We hope everyone gets a chance to read this note regarding how we are conducting the rides, or actually the whole weekend, in Idyllwild this coming May. Some of you may have a preconceived notion of how rides and events are to be conducted. I would hate to have you show up and be disappointed.
ABOUT THIS POLICY
This policy is a tongue-in-cheek way of saying that I expect everyone to have a good time, doing the things you want to do, at your own pace. I am not expecting anyone to do anything or be anywhere.
Our agenda calls for us to leave at a certain time and go to a certain place. If you decide to sleep in and skip the ride, that’s great. I will not come looking for you. If you decide to take a short cut back, no big deal. If you don’t call or text, We’ll presume that you are OK.
If you do need help, call or text us. Our cell phone numbers will be available at the beginning of each ride. There are lots of resources for help and we can take care of you and your bike. We may not get your message right away, but we will check for messages often.
OUR ROLE: We are the RIDE COORDINATORS, NOT the RIDE LEADERS.
What we don’t do: Some of you may be used to a “Ride Leader” who leads the group from point to point on a ride. Ride Leaders conduct their ride much like a parade, minus the band (unless you have a GoldWing along). If the ride leader goes left, everyone goes left. If the ride leader goes right, everyone goes right. The ride leader, working with a ‘sweep’ rider, keeps the group together. This approach is very organized. This is not our approach.
What we do: On this weekend’s rides, YOU are your own Ride Leader. Lou & Howard, as Ride Coordinators, have given you a suggested route and agenda. From there, you are on your own. I want this to be an adventure with friends, not a parade.
ALL RIDERS WILL GO AT THEIR OWN PACE.
Go where you want, when you want. If you want to jet ahead, we’ll meet you at the destination. If you want to go slower, we’ll meet you at the destination. It is totally up to you. All I ask is that you ride within your own comfort level, and to be considerate of the safety of others.
I will admit now, I am not the fastest rider in the group. I will be riding at my own comfort level also. It is OK to pass me. Hopefully you know where you are going.
FIND RIDE PARTNERS
Break up into groups of 3-4 bikes. Try to look for someone who rides your pace and style. Find someone familiar with the area if you get lost easy.
BRING A WATCH. We will do events this weekend by the posted agenda. It’s up to you to be on time. We will not wait for anyone. We will assume you didn’t want to go.
PRINT OUT ALL OF THE ROUTE SHEETS AND AGENDAS – BRING A MAP
We will not be bringing extra route sheets and maps. Please save me some ink and print out your own. If you are unfamiliar with the area, bring a map!
The routes will be available on your cell phone as well, but many areas on the ride do not have cell phone coverage. Paper is king.
BE SAFE – HAVE FUN
We want to everyone to have a good time. A fundamental part of having a good time is not having a bad time…. Being a safe rider makes you more fun. See how that works.
On this ride, safety is everyone’s business. We would expect that if anyone feels we am not riding safely, they will tell us. Likewise, we should feel free to mention safety issues as they arise. Please take criticism constructively, not personally. We are in this to have a fun yet safe.
Lastly, please be courteous to other riders and the locals. Pass safely. Be patient. We are visitors.
SEE YOU THERE!
-Your Ride Coordinators