Well, I know as I send out this little note, those
that NEED to consider what I am about to say, most likely are not going to read
it. But, maybe the rest of us can say something to a rider next time we see them
treating volunteers poorly at a ride. This has been said time and time again,
but still, some riders don't get it.
At the doctors office today, a man asked if I rode
the rides, as he pointed at my ride shirt I was wearing from a local AERC ride
that is put on each year. I said yes, and he said he volunteered a couple years
ago, and will NEVER do it again, as the riders were nasty towards him. I
inquired a bit more, and he said he was an in timer, and that it was his
first time volunteering. He had a very experienced helper, who happened to step
away for a moment, just as the first 50 mile "racers" came in, and they were
riding in a group. Overwhelmed, and I'm sure doing the best he could, to get
things straight, the riders became rude as he was not fast enough getting them
their times. He said that the 25 milers were very nice, and much more relaxed,
and friendly, but for the most part, the 50 milers were an overly competitive
stressed out group, that were NOT nice.
It is sad that ones first time coming out to
volunteer at a ride will turn them off to the sport. He even mentioned he avoids
riding on the day of the ride on those trails, as he just does not want to deal
with "endurance riders"......
So, as I said, since those who are often a bit rude
and nasty towards the volunteers etc. probably won't read this, and if they do,
won't recognize that it is THEM I speak of, at the next ride, if you hear a
rider getting testy with a volunteer who may just be doing the best they can,
mention it to them, that without volunteers, we won't have rides. For all of our
normal rides across the nation every weekend, it is not like y'all are
racing for some grand prize of prizes. Take a deep breath, and deal with
it if you have someone new helping at a check point. Thank them for being there.
Just think, if they have a good day, they will come back to do it again, and
will be even more experienced!
