Algarvecycling
Guest
Wow! Never heard of these type of rides before where you need a Leader/Nanny. On non-race Sundays, I will join Club rides, no special organisation etc required, no 'leaders' or anything like that, we just wait for the slowest to catch up occasionally, agree where to meet, stop for a drink, whatever.
We also have much larger rides officially organised and advertised by the local bike shops called 'GPS Rides' for both road and MTB rides. These attract many Clubs and individuals and can run into the 100's of participants. Leaders? We simply download the GPS file the evening before, pitch up at the meeting point, listen to any special instructions/advice/warnings re roadworks etc/special attention sections and the like and then we are off! No waiting for anyone, everyone goes off at their own pace and if you have an issue, a friend/s or teammate/s help you. Insurance? That's down to the individual cyclist, no different to any other ride.
Basically, unless you join a specific Tour Group as a tourist, there is no nannying, you just meet up with friends, teammates or as a larger group and get on with enjoying the ride.
We also have much larger rides officially organised and advertised by the local bike shops called 'GPS Rides' for both road and MTB rides. These attract many Clubs and individuals and can run into the 100's of participants. Leaders? We simply download the GPS file the evening before, pitch up at the meeting point, listen to any special instructions/advice/warnings re roadworks etc/special attention sections and the like and then we are off! No waiting for anyone, everyone goes off at their own pace and if you have an issue, a friend/s or teammate/s help you. Insurance? That's down to the individual cyclist, no different to any other ride.
Basically, unless you join a specific Tour Group as a tourist, there is no nannying, you just meet up with friends, teammates or as a larger group and get on with enjoying the ride.