by Grahame » Mon Jul 12, 2010 9:35 am
This has made me think again about whether I want to continue being a VC.
What has to be remembered is that we (the VCs) do this voluntarily. It is not a job. We do not get, nor do we seek, any material reward. We (or at least I) do it as a way of helping give something back to the sport/recreation that we enjoy and get so much from.
In the first 6 months of the Addiscombe year, I led groups on 18 weeks (the "commitment" for a VC is understood to be to lead 12 group rides over the year). I started to feel "burned out" and wondered whether I should continue. I have taken a break from the clubrun for nearly 2 months, with Saturday being my return, and as I didn't feel strong enough to lead a group, decided to go with Snoop's scenic sojourn.
Anyway, back on topic. I make a point of briefing "my" group each week before we leave CSS. I know there are several people who don't listen - I see their body language during the briefing, hear them chatting to their mates, etc. but most noticeably, recognise it through their riding. Refusing/failing to communicate hazards such as holes, cars -up, or -down, whether junctions are clear, or insisting on trying to "improve" on the group's target average speed ("great ride this week, the 18s averaged 21mph to the cafe"), etc. This makes the VCs role rather difficult. If one is concentrating on maintaining/creating basic discipline in the major part of the group, it is near impossible to use the eyes in the back of one's head to see somebody who is struggling. This does not excuse us for leaving somebody behind, and I rpide myself on thinking that I won't knowingly leave anybody behind, prefering to ensure the main group knows the route, then dropping back to help the struggler(s) at least get to the safety of the cafe or a railway station.
Remember, VCs do this out of "the goodness of their hearts" not some power crazed lust for glory. Being a VC is more like being a "super domestique" than a star rider. One often has to sacrifice one's own ride targets/goals (or even enjoyment) for the sake of the group experience. This gets wearing, so please bear with us. If you want to help, there are big and little things you can do. Little things include riding with discipline, helping keep the group compact, and letting the VC know if somebody is struggling - prefereably before they "blow" or get dropped. Big things include volunteering to be a VC.
Here endeth the lesson.