Anyone done the above? Enjoyable?
I'm doing it in a couple of week and am somewhat unsure what to expect. Obviously the biggest question is what bike to take!
Did it a few years ago. A few hours of classroom stuff, basics of H&S and some theory, then a few hours out on quiet roads/parks as a group, taking it in turns to lead the group, and some basic skill session slots. Was quite enjoyable. Any bike with flats will do and a hybrid type or HT ideal.
Any bike with flats will do and a hybrid type or HT ideal.
Hmm, so my first thought of a fixie with road SPD's is not a sensible choice then? Might take the cargo bike in that case, it's got flats on it at least!
I did the combined level 1 & 2 over a weekend a few months ago. Good fun, very discussive, some practice out on the road but nothing tricky at all. Main focus was managing inexperienced people, making a guided ride as safe and enjoyable as possible. Level 2 is more of the same but for longer distances and generally with more experienced people.
The target audience for the level 1 rides is almost "anyone with a bike". One of the instructors was on an old rigid MTB day 1, pretty normal clothes. Attendees were all lycra'd up! Day 2 was more road bike/lycra all round though.
Has anyone actually led rides? Are they fun?
I haven’t led under that qualification as subsequently did coaching certifications and MBLA. I do lead rides (kids) regularly and yes, great fun.
Not in the BC Ride Leader way, but I feel more justified in shouting at people when leading my local shop rides. I now only lose about 10% of people, instead of 25%.
We have a very loose definition of "ride leader".
Not done the BC courses, but I have MIAS L2 and I was allowed to sit in on a BSCA MTB Leaders course (training up more leaders for our school club).
It's great fun leading kids rides - I've been doing it for more than 4 years now, both MTB and road (we took 6 kids on the Hayling Cycle Ride to Versailles last summer).
