Ride Volunteers

[snapdragen]

I drive SAG support for the ACTC academy, I used to be an instructor; now I'm "retired".

I help out with AIDs/LifeCycle - this year I was only able to help with orientation, but most years I'll help out with Day on the Ride too.

I usually work ACTC's Tierra Bella ride.

[Geonz]

I would not promise to "lead" 45 people - I mean, unless you've got the status of the Tour de France, 45 people in one group is dangerous, so it's just as well that it's unlikely to actually happen. When I've been on rides like that I figure out where I'm going to ride (and if it's not me, somebody rides sweep), and we figure out places to regroup.
I lead our Saturday Saunter, and do whatever needs to be done for our club's big fundraiser ride - it takes a whole *crew* to (wo)man it.
We also have some "unsupported" group rides, but no promises are made. This means people end up being happy because we do try to take care of folks, but the description is "no food, no sag, just maps - bring a friend or just tag along." There are always a few mother hens (of any gender ), though there are also always a few tales of woe... but generally, people know that's part of the adventure. It's *not* a supported ride.

[enzed]

I happen to be a "regular" volunteer. I tried it once to see what it was like, I've been coming back ever since.

Over the last 5 years I have volunteered in 11 supported cycle holidays.
In Australia, bicycle organisations in NSW, Queensland & Victoria put on 9 day supported cycling/camping holidays.
I have volunteered in 5 New South Wales Rides, 3 Queensland & 3 Bicycle Victoria rides. I was going to volunteer in Cycle Queensland which is on in September, but I wasn't selected. That peeved me a bit. They are going to go to Far North Queensland this year, & it would have been a great trip.

I usually volunteer in catering, as I know what I'm doing & I know alot of the people involved. Feeding hungry cyclists can be hard work, but the smiles & "thank you's" make it all worth the effort. Being involved in these trips ais a pleasure. I get to see different parts of the country, have met some great people & have spent fun evenings in many a country pub.

Last September I rode my first "Big Ride", the 2005 Cycle Queensland ride. It was so interesting to see what cyclists get up to all day. I had so much fun, I'm thinking of riding this years Great Victorian ride.

From all this it's pretty obvious that I enjoy my volunteering holidays. All my time off during the year is spent on these trips. It's been ages since I've been on a holiday, where there was no camping or cycling involved.

[susan.wells]

My LBC hosts a 3-day ride. I've done roving SAG. The company I work for sponsors the local marathon (Sunburst) and I've worked that one also. Speaking from both sides of the fence, provider & participant, I appreciate the volunteers tremendously when I'm a participant. As a provider, so far I've only assisted with no contribution to the planning, I'm somewhat shocked it (the event & services) all comes off as good as it does. For example, this last ride a participant suggested that the event host provide a cell phone number to a central SAG dispatch so you don't have to rely on roving SAG alone. I think that is a great idea & have seen it provided on many rides I've done. I think events should poll for suggestions because it is a difficult job to plan & implement an event without omitting something no matter how thorough you may be.