Questionable experience on a group ride

[Cubist]

Well done for getting out on the ride in the first place, those of us in the know know how hard it is to make those first steps when you've been as low as you describe. Yes, you may have been over thinking it, but it isn't surprising, we look for confirmation of our first impressions, so the inept stupidity of the leader set that off anyway.

It astounds me that people in any position need "training" in order to treat people with dignity and respect, so I refuse to make excuses for the ride leader, who should have been even more aware of what some will dismiss as a simple faux pas. Our society needs to learn to dis-embed its prejudices and refusal to accept the harm it does by any form of labeling. Transgender issues aren't exactly mysterious or difficult to deal with, as long as we simply think through and perhaps listen to what people are saying. Introducing yourself should be enough.

 

[TheDoctor]

^^That. Leading a ride shouldn't be that tricky. Arrange a start time and place, a finish time and place, tell people what they are and stick to them. It ain't rocket science!

 

[jay clock]

Frances@lifecycleuk.org.uk and heather@lifecycleuk.org.uk seem to be the people to email

 

[Racing roadkill]

^^That. Leading a ride shouldn't be that tricky. Arrange a start time and place, a finish time and place, tell people what they are and stick to them. It ain't rocket science!

You'd be surprised just how many 'banana skins' can wing their way towards you, when you've got all the "ride leader" gubbins on display. Think what is the absolutely ridiculously, unexpected event, that can occur, then multiply by 100. Try 'winging it' with no formal training to fall back on, it won't be pleasant.

 

[outlash]

You'd be surprised just how many 'banana skins' can wing their way towards you, when you've got all the "ride leader" gubbins on display. Think what is the absolutely ridiculously, unexpected event, that can occur, then multiply by 100. Try 'winging it' with no formal training to fall back on, it won't be pleasant.

Most club runs seem to manage on any sunday morning without any formal training or having a ride leader sash on.

 

[Racing roadkill]

Most club runs seem to manage on any sunday morning without any formal training or having a ride leader sash on.

That's because club runs are usually full of knobbers, and the reason I rarely bother with 'club rides'.

I've never been on one that wasn't full of cliquey little groups, when you're doing a ride that's open to the public, and you have to be very wary of the mixed abilities, you actually learn how to ride properly, in / with a large group, of varying ability and experience. Not just the same bunch that nearly always ride together.

 

[Andrew_P]

That's because club runs are full of knobbers

Yeah I think I can see how you might need some training in how to communicate!

 

[Racing roadkill]

Yeah I think I can see how you might need some training in how to communicate!

I'm very good at communicating with knobbers. It's usually via a raised middle finger.

 

[Flying Dodo]

That's because club runs are usually full of knobbers, and the reason I rarely bother with 'club rides'.

I've never been on one that wasn't full of cliquey little groups, when you're doing a ride that's open to the public, and you have to be very wary of the mixed abilities, you actually learn how to ride properly, in / with a large group, of varying ability and experience. Not just the same bunch that nearly always ride together.

There is an element of truth here. I run Sustrans rides and you do have to be alert not just to the group as a whole, but also how individuals are riding, and if necessary adjust the ride accordingly by going slower or cutting a bit off the route, if people are struggling. It's far easier to run a ride if you know everyone, and their riding ability.

Sadly, for the ride @Archeress went on, as well as the misgendering issues, it's clear the ride leader had no idea how to run a ride. No-one should be left behind, and it should end where they said it would.

 

[Racing roadkill]

There is an element of truth here. I run Sustrans rides and you do have to be alert not just to the group as a whole, but also how individuals are riding, and if necessary adjust the ride accordingly by going slower or cutting a bit off the route, if people are struggling. It's far easier to run a ride if you know everyone, and their riding ability.

Sadly, for the ride @Archeress went on, as well as the misgendering issues, it's clear the ride leader had no idea how to run a ride. No-one should be left behind, and it should end where they said it would.

That's very true. We are given some 'golden rules', the route must be safe, fun, and contain points of interest , risk assessed, has to start and finish where it says on the published route, we mustn't drop anyone, only ride at the pace of the slowest rider. We're encouraged to use the quietest roads we can find, and / or cycle paths, and if it's a looped route, ride it anti - clockwise, to reduce the amount of right turns, across traffic. So far it seems to work well.

 

[outlash]

That's because club runs are usually full of knobbers, and the reason I rarely bother with 'club rides'.

I've never been on one that wasn't full of cliquey little groups, when you're doing a ride that's open to the public, and you have to be very wary of the mixed abilities, you actually learn how to ride properly, in / with a large group, of varying ability and experience. Not just the same bunch that nearly always ride together.

Regardless if it's full of knobbers, or any other group you want to insult, the rules are the same. And as far I'm aware club runs are open to anyone too.
But do carry on like what you do is something special.

 

[Dave Davenport]

That's because club runs are usually full of knobbers

Could you clarify that statement a bit;
What's your definition of a knobber (in this context) and what experience has led you to conclude that club runs are full of them? Also, as club run secretary of my local club, does that make me an extra big knobber?

 

[Hill Wimp]

well done for going and for giving it another go. Feedback is the way to go and everything crossed the next ride is a lot better.

 

[TheDoctor]

You'd be surprised just how many 'banana skins' can wing their way towards you, when you've got all the "ride leader" gubbins on display. Think what is the absolutely ridiculously, unexpected event, that can occur, then multiply by 100. Try 'winging it' with no formal training to fall back on, it won't be pleasant.

Please don't ever come on one of my rides. No offence meant, but you're coming across as a right nobber.
EDIT - the OP, obviously, would be more than welcome, except I'm nowhere nearby!

 

[Racing roadkill]

Please don't ever come on one of my rides. No offence meant, but you're coming across as a right nobber.

Don't worry, I've got no intention of coming on one of your rides, ever.