[GEARs] New Rider Complaints
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Kayna Robison
Jul 25, 2025, 3:28:11 PMJul 25
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Greetings,
I’m not sure if this is the best avenue for this message, but I wanted to share some recent feedback I’ve received from a few new riders who reached out via email.
The common critique in their comments was a sense of not feeling welcomed. Examples were not being spoken to, or feeling as though the only barrier to riding with us was signing up.
I want to start by acknowledging that I know how welcoming and friendly our club is. Many of us have been riding together for years, and I’ve experienced firsthand how warm this group can be. But I also think it's valuable to hear these impressions and reflect on how we come across to someone new.
It’s easy to slip into familiarity with the folks we already know, and sometimes that means unintentionally overlooking those who are just joining us. A small effort to say hello or include someone in a conversation can go a long way toward making them feel like they are welcomed.
I’m not sure if this is the best avenue for this message, but I wanted to share some recent feedback I’ve received from a few new riders who reached out via email.
The common critique in their comments was a sense of not feeling welcomed. Examples were not being spoken to, or feeling as though the only barrier to riding with us was signing up.
I want to start by acknowledging that I know how welcoming and friendly our club is. Many of us have been riding together for years, and I’ve experienced firsthand how warm this group can be. But I also think it's valuable to hear these impressions and reflect on how we come across to someone new.
It’s easy to slip into familiarity with the folks we already know, and sometimes that means unintentionally overlooking those who are just joining us. A small effort to say hello or include someone in a conversation can go a long way toward making them feel like they are welcomed.
I also think it’s worth revisiting how we approach ride sign-ups when talking with new riders. While we absolutely need sign-ups for logistics, insurance, and safety, we should avoid telling someone they can’t ride or implying they’re not “part of the ride” if they haven’t signed up in advance. For someone who’s just showing up to see what we’re about, things like mileage tracking or formal participation aren’t usually their priority, they’re trying to figure out if they fit in.
In most cases, a quick check-in and asking if they’d like to provide an emergency contact is probably sufficient. Creating a sense of exclusion, especially by saying they’re not officially part of the ride, can lead to an uncomfortable first impression. Those kinds of conversations are more appropriate for riders who continue to show up but repeatedly disregard how we operate, not someone testing the waters.
Of course, there’s the concern about waivers. Most of us probably don’t carry paper copies, but if someone does, it’s fine to politely ask a new rider if they’d be willing to sign one, then leave it at that. No need to make it a big deal. Let’s see if they come back and continue to engage with the club before introducing more formality.
In most cases, a quick check-in and asking if they’d like to provide an emergency contact is probably sufficient. Creating a sense of exclusion, especially by saying they’re not officially part of the ride, can lead to an uncomfortable first impression. Those kinds of conversations are more appropriate for riders who continue to show up but repeatedly disregard how we operate, not someone testing the waters.
Of course, there’s the concern about waivers. Most of us probably don’t carry paper copies, but if someone does, it’s fine to politely ask a new rider if they’d be willing to sign one, then leave it at that. No need to make it a big deal. Let’s see if they come back and continue to engage with the club before introducing more formality.
These are just a few perspectives from people who’ve reached out to me, it’s only one side of the story. But I think it’s worth sharing as a reminder to stay centered on the spirit of inclusion and the joy of riding together.
Kayna
S Hecker
Jul 25, 2025, 3:47:47 PMJul 25
to kayna....@gmail.com, GEARs
Good points to raise Kayna, and I agree about welcoming new riders being the priority over paperwork. Just a couple of points of clarification from you, Mike, or others. Is it true that everyone on a GEARs ride, first or 50th, needs a signed waiver for club liability protection? And is it still true that you are covered by insurance for the first ride whether a member or not, but after that unless you join the club you are not eligible for club insurance in the event of an injury?
If a waiver is required for our protection, then leaders, including me, should carry one. Otherwise we'd have to take them through the signup process on their or our phone, which is cumbersome. The less bureaucratic stuff and the more conversation at the start, the better. Maybe the leader should pick out an experienced member to give a little orientation to the new person so the leader can do their other duties and the new rider still gets some attention. Just a thought.
Steve
Steven Hecker
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Richard Hughes
Jul 25, 2025, 6:42:25 PMJul 25
to she...@uw.edu, kayna....@gmail.com, GEARs
On Fri, Jul 25, 2025 at 12:47 PM S Hecker <she...@uw.edu> wrote:
Good points to raise Kayna, and I agree about welcoming new riders being the priority over paperwork. Just a couple of points of clarification from you, Mike, or others. Is it true that everyone on a GEARs ride, first or 50th, needs a signed waiver for club liability protection? And is it still true that you are covered by insurance for the first ride whether a member or not, but after that unless you join the club you are not eligible for club insurance in the event of an injury?
