A Frederick Pedalers Bicycle Club (“FPBC”) ride leader is a ride leader and a route planner.
Ride leaders should choose the appropriate ride distance and difficulty for the group they are leading.
Routes are available at the Route Library on FPBC’s RidewithGPS account or a ride leader can plan their own ride using the club’s RidewithGPS account or other route planning tools.
If a ride leader cannot make a ride for which they are scheduled, it is their responsibility to find a replacement. If no replacement can be found, notify the FPBC Touring VP.
It is helpful if regularly scheduled club rides have multiple ride leaders so leadership can be shared for different ride dates.
Ride cancellations due to inclement weather should be posted on FP’s Facebook page no less than 90 minutes before the ride start time. If it is not possible to meet this cut-off time, ride leaders should be present at the starting location for the ride to alert riders of the cancellation. A ride leader NEVER needs to lead a ride if they deem conditions to be unsafe.
Ride Leaders are responsible for keeping the ride together and controlled, which means that sometimes faster or stronger riders can ride in front of the group. However, if a rider is ahead of the group and takes a wrong turn, the ride leader is not responsible for correcting their mistake.
Ride leaders can choose to lead from the front or from various positions in the group, and ride leaders should inform the group of their leadership style before the ride departs.
Ride leaders can designate a sweep or assistant who rides at the back of the group, or that role can evolve during the ride.
FPBC has a “no drop” policy. Therefore, at all designated intersections, ride leaders should confirm through counting that all riders are with the group
Ride leaders should keep the ride at the advertised pace (see https://frederickpedalers.org/ride-info/). You must have a computer on your bike to determine the pace and average speed.
Should a breakdown occur (flat tire, dropped chain, etc.), the ride leader (or volunteer) will assist the individual with the problem and ask the group to wait until the individual can resume riding. If this is impractical, the ride leader will resume the ride and have a volunteer stay with the person and make sure they both can resume riding or will be picked up.