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Delaware Valley Bicycle Club |
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Eighteen strong, DVBC members stampeded the Peace Corral Monday night for a meeting on “Better Rides.” Buffalo David Bennett served as marshal, delivering a demonstration on how the components of a bike ride resemble the cowpokes at a Western roundup. Mavericks, bum steers, lead dogs, ramrods, outlaws…. They play the same role in a Sunday ride to Kountry Kitchen as they did in Buffalo Bill’s wild cowboy West. Ride leader extraordinaire Bob Leon told us that ride leaders should: 1) Love to ride 2) Enjoy socializing 3) Like being outdoors 4) Enjoy sharing with and helping others. He said their responsibilities include: 1) Providing a safe route over decent roadways without much traffic 2) Keeping the group together 3) Waiting for slower riders and watching out for them 4) Making sure the group rides single file on busy roads 5) Pointing out obstacles and being aware of the surroundings. The purposes of the ride are to explore, enjoy and socialize. Bob emphasized that the primary courtesy is to help slower riders because “We’ve all been there.” But, he says, that is not just the leader’s responsibility; it is everyone’s. At the beginning of the ride, the leader should greet newcomers and try to get a feel for their riding abilities, to be certain that they are not in over their heads. Many members recounted their initial experience at a DVBC event and it was clear that they joined and have remained in the club because they were made to feel welcome and valued. We were all reminded that we must go out of our way to make other newcomers feel welcome to the same degree. Since our club has no formal policy regarding first aid, Drew Knox and David Bennett chaired a discussion on what needs to be done in the event of an injury. Larry Green brought considerable medical knowledge to this discussion. We decided that, in order, these are the steps to be taken: 1) Clear the roadway to the extent possible. 2) Post someone to signal and re-direct traffic. Simultaneously someone should: 3) Deal with the victim: A) Is the victim breathing? If not, administer CPR. B) Is the victim bleeding? Use compression needed to stop the bleeding. C) Prevent the victim from injuring him/herself. Keep the victim DOWN and don’t let him/her move. Call 911. Use a cell phone or knock on a front door. Find out if there is a doctor, or other person with medical experience in your group. Before the ride, try to become aware of who among your group has medical conditions that could crop up during the ride (e.g., hypoglycemia, irregular heartbeat, etc.). This subject led logically to a discussion on waiver forms, which was chaired by Dominick Zuppo. Dom pointed out that the membership application form in our newsletter now contains a legal waiver. The club and its Board could be deemed legally liable for many situations and we insist upon members taking responsibility for outcomes of their own behavior. NEW DVBC POLICY: Dom then announced a new, long overdue DVBC policy. He handed out waiver/sign-in sheets and told us that at every ride the signature of all participants is required. The sign-up sheet states: “I understand that serious accidents occasionally occur during bicycle riding, and that participants in bicycle riding occasionally sustain mortal or serious personal injuries, and/or property damage, as a consequence thereof. “Knowing the risks of bicycle riding, nevertheless, I hereby agree to assume those risks and by my signature below release and hold harmless the Delaware Valley Bicycle Club, its officers, members and ride leaders who (through negligence or carelessness) might otherwise be liable to me (or my heirs or assigns) for damages. It is further understood and agreed that this waiver, release, and assumption of risk is to be binding to my heirs and assigns.” The form indicates that a helmet is pre-requisite, and requires signature, printed name, and emergency phone number. Ride leaders must file these sign-up sheets either with the club or personally. They must be kept for two years after the ride because, believe it or not, an incident can become an issue long after the end of a ride in which it seemed that nothing had occurred. Cue Sheets was an issue that prompted spirited debate. The Ride Leader Extraordinaire disdains cue sheets. In his mind, extemporaneous exploration is the hallmark of cycling. Drew Knox was one of the leading proponents of cues. He says they give legitimacy to the club and its rides. Many come to rides, he says, and are startled that they aren’t given one. Others pointed out that, when you have a cue sheet, it solves the problem of weaker riders falling hopelessly behind. The leader can discuss with the straggler the alternative of returning home solo, at a more comfortable pace. But others suggested that that would be callously cutting a rider loose who might need our support. Consensus was that our club can do a lot more to develop a library of cue sheets for our popular routes and they would be valuable in many situations. With tongue in cheek, Vice-president Brian Wade, supported by elaborate visuals, delivered a talk on Ride Speed & Distance. He told us that, by the time you work your way up to B+ (16-18 mph) rides, your jerseys and pants are required to match. As for A rides, Brian said he didn’t know their speed, other than it is “way too fast,” and, “Riders’ clothes have to match both their bikes and their cars.” The important question he asked, though, is, “Are they having more FUN than I am?” --Bob LaDrew |
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