Pamestique 

I am a docent for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy/OC Parks. I regularly set up and lead MTB rides (or hikes) First and foremost if one takes on the resonsibility (in my humble opinion) as a ride leader they have to give up their own personal ride and pleasure. Not that I don't get pleasure from leading, but its not MY ride, it belongs to my guests and I am responsible for making sure everyone has an enjoyable experience. Of course there are different levels of leadership. When I was active in a Club we had ride leaders but frankly i never figured out why. Everyone had a route slip and it was every man for himself. I think the leaders were suppose to help out new members/riders but that seldom happened.

The problem with organized/led rides is at some point, unless everyone is at the same level, you have to regroup. I just tell everyone up front this is an organized ride and no one gets left behind which means the last rider is the one that sets the pace and time. I give people the option, before the ride starts, to go do their own thing if that is not acceptable. Then after the ride starts, I have to check and make sure everyone is hanging in there and no one gets dropped. It's helps to have sweeps and other "leaders" (we must have at least 2 docents for every ride, more if the ride is difficult).

I lead the beginner, slow intermediate rides. Advance rides different animals and people are expected to care for themselves. As a leader it would be my responsiblity to make sure the guest/rider is capable of keeping up - if not, I have to be able to cut that rider lose so the other guests also have a good experience.

Frankly I hate leading; I rather be a sweep. Just so much responsibility and its hard for myself to enjoy the experience.

green427

I believe this is the part that is the biggest issue. Labeling a ride "no drop" and doing that action nullifies the term "no drop".

Leaders definitely should explain what will happen on a ride if someone is unable to keep up. I agree with you that one rider should not make the whole group miserable, however, that issue should be made known to everyone beforehand. There is a reason some of us slower riders look for the term "no drop".