2013 National Capital Tour de Cure

What does a ride marshall volunteer do?

@creadinger 43072 wrote:

What does a ride marshall volunteer do?

This was some of my ride marshal instruction sheet from 2012:

“Route Marshals,

Thank you…thank you…thank you all for volunteering to marshal for this year’s Tour de Cure event in Reston, VA on Sunday, June 3rd. This email should contain all the information you need to be successful on Sunday. Please take a few minutes to review the information in this document, and the additional attached files. If you have any questions, or comments, please let me know immediately.

On the following page are route assignments, check-in and departure times, and contact information. There are several phone numbers highlighted in yellow. I will need everyone’s cell phone number for the phone you will have with you on the day of the event. Please review your requested route, time and contact information to ensure that they have been captured accurately.

The information in the chart below contains details for your specific route on this year’s Tour de Cure. I have attempted to get everyone their preferred route assignment, and/or departure time. I have staggered the start times for the marshals to try and have distance between you all on the course. If you catch up with another marshall along the course, or at a rest stop, I ask that you please try and keep some space between you so that we are well represented on the route. With that being said, your listed departure time is vital in order to achieve this goal. If you have been assigned as the sweep marshal (denoted in the chart), we need you to be the last person on the course to ensure that no one was left behind. You will also note that there are several phone numbers highlighted in yellow. I MUST have everyone’s cell phone number for the phone you will have with you on the day of the event. Please review your requested route, times, and contact information to ensure that they have been captured accurately.

Check In:On Sunday morning, at your allotted time, go to the Volunteer Check-in Booth, at Reston Town Center (11900 Market Street, Reston, VA), and meet with Nahome Mazengia. Please check in at least 20 minutes before your shift. You will check out at this same booth at the conclusion of your shift as well.

After checking in at the volunteer table, please call the Command Center/Dispatch (number will be provided the day of) to notify that you are on-site and are preparing to depart for your route. You will also be required to check in with each rest stop manager and/or with dispatch when you approach each rest stop.

Command Center/Dispatch: TBD
Team Leader:

What to bring:– Bike
– Helmet
– Required personal riding gear
– Sufficient water
– Ability to carry bike repair tools/tubes and sign repair tools
– Cell phone (fully operational with a full battery)
– ADA Documents (Route Cues, Map, Incident Forms, Contact #s, Pen)

What to do:Your main objective is to keep everyone safe, and on the road. Additional details are contained in the attached documents, and we will stress again to please read them. Please also note the emphasis on remaining aware of where you are at all times in case you need to call for help. The Safety and Health procedures document is particularly important for all Marshals to be familiar with. In the chance that route signage is missing or has been tampered with, you will need to be able to determine the appropriate route, and call to replace any missing signage. You will also need to be prepared to assist with bike issues, call for SAG support, assess and assist in possible emergency situations, and answer any rider questions. Please never hesitate to call dispatch for assistance.

Your Impact/Role at Tour de Cure: You will be our eyes and energy during the ride! You are an integral part to the event running smoothly and safely. Route Marshal Volunteers will patrol the full length of the route on their bikes. Route Marshals must be available via cell phone, so please keep it in your jersey pouch in a zip lock to protect it against moisture.”

You don’t need to be a mechanic, but on the route I have helped fix flats, helped with dropped chains, adjusted brakes (others have adjusted derailleurs), provided extra water between rest stops, requested sag support, been asked to check on a report of a cycling crash (none found), and given encouragement. I’ve been a marshal for both the 33 and 55 mile routes.

@sjclaeys 43074 wrote:

Sorry to be a Gloomy Gus, but isn’t this one of the rides where the Loudoun County sheriff harasses cyclists?

The 2012 TdC and the 2011 (or was it 2010) MS ride had problems in Lovettsville. I also remember a deputy parked just south at the Ivandale Rd crossing on the W&OD.

Anyone interested in volunteering as a bike marshal for the 2013 National Capital Tour de Cure on Sunday, June 2 can contact Lindsey at fixielinz@hotmil.com

She will be coordinating our route marshal volunteers this year. Thank you!