Information and guidance for cyclists who have considered becoming tour leaders. Prospective tours needing leaders.
Anybody who has been on a bike tour has seen how important the tour leader is to the success of a group ride. Bike tourists often picture themselves in that role and wonder if they might lead a tour themselves to a special scenic area or with a special emphasis known as theme tours.
The Davis Bike Club is making a concerted effort to recruit new tour leaders and to add to its impressive list of tour options. Continue reading and learn how you can become a leader for a tour that has your personal signature on it.
Tour Leader Training
March Fools
Cyclists interested in becoming tour leaders can be introduced into the role in stages. First, they need to have gone on tours as a participant and been able to witness how a leader performs and what tasks they perform. Leaders are always willing to share their experiences with anybody who asks.
The next phase is to become an apprentice – or what we’ll call a “leader candidate.” A leader candidate joins a tour as a rider, but assists the assigned leader to gain first-hand experience in all aspects of tour planning and execution. When the leader candidate becomes comfortable with leading a tour independently, a veteran leader will accompany the new leader to offer advice and counsel as required.
Additionally, the Tour Director maintains a listing of “Tour Advisors,” DBC bike tour veterans who collectively have lead scores of tours on two continents. These advisors are available for consultation at any time for new and experienced tour leaders.
Tours Needing Leaders
Following are tours being pursued by the Tour Director in response to requests for tours from the DBC Membership. The interest is there; what is needed is somebody to accept the role of Tour Leader and organize it.
- Self-supporting tours. Tours without vehicle support and riders carry their own gear. It can be either a “credit card” tour (accommodations and food provided), or a full camping bike tour.
- Theme rides. Expanding on the popular past “Read & Ride tours,” DBC tours are being sought that have an historical, geographical, or cultural emphasis. Illustrative examples include: Civil War Battlefield tours in Northern Virginia; a geological tour of the volcanic areas of Northeast California; Mother Lode tour on Highway 49 with guest speakers addressing the Gold Rush era; Fine Dining Tour of award winning restaurants in the Wine Country.
- Family Tours. Hub tour with daily rides scheduled from a popular national park, theme park, or resort area. Family tours appeal to all family members, including novice cyclists and those who don’t ride at all.