sign the Sign-in Sheet may not attend the ride. Riders who join a ride after the initial start must sign the Sign-in Sheet.

Note:  Non-members are covered by SBRA insurance for their first ride only.  Ride Leaders are encouraged to provide non-members with SBRA Membership Applications, or give them guidance on how to sign up on our Website.

5.  Minors - A parent or guardian must accompany riders under the age of 18.  A Release Form for Minors must be signed by the parent/guardian.  As Ride Leader you have final say as to whether you will allow minors on your ride.

6.  Ride Conditions - Discuss the route prior to starting out, including the pace, terrain, weather, road conditions, rest stops, food & water, etc. Be sure riders understand that the posted pace is the average speed expected over the whole ride. The speed may be several mph faster than the posted pace due to decelerating and accelerating, slow peddling, hills, riding against the wind and traffic conditions.

7.  Ride Sweep - On all rides from D through B a Ride Sweep is required if there are 6 or more riders. A Ride Sweep is responsible for ensuring no riders are dropped from the ride. The Ride Sweep shall be the last rider in the group for safety purposes. They will call out alerts from behind such as "car back" to alert riders in front of them that a car is approaching the group. All riders are then responsible to safely and quickly move as far to the right as possible (in single file order) to allow the car to pass the group. All riders are responsible for quickly passing forward the "car back" alert so all riders in the group are informed of the approaching car. Should any rider begin to have difficulty keeping up with the group they are to inform the Ride Sweep. The Ride Sweep will try to help the slowing rider by coaching them on how to ride more effectively. If the slowing rider still cannot keep up with the group the Ride Sweep must ask the group to stop so they can discuss the issue with the Ride Leader. At that point the Ride Leader and Ride Sweep will determine if the Ride Sweep will stay back with the slowing rider, the whole group will slow down, or if the slowing rider will be able to return safely to the ride start on their own (based on past riding experience as an SBRA member).

8a. Structured Rides - Structured rides are more formally controlled rides in what is expected of the Ride Leader and the riders.  The posted ride speed should be enforced.  Cue sheets or GPS routes are strongly suggested, and the posted route should be followed.  Water and rest stops should be provided.  All riders should stay together as a group and no one should be dropped.  Riders are discourage from riding ahead of the group.  Riders who do are considered off the ride.

8b. Paceline Rides - Paceline cycling is group riding, single file, as close to each other as possible, usually between 1 to 2 feet apart.  This allows the group to ride faster, with less effort, than they could if they were more spread out.  However this requires all riders constant attention to be done safely.  The front rider does most of the work by cutting through the air and “pulls” the other riders who benefit from the reduced wind resistance.  The front rider tires quickly so doesn’t stay up front for long, usually 20 seconds to a minute or 2.  The front rider then moves over and drifts to the back, while the group maintains speed and the next rider “pulls” the group.  This exchange is repeated allowing the group to continue at a fast pace.  Almost all B+, B+/A, A, A+ and AA rides are Paceline rides.

9.  Do Not Drop Riders - Instruct all riders to watch for riders falling off the pace. This is especially important in Paceline rides as there is no Sweep. This is a courtesy that we as club members should extend to one another without expecting to get an award for it. Designate a Sweep for all non-Paceline rides. B+/A, A, A+ and AA rides are the only rides excluded from this provision provided these rides are progressing at the posted pace.

10.  Overcrowded Rides - It is strongly recommended that rides with over 15 to 18 riders should split into 2 groups, for safety, if another qualified SBRA Ride Leader is on the ride.  Designate a second Ride Leader and Sweep from those participating in the ride.