This blog was written by Thomas Johnston, Special Events Operations Manager, in conjunction with the February volunteer newsletter.
Route guides make a big difference at the Ride for Roswell. Since that very first Ride in 1996, route guides have been helping direct and assist cyclists along all of the routes in 14 communities, 3 counties, and 2 countries!
Route guides volunteer for one or more four hour shifts, serving at more than 300 critical intersections. They arrive equipped with safety vest, flag, maps, and some basic first aid supplies. As cyclists approach, route guides wave them in the correct direction, and will halt bicycle traffic as needed. Sometimes they work with police at the same corner, sometimes they are on their own. Route guides also offer a friendly face and some much-needed directions for cyclists who may feel that they are off course. In emergencies, route guides will call Ride HQ for help, and they call 911 for immediate emergencies. Route guides are also an extra sets of eyes, ears, and hands on the routes. Grateful cyclists will tell you that the route guide corps makes the Ride stand out as a premier cycling event.
The Ride is now seeking route guides for several intersections in Amherst, Clarence, Akron, Newstead, Buffalo, the Tonawanda’s, and even in Canada.
Give us a call at 716-843-7433 to learn more.
-Thomas Johnston, Special Events Operations Manager
