Thank you for volunteering to lead a ride for Two Bays Ulysses branch.

The items below outline some tips for a successful ride, most of which you may have already done.

1.  Ride Stops:  Each day should have stops for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.  The end of the ride should be near the start or close to Melbourne.  If there are points of interest like scenic lookouts along the way, it is recommend that you take advantage of them and to regroup.  Riding stages between stops should be no greater than 90 minutes for rider comfort and fuel requirements.

2.  Notify Food Providers:  When planning your trip it is worthwhile to give advance notice to cafes and hotels of expected numbers and time of arrival so that they can be prepared to serve us.  A courtesy reminder phone call on the day with updated numbers of people and estimated time of arrival should help to avoid slow service.

3.  Toilet & Petrol Stops:  A toilet must be available at the morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea stops.  Likewise make sure there is petrol available, including premium unleaded and that allowance is made for bikes with a short range fuel tank.

4.  Final Check:  It is highly recommended that you again travel over the proposed route within 2 weeks of the ride to verify road conditions & travel times and to confirm food, fuel and toilet facilities.

5.  Rider Log Sheet:  All riders must fill in the Rider Log Sheet before the ride.  The Tailperson should then carry the Log in case there is a problem on the ride and if you and the Tailperson have mobile phones it�s a good idea to exchange your phone numbers.

6.  At Departure:  Prior to departure, the Two Bays President or Ride Co-ordinator will welcome everyone and introduce new members to the group.  He will explain Corner Marking (see separate sheet) and the role of the Tail Person.  He may also mention basic safety like don't put yourself or someone else at risk, don't cross double lines and don't pass on the left or at corners.  There may be other announcements, and finally you will be introduced to have your say.

7.  Ride Leader's Address:  Advise all the assembled riders of the destination, route, distance, road conditions and proposed stops, etc.  If you haven't already done so, ask someone to be the Tail Person, advise the riders who it is and identify the bike that the Tail Person is riding.  No rider is to pass the Ride Leader or fall behind the Tail Person.  If anyone wants to leave the ride whilst it is in progress, they must inform the Tail Person.  Also request someone to write up an article on your ride.

8.  Accidents:  In the event of an accident in a rural area where assistance is required, it is sometimes better to go to the nearest house and ask them to contact ambulance, police, etc as they will be able to describe the location in better detail.  If someone has a mobile which is in service dial 000 for help.  The Tail Person (and Ride Leader) should be informed of the riders identity, accident details and what hospital the victim is headed for.  Double check that the Ambulance has been called and is on the way.

9.  Cancelled Ride:  If the weather on the ride day turns out to be unsuitable for the ride (by Ride Leader's assessment), try to have someone at home to advise callers that the ride has been cancelled, while you travel to the start - possibly in your car, to advise anyone that turns up that the ride has been cancelled.  If for some unforeseen circumstance you are unable to lead the ride on the scheduled day, try and organise a replacement ride leader and contact the Ride Co-ordinator.

Thanks for your participation in the Two Bays Ulysses club and best wishes for a safe and memorable ride.

 - Click here to return to the Ride Calendar -

Many thanks to the Ulysses Club Shearwaters branch for allowing us to use a modified version of their Ride Leader Letter.