2. CCCTS Ride Guidelines Pre-Ride PHASE – October 3, 2020
2.1 Types of Rides: Tours
2.1a. Travelling tours have several variations, depending on whether the tour is vehicle-supported, with luggage, camping gear, etc. carried, or SAG-supported where a vehicle picks up cyclists unable to complete the ride, or fully self-supported, where all tour gear is carried in bicycle-attached panniers or in bike trailers. Lodging options may include tents or hotels/hostels or a combination of both. The choice depends on budget, available facilities and the personal preference of the Ride Leader (RL). The decision to adopt a tour style is that of the RL.
A rented one-ton rental cube van is essential if the tour involves use of the Club’s camping gear, including a van rack system, stored in North Surrey, BC. Rental from a reputable firm is recommended. It is against Club policy to use a private vehicle as a “sag wagon” for transport of members or Club equipment during an event. A rented van is desirable on non-camping, long distance tours to carry personal effects and to provide a certain element of security and support for cyclists. Usually tour participants take turns driving if a volunteer driver, who must be a Club member, has not been located. Under certain circumstances, i.e., driving in a non-English speaking country, hiring a local driver may be preferable.
Fully self-supported tours, with no rented vehicle support, involve much more discipline when packing personal gear. Such tours involve more work and can result in logistical difficulties in the event of accidents or mechanical problems. Fully self-supported tours may not be for the novice cyclist. However, they do offer benefits: significant cost savings, flexibility and personal satisfaction. For all tour types, Ride with GPS digital files, daily route maps and daily cue sheets will be available, thereby allowing participants to ride at their own pace. Tours may include non-riding days where hikes or optional rides may be offered. When scheduled, these days can be re-scheduled as formal ride days if the cycling schedule has been interrupted.
2.1b. Split and sequential (back-to-back) tours are variants of the traveling tour. A “split tour” occurs when the group is organized into two subgroups, each with a RL (Ride Leader). Each subgroup travels the same route, but a day apart. A “sequential tour” occurs when the second group starts after the first group finishes. The advantages of either tour type are: 1) they can accommodate twice as many participants: i.e., 40 compared to 20 2) they allow for a more effective use of the vehicle and Club gear; and 3) they maximize the benefits of the tour planning process. If a single tour subsequently becomes a “split” or “sequential” tour, the “go list” selected members with the highest Lottery numbers will normally stay on the first tour but have their choice of alternative tour dates.
2.1c. Contract tours are conceived and organized by a Club member serving as Tour Coordinator who interacts directly with a Tour Contractor to develop the tour’s route, dates, fees, guides, meals, vehicular support, lodging standards, etc. This tour type has been most popular over the past few years, with successful tours in China, India, Viet Nam, Ireland and Croatia. To gain Club support, all tour participants must be CCCTS members.
2.2 Types of Rides: Hub & Spoke Rides
2.2a. Single Hub Ride: these rides are popular because they are inexpensive. They can be excellent social events. They bring together a large number of Club members, for example the 2018 Comox Valley Chapter Hub & Spoke hosted 140 cyclists. Hub & Spoke rides may be physically easier for participants, offering a choice of longer or shorter, more or less-demanding rides, and the option of rest days. The concept is to lodge all participants together at a campsite, motel/hotel or retreat centre and provide a choice of structured daily rides. A Ride Co-Leader and a Ride Sweep for each sub-group is required. The Hub & Spokes RL may include planned coffee stops and luncheon locations and stops of interest to learn about the local area for each sub-group. A windup dinner or start of ride dinner may be planned by the RL in consultation with ride participants.
2.2b. Double Hub Ride: provide an opportunity to experience a series of ride days in each of two uniquely different areas separated by a half-day drive between the hub locations.
For example the 2016 Glaciers and Grasslands Double Hub and Spoke.