ridecamp@endurance.net: Re: [endurance] pet peeves

Re: [endurance] pet peeves

Brenda Miskimmin (bmiskimm@env.gov.ab.ca)
Thu, 31 Aug 1995 15:37:25 -0400 (EDT)

On Wed, 30 Aug 1995 11:09:11 -0700 paul roach
<proach@ix.netcom.com> wrote:
>Hi y'all:
>
>I'm going to be putting on an endurance ride next year, and I thought
>that I'd solicite your help. It will be my first effort as ride
>manager, and, naturally, I want to get as many things right as
>possible. I thought that it would be helpful, and possibly amusing, to
>collect a list of riders' pet peeves. This might help me aviod making
>some mistakes. (And now that I think of it, a list of ride managers'
>peeves might be even more interesting.) Please don't bother with the
>big headaches; I know that no-one likes a poorly-marked trail or
>discovering that five miles of the trail is on asphalt. But if you
>could help keep me from making a lot of little mistakes, I'll be able
>to keep my riders happier. Thanks,
>
>Paul Roach

Paul,
Here's an important point regarding putting on rides. One of the best
rides I know not only does all the usual things well, but they also really
make a big deal of their sponsors and volunteers. Sponsors are
acknowledged on a big board by name. They are named when the awards
are given out, and usually thank you cards are included with the award
with a self-addressed envelope. Each volunteer is acknowledged and
given a gift. The ride managers announce to everyone that if they have
any complaints, don't complain to the volunteers, but come to them (the
managers). Also little things like instructing riders to smile and be nice to
gate people (because they tell the gate people to expect it!). These
details ensure that the Athabasca Ride has no trouble getting sponsors
and volunteers year after year.

Brenda
Edmonton AB