SAG driver

[ny biker]

I'll be a SAG driver for a century ride this weekend, my first time helping out in this role. Does anyone out there have suggestions for being a good SAG driver?

I'll have my floor pump with me, and I'll bring the small tool set that I have (multi-tool, spoke wrench, stuff like that) as well as some spare tubes. I have a map of the route so I can make sure I'm familiar with where the cyclists will be as well as best routes to and from the two rest stops where I might be taking them. (The plan is for me to pick up people in a certain zone and drop them at one of the rest stops, where someone else can take them back to the start if needed.)

I guess it would help to have some extra cue sheets, maybe a few bottles of water and some snacks if I can get my hands on some. Plus hand sanitizer and Wet-Ones. It won't be super hot but it won't be cool either, so some cold gel packs in a cooler might come in handy. Also band-aids. And paper towels.

I picked up a bag of zip ties the last time I was at the computer store, so I'll bring them -- some of my friends have managed to make some mid-ride repairs with zip-ties. Also duct tape.

What am I forgetting?

[rebeccaC]

What am I forgetting?

…..maybe the kitchen sink

You didn’t say how large a ride it is. With a small one I’d make sure I had a really good first aid kit, pump, tire levers, patch kit. tubes, multi tool (asking for it back if having to leave sounds weird though), duck tape, zip ties, handwipes and water. On a larger century I would think the ride coordinator would supply what’s needed rather than having a volunteer supply/buy it….and I would share some homemade cookies with those who took a ride.

I have a map of the route so I can make sure I'm familiar with where the cyclists will be as well as best routes to and from the two rest stops where I might be taking them. (The plan is for me to pick up people in a certain zone and drop them at one of the rest stops, where someone else can take them back to the start if needed.)

feeling comfortable with that is good!.....thanks for volunteering!!!! hoping you enjoy doing it and have positive encounters!.....and bake some comfort food cookies for those that may need it

[OakLeaf]

Old take-off cables, chain links and/or a spoke or two if you have them. An old take-off tire or two. Whatever emergency spares you usually carry on your long unsupported rides - those are the kind of things that riders on supported rides might decide to leave at home, but that can get someone back on the road in just a few minutes.

Know the route ahead of time so you have an idea of how many times you'll be able to circuit your segment. You'll want to drive slowly enough that riders can hail you if they need you, but fast enough that a broke-down rider won't have to wait longer than necessary, and it'll be useful to be able to let people know about how long it will take for you to come back around on your next circuit.

And thanks for volunteering!