I organise and lead free cycle rides in London via postings on a social website and the typical participant I would meet for the first time just before the ride starts. I have done it without knowledgeable advice from anyone else (except about legal liability). I am just bumbling along but I realise some of my participants can have a justifiable expectation I as leader will know what to do in problem situations.
I would appreciate advice about how to help my riders having a puncture or having their bike damaged during a ride.
When a rider has a puncture and I happen to have an inner tube that will fit should I just offer it without expecting the cost of it back? I don't want to offer one conditional of payment. Should I carry multiple inner tubes for riders including myself? Surely not, but then if someone can't continue, what then? Ask for a volunteer to accompany them to a train station? Go with them myself and abandon the ride? And if there is no train station in a reasonable distance?
When a bike can't even be freewheeled I can't leave the rider alone unless they insist. What is the recommended solution for that?
Under what circumstances should I consider calling the ride off en route and leaving the riders to their own initiatives? I think that would depend on the number in the group and if any are potentially vulnerable.
There is no cycling group or club I am a member of that would have policies of its own involved. All decisions are mine alone. I am insured against my own and my riders' negligence so liability is not an issue. Nor is first aid. My concern is the safety and enjoyment of the party when one needs mechanical or puncture assistance.
I would appreciate advice about how to help my riders having a puncture or having their bike damaged during a ride.
When a rider has a puncture and I happen to have an inner tube that will fit should I just offer it without expecting the cost of it back? I don't want to offer one conditional of payment. Should I carry multiple inner tubes for riders including myself? Surely not, but then if someone can't continue, what then? Ask for a volunteer to accompany them to a train station? Go with them myself and abandon the ride? And if there is no train station in a reasonable distance?
When a bike can't even be freewheeled I can't leave the rider alone unless they insist. What is the recommended solution for that?
Under what circumstances should I consider calling the ride off en route and leaving the riders to their own initiatives? I think that would depend on the number in the group and if any are potentially vulnerable.
There is no cycling group or club I am a member of that would have policies of its own involved. All decisions are mine alone. I am insured against my own and my riders' negligence so liability is not an issue. Nor is first aid. My concern is the safety and enjoyment of the party when one needs mechanical or puncture assistance.