Kokanee1 resizedKokanee1 resized Hike and Ramble Leader & Sweep Guidelines

See below for cycling guidelines

Leader Guidelines

As a leader, you have the right to refuse to include anybody in the activity you’re leading if, in your opinion, they are inadequately equipped, intoxicated, refuse to follow club rules or are physically unable to complete the day’s program at an average pace.

 

At the meeting place:

  1. Ensure everyone signs the sign-in sheet.
  2. Introduce yourself, describe the day's activity, the route and equipment needed for the weather conditions.
  3. Remind people they MUST have suitable trail footwear which includes purpose-designed hiking boots or trail shoes, that provide full coverage of the foot (e.g. no open-toed sandals or flip flops allowed) and have an aggressive tread to provide traction in loose soil as well as in wet, muddy or snowy conditions, all of which may be encountered during typical VOC activities.
  4. Choose a SWEEP. Make sure everybody knows who it is and what the Sweep will be doing!  Ensure you and the sweep know how to operate the radios and test them before departure.
  5. Emphasize that everyone MUST remain behind the LEADER and in front of the SWEEP;
  6. Remind everyone that they should carry easily accessible emergency contact information for use in case of emergency.
  7. Remind participants to tell someone & ideally leave their pack on the trail when leaving the trail for a "nature call";
  8. Point out that if a person DOES get separated from the group to stay put; an individual is much easier to find if they remain on the trail and refrain from wandering off;
  9. Optional: When appropriate, explain about the possibility of ticks and how to deal with them;
  10. Optional: mention coffee stop after the activity is ended;
  11. Explain the driving route to the starting-point of the actual activity; provide a map where necessary; 
  12. Mention the suggested carpool gratuity amount (listed on event schedule) and that everybody is encouraged to pay. Point out that it is not paid to the driver until the activity is completed (again, insurance reasons - we are not Taxi Drivers!);
  13. Ask if anybody needs a ride and help set that up;
  14. Ask for count of number of drivers & arrange for a rendezvous enroute if appropriate (e.g. at the start of the xyz FSR off the black top).
  15. Remind drivers to wait for the vehicle behind them at all FSR intersections and turn offs

At the trail head:

  1. Do a head count and compare to sign-in sheet. Check for additional participants who may have driven there direct and get them to sign-in.
  2. Remind people the activity will take place at the pace of the average participant.  As leader it is your responsibility to lead the group at this pace – likely slower than some would prefer and faster than some would prefer!
  3. Ask sweep to do a head count as people enter trail.

Sweep Guidelines

  1. If you have never swept before ask the leader before you volunteer!
  2. As sweep make sure everybody knows who you are and what your key responsibilities are!
  3. You and the leader have handheld GRS radios for route confirmation, pace setting, etc.  Test them and make sure you can both use them before leaving the trail head.
  4. During the activity, emphasize that everyone MUST remain behind the LEADER and in front of the SWEEP.  Ask the leader to enforce this as well if they do not.
  5. Each person will be asked to tell the sweep or leader at those times when leaving the trail for a "nature call"; if a person DOES get separated from the group, he or she must stay put; an individual is much easier to find if they refrain from wandering off.
  6. The activity will take place at the pace of the average participant.  If part of the group starts to consistently lag the front part, radio the leader and ask them to slow the pace.  This is an essential part of your job as sweep.
  7. When appropriate, explain about the possibility of ticks and how to deal with them.

Cycling Leader & Sweep Guidelines

Leader Guidelines

*As a leader, you have the right to refuse to include anybody in the activity you're leading if, in your opinion, they are inadequately equipped, intoxicated, refuse to follow club rules, or are physically unable to complete the day’s program at an average pace.

  1.  Introduce yourself.
  2. All cyclists are required to sign in.
  3. All cyclists must be VOC members, non members required to sign a waiver and pay $5.
  4. HELMETS are mandatory.
  5. Riding Reminders:
    •     Ride single file, alert others if passing and pass only on the left.
    •     Use hand signals for right, left, slowing and STOPPING
    •     Explain and maintain visual contact with all riders using Domino effect.
    •     Explain and employ SIGN POSTING if appropriate to the day's ride.
    •     Cyclists to inform the leader (or sweep) if dropping out of a ride. 
  6. Review the ride (Drive to, start and finish point, washrooms, lunch spot)
  7. Mention gratuity if ride sharing, and to be paid only AFTER transport (insurance issue)
  8. Ensure all cyclists have your cell number (and sweep if appropriate)
  9. Shorter ride group to self appoint a Sweep. 
  10. Remind all to carry:
    • First aid supplies
    • Repair kit
    • Emergency contact number
    • Sufficient water and snack, lunch
    • Weather appropriate clothing
    • Ask if anyone needs a ride.

 

Sweep Guidelines

  1. Carry the sign in list (or cell photo of) 
  2. Count cyclists as they leave the start point to confirm the number.
  3. Remain at the end of the group. 
  4. If part of the group is lagging, confer with the leader.
  5. Note any cyclist leaving the ride.
  6. Confirm numbers at end of ride.