Yes, it is a long post but an enjoyable one. No, do not solicit donations in the group. IIRC, the rules- such as they are- for this group specifically state that the group should *not* be used for such activities. More importantly though, we all have our own favorite charities that we could solicit for and we also have friends and acquaintances that solicit us for donations for *their* charity. Consequently, your solicitations would probably succeed only in aggravating the more crotchety NG regulars. If you think it's fun riding in a large group, especially when it benefits your favorite cause, you should try volunteering as a course marshal for next year's ride. It can make the marshals' rides much longer if there aren't enough marshals (I marshaled one metric century ride that took me over seven hours to complete because my metric century turned into a nearly double metric century) to split up the course and that starts a ripple effect. Too few marshals = fewer willing to be marshals and that can jeopardize the ride's existence. Just a thought.
If you think it's fun riding in a large group, especially when it benefits your favorite cause, you should try volunteering as a course marshal for next year's ride.
Bob, that is one of the single best pieces of advice I have come across on this NG. (No offense to anyone else intended.) Since you have some experience in this, perhaps you would be willing to say a little bit more about what marshals typically must do.
Thanks,
Dan
-- -------------- Dan Griswold Rochester, NY --------------
If you think it's fun riding in a large group, especially when it benefits your favorite cause, you should try volunteering as a course marshal for next year's ride.
Bob, that is one of the single best pieces of advice I have come across on this NG. (No offense to anyone else intended.) Since you have some experience in this, perhaps you would be willing to say a little bit more about what marshals typically must do.
Thanks,
Dan
I'd guess the specific duties of a course marshal vary from event to event and others my add to the list of duties but generally course marshals are responsible for: 1- knowing the course intimately- Where are the rest stops? Are there any areas that pose special problems? Answering time after time, "Am I going the right way?" and "How far have I gone?", without seeming unfriendly. 2- leading out each starting wave of riders; 3- patrolling the course for riders needing help with mechanical problems; 4- helping lost riders get back on track (probably the hardest part of marshaling is *finding* those lost riders. <g>😉 5- enforcing safety rules without being a jerk; 6- riding sweep to ensure no one is left behind; 7- encouraging riders that are having difficulties; 8- marking the course the day before if necessary; 9- removing any markings or signage after the event is over.
