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HomeRide Leader Quick Guide

Ride Leader Quick Guide



(Get a printable copy here).

Ride leading is key to the success of the PFW and maintains the club’s ability to offer a wide array of group rides to our members. Ride leading is relatively straight forward and builds on your experience and participation in rides led by others. If you are interested in leading a ride, follow the steps in this quick guide to get you on your way. New ride leaders are strongly urged to reference the Ride Leader Guide on the PFW website, which is also found under “Leader Resources”, which provides comprehensive information on ride leading.

Register as a ride leader.
− To become a ride leader, you must be recommended by a leader (usually one with whom you're ridden often), and have ridden with a board member (these should not be the same person). Ask your leader to recommend you to the board. If you know you've ridden with a board member, you can have the ride leader indicate that in the recommendation. If you're selected as a ride leader, you'll be contacted about your privileges.


Plan or select a route
− Download a pre-existing ride to your bicycle computer using Ride with GPS, Map My Ride, Garmin or Strava for example,
− Use a ride sheet from a ride that you had previously been on or led,
− Design your own ride from scratch,
− Check new or unknown routes either by cycling or by car,
− Optionally, upload your ride to Ride with GPS so that other club members can select it for their own use.

Post Your Ride to the PFW Calendar
− Ride leader privileges enable you to post a ride to the website, which gives you access to the website ride calendar. Calendar access can be granted by the Web Editor or Club President.
− Ride posting instructions are located on the PFW website under the Leader Resources tab, then How to Post a Ride.

Leading the ride
− Arrive early, at least 20 minutes before the scheduled start,
− Have the riders sign the ride-sheet,
− Perform an equipment check,
− Issue Pre-Ride Instructions and a route briefing,
The Ride
* Ride safely, be predictable so motorists and pedestrians can anticipate your actions,
* Call out road hazards,
* Ride at or near the front and set the pace at the advertised speed,
* Make mid-ride announcements as needed informing riders of upcoming road conditions,
* Keep track of all riders.
Post Ride
* Check to make sure that everyone has returned safely,
* Thank the riders for coming along,
* Follow-up with any rider who was injured or did not finish the ride,
* Forward the Ride Sign-In Sheet to the club Secretary after the ride.

Accidents and Injuries
− Accidents and ride injuries pose the greatest challenge for a ride leader. As the leader, you must be prepared to take prompt decisive action to mitigate the situation.
− Stay calm,
− Make the victim comfortable and keep him safe from oncoming traffic,
− Call for help if needed,
− Provide first aid if necessary and you have had first aid training until help arrives,
− File an Accident Report with the Ride Captain. The basic Accident Report form is on the back of the printed sign-in sheet, which you can download at this link. In case of injury, or any other case in which the insurance company might be involved, you should also complete the Insurance Incident & Claim Form, and also submit that to the Ride Captain.

This Quick Guide should only be used as a reference. If you plan on being a Ride Leader please reference the comprehensive information in the Ride Leader Guide.

Please patronize our PFW Sponsors. Clicking on the ad will bring you to their site:



683 Mercer Street 

Hightstown, NJ 08520
609-448-2928

Mon, Wed, Fri: 10-6
Tu, Thu: 10-7
Sat: 10-5
Sun: 11-3



Sourland Cycles
53 E Broad St
Hopewell, NJ 08525
609-333-8553
Sun: 11am - 4pm
Mon: Closed
Tue-Fri:10am-6pm
Sat: 10am - 5pm



Halter's Cycles
1325 US 206
Skillman, NJ 08558
609-924-7433
Mon-Fri 11-7
Sat 10-5
Sun 12-4


RoadMaestro Bicycle Service
Mobile Bicycle repair based in
Hightstown, NJ
Click on the logo for info.


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Ramblin' Wrench
Bike maintenance comes to you!
Ramblinwrench.com
Discounts to FreeWheeler Members



Firehouse Cycles

37 South Delaware Ave, Suite 3
Yardley, PA 19067
(215) 321-7171
Sunday 9-1
Tues-Fri 10-6
Saturday 9-5
Closed Mondays



Jay's Cycles
249 Nassau St
Princeton, NJ 08540
609-924-7233
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 11am-6pm
Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Closed Wednesdays



7 Route 31
Pennington, NJ 08534
609-737-3008
Mon-Fri 10-6
Sat 930-430
Sun 12-4



Boys and Girls Club Bike Exchange
1524 North Olden Ave, Ewing, NJ
Regular hours (3/22 through 12/31):
Tuesday & Thursday 5:00 to 7:45
Saturday: 10:00 to 3:45
Winter hours (1/1 to 3/21):
Saturday 10:00 to 2:00
bikeexchange@bgcmercer.org
609-571-9476


Updated 8/31/2024