gosh! I hope no one thought I was making light of your question. seriously, if your club is incorporated (whether or not they're a not-for-profit), you have a layer of financial protection (ie you probably won't lose your house or your kid's college fund if someone sues the club or you as a ride leader).

this question is posed every so often to the folks at USA Cycling -- "has there ever been a successful lawsuit against a coach or a cycling club?" we've been told there hasn't. that doesn't mean that someone can't sue you, but it probably means they won't win.

cycling is a risky activity. cyclists assume that risk when they hop on the bike. the few lawsuits I've heard of have been family members of those who were injured/killed in a cycling incident. those are the folks who don't understand the risk. I've also heard of one lawsuit against a club where a rider hit a runner on a multi-use path. I don't know the outcome of that case.

Irulan gave you great advice. as she said, every state is different. if you're truly concerned, check with the club officers to see if the club has liability insurance and if it covers the activities of members/volunteers.