Hi Steve, Kayna, et al,
GEARs has not been known as a welcoming club, but it has gotten better over the years. We just need more practice. Kayna, thank you for bringing up this issue for discussion.
Here's information from American Specialty's FAQs:"Q: WHAT ARE THE BEST PRACTICES WHEN A RIDER ATTENDS ONE OR MULTIPLE CLUB RIDES
BUT DOESN’T WANT TO JOIN?
First-time invited guests are protected in the same manner as club members. After the first ride, they
are no longer covered unless they become a member of the club. We recommend that all non-members
sign a waiver each time they ride with the club. We recommend individuals that are not covered under
the club’s insurance be notified of such."
Therefore, I carry a Waiver Form in case the person didn't sign-up online. Having a seasoned club member take the person under their wing and welcome them is ideal, when the ride leader is preoccupied.
BTW, Ride Sign-ups normally close 90 minutes before the ride begins, so signing-up online at that point is moot.
I agree that we could be more welcoming and I'll keep that in mind and reach out for assistance when needed, especially on Saturdays. However, we need to cover our backside for the club and the ride leaders when it comes to liability.
Richard
garnsan
Jul 28, 2025, 6:06:18 PMJul 28
to kayna....@gmail.com, GEARs
Hi Kayna
I think it is good to have these situations come along. They are not new but they do give us a chance to check our protocols and how we want to do "business." We do a great job of offering so many rides. We have great riders in our club and welcome many more. Our Ride Leaders are amazing in that they organize check for sign ups offer help and try to be inclusive with each ride. . .and all of that with 15-20 eager riders ready to hit the road! Sometimes things get dropped, we are a volunteer organization that tries to meet the needs of so many with such varied backgrounds with that common love of riding!
With this situation it might be good to emphasize the need to welcome new riders, announce that Tadej Pogacar is joining us for his first ride with Gears. As noted, maybe assign someone to ride with him and keep him on the correct route and make him feel welcome. We also, used a business card to give to new riders. I have included an example of that card, see attached. That would give him/her information about the website and benefits for joining GEARS. It would need to be updated but it might be a nice thing to do for new riders? We found it useful some years ago and maybe time to try it again?
It is important to carry a paper copy of the waiver form and something to write with, unless they can do it electronically at the time of the ride. But, that all takes time and keeping that 15-20 riders waiting. Might be an issue to carry paper and pen? Can they text a YES to the waiver, contact phone number and emergency phone number to the RL? Just another protocol!
Just a few thoughts
Garry Swanson
Mary Flatley
Jul 28, 2025, 6:32:21 PMJul 28
to gar...@earthlink.net, kayna....@gmail.com, GEARs
Hello everyone,
Chiming in from the peanut gallery here in Portland. I miss y'all and GEARs rides!
Before medical stuff got in the way, I was leading rides with my new club, Sorella Forte, in Portland, and there are a few things that work well in this club that could translate well to GEARs. Similar to what Garry mentioned, when new riders join, the rider texts the ride leader so the ride leader has their contact info and name. I think that's an efficient way to make sure the bases are covered and allows the ride leader to have a quick check-in post ride to see how their ride went and to encourage them to officially join the club. Often, folks don't understand the benefits of club membership or how the club works logistically with online sign-ups and this quick check-in is another touchpoint.
Another thing we do in Sorella, is have someone leading the ride and a sweep on all rides. The sweep is typically a volunteer that steps up the day of, though we do have co-leaders on some rides.
Hope this is helpful!
Mary
Mary
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/Greater-Eugene-Area-Riders/d03c2c36-c3c5-742c-b16a-c3e26915a848%40earthlink.net.
Gary Haliski
Jul 29, 2025, 1:25:36 PMJul 29
to mtfl...@gmail.com, gar...@earthlink.net, kayna....@gmail.com, GEARs
I like the post ride check in idea.
Would be good to have a boiler plate email to send. Including:
- Hope you enjoyed today's ride, any comments?
- No rider left behind philosopy
- Ride groups by speed/types inc gravel
- What the waiver covers
- Special events - Bramberry Bramble/Picnic/Christmas light ride
- Mileage tracking/socks
Gary Haliski
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