Photo by Therese Kirchner

Become a Ride Leader

Volunteer Ride Leaders (RL) are the DNA of the Club. Thank you to our RLs, because without them, none of this happens! In that capacity, RLs are also Club spokespeople.

A key thing about the OWCC is to find like-minded people to ride with. When you offer a ride, make it be the ideal type of ride for YOU (distance, speed, hills/no hills, stops/no stops, snacks – all of it). That way other people who want that style of ride will join in and POOF, you have found your people!

If you are uncertain about anything, no worries — check in with Susan (vp@ottawawomenscyclingclub.ca) or Cindy (president@ottawawomenscyclingclub.ca).

Ride Leader Resources

• Ride Leader Workshop | In the early spring, club members curious about leading rides came together for a workshop. This is the document we used as reference.
• Ride Leader Webinar | If you prefer a webinar format, the Ontario Cycling Association recorded this webinar which is also a fantastic resource.

As a Ride Leader, you should be familiar with the following documents:

• Ride Guidelines | This document covers most of what you need to know before riding with the Club including; mandatory items, how to join a ride, how rides work, group riding techniques and communication and dealing with an emergency.
• Risk Management Plan | Learn more about our insurance coverage, role of the Ride Leader, and emergency protocols.
• Weather Policy | When do we cancel a ride due to adverse weather?
• Finally, in the CYQL App in the News section we have cheat sheets for Ride Leaders with how to create a ride in the App, what to do before, during, and after a ride.

Other Ways to Volunteer

Not feeling like leading a ride, but still want to get involved? Not a problem!

Here are some other ways you can volunteer:

• Organize social events (club meet-ups, pub nights, club picnics/BBQs, scavenger hunts, ice cream rides, etc.)
• Zwift ride leader
• Help with Clinics

Have another idea of how you’d like to help that’s not listed here? Tell us – we’d love to hear it!