Volunteer opportunities abound

[OVMTB]

As it turns out, they were correct when stating that it takes a village (to do anything MTB related).  One of our returning parents gently reminded me that I hadn't sent out the link to volunteer at the ACA races, which actually takes several villages to run.

Internal to our team, we have had a great turnout of great coaches.  Aside from coaching, we have our board members that have organized the fundraising, team kits, photos, shirts and events. I can't thank you enough for all of the help thus far.  Going forward, we will have some more opportunities as well, such as helping set up our pit zone at races, handing off bottles in the feed zone during races, set up for the team dinner, and just being around and available to help out with all of the unnamed and unexpected tasks that arise when we have 55 kids riding bikes.  Let me know if you'd like to volunteer for anything, and we'll definitely reach out as the needs arise.  Not to alarm you- but if you're a doctor or have some EMT/first responder training please reach out and let me know.

External to our team at the races:

Arizona Cycling Association puts on the races with a core group of folks and a load of volunteers.  They actually track the volunteers and reward the teams that have the highest number of "unique volunteers".  This means we get 3 "points" when John, Bob and Joe volunteer during the season, but only 1 point if John volunteers 3 times.  The league does this to try and promote new volunteers, rather than just wearing out the same over achievers. They do still welcome repeat help though, with open arms!

Last year OVMTB actually had the highest number of volunteers and was rewarded with approx $400 credit to purchase items for the team in the pit zone like bike racks.

You can sign up for these ACA volunteer positions at:

https://arizonacycling.org/volunteer/

Note that you must be a registered coach to volunteer as a Sweep rider.

To be a course marshall you don't need any qualifications.  They will give you a two-way radio and have you go to a point on the course where you just watch and radio in problems.  It is helpful to have a bike to get to the marshall point, but there are some races where you can easily walk to the marshall point. If you are walking, I'd try to let them know that as early as possible. 

After the races are over around 3pm, ACA asks everyone to pitch in to tear down the venue if it's a Sunday race.  This has to be done before they will do the high school awards.  It doesn't count towards our volunteer points, but certainly makes a huge impression with the league and other teams when a wave of people with OVMTB shirts shows up. It is a great example of 'many hands make quick work' and helps get us done and wrapped up as early as possible.

Thanks in advance for considering volunteering!

Ryan

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Ryan McCoskey

OVMTB Head Coach

www.ovmtb.org