Post by Brian D on Apr 28, 2022 9:14:26 GMT
I thought I'd try the forum for more than just publishing ride details, as encouraged by Adrian last night!
Following last nights AGM I'd like to say that I find it difficult as a ride leader to plan a schedule when the attending numbers aren't known until around 0920 on Wednesdays. I generally plan my routes to include a coffee and lunch stop and prefer to support smaller local businesses. I've had feedback from others that many prefer this and enjoy trying our new venues that I've checked out.
Accordingly I need to book slots in the cafe's ahead of the day, but this isn't possible as late as 0930 on a Wednesday (for the same day) as the cafes in question aren't usually open at that time and, in any case, may already be booked up or need specific numbers - for obvious reasons.
This being the case I'm forced to simply consider stops at large commercial (boring!) venues such as Morrison’s where bookings aren't necessary, meaning I am quite limited as to where I can set routes that have more interesting stops.
I don't know how other Wheelers feel, but I think ride leaders need a better indication of numbers ahead of the day; the current free-for-all, in my opinion, adds a degree of stress to the planning that I would prefer to do without.
As you probably already know I'd planned ride 2 to Pocklington via Osgodby yesterday for which there were no 'takers' - this only became known to me at around 0925. This left me sadly reluctant to lead again after the effort I'd made turned out to be a complete waste of time.
It's easy enough for members to add there names to a ride on this very forum, simply by replying to the post containing the ride details in the 'quick reply' box on the posting- this would then enable the leader to book ahead and avoid disappointment for all involved. Those that sign up could get priority at the cafe stops and others would have to take 'pot luck'; the ride leader could allow a couple of extra places 'leeway' to cater for newcomers and those not so 'internet savvy'!
Finally, if a limit in individual ride numbers was brought in then signing up in advance would become the norm for those who really want to go an a specific ride. Incidentally I think 12 is about right - including the leader, for any ride, as very few of the smaller venues can cope with any more than that. With such a limit then leader control such as keeping the group together, safety and convenience to other road users wouldn't be an issue. This would also see an end to the last minute splitting up and reorganising of large groups on the same ride on the day.
Any comments? Let's see if anyone reads the forum!
Brian Davis
Following last nights AGM I'd like to say that I find it difficult as a ride leader to plan a schedule when the attending numbers aren't known until around 0920 on Wednesdays. I generally plan my routes to include a coffee and lunch stop and prefer to support smaller local businesses. I've had feedback from others that many prefer this and enjoy trying our new venues that I've checked out.
Accordingly I need to book slots in the cafe's ahead of the day, but this isn't possible as late as 0930 on a Wednesday (for the same day) as the cafes in question aren't usually open at that time and, in any case, may already be booked up or need specific numbers - for obvious reasons.
This being the case I'm forced to simply consider stops at large commercial (boring!) venues such as Morrison’s where bookings aren't necessary, meaning I am quite limited as to where I can set routes that have more interesting stops.
I don't know how other Wheelers feel, but I think ride leaders need a better indication of numbers ahead of the day; the current free-for-all, in my opinion, adds a degree of stress to the planning that I would prefer to do without.
As you probably already know I'd planned ride 2 to Pocklington via Osgodby yesterday for which there were no 'takers' - this only became known to me at around 0925. This left me sadly reluctant to lead again after the effort I'd made turned out to be a complete waste of time.
It's easy enough for members to add there names to a ride on this very forum, simply by replying to the post containing the ride details in the 'quick reply' box on the posting- this would then enable the leader to book ahead and avoid disappointment for all involved. Those that sign up could get priority at the cafe stops and others would have to take 'pot luck'; the ride leader could allow a couple of extra places 'leeway' to cater for newcomers and those not so 'internet savvy'!
Finally, if a limit in individual ride numbers was brought in then signing up in advance would become the norm for those who really want to go an a specific ride. Incidentally I think 12 is about right - including the leader, for any ride, as very few of the smaller venues can cope with any more than that. With such a limit then leader control such as keeping the group together, safety and convenience to other road users wouldn't be an issue. This would also see an end to the last minute splitting up and reorganising of large groups on the same ride on the day.
Any comments? Let's see if anyone reads the forum!
Brian Davis
