[ORRando] A vote for Populaires

[stasia honnold]

Thanks for sending that, Susan:)

I would also add, if we're applying those points to randonneuring, that
people like to be able to tangibly see their accomplishment. If we are
indeed trying to get more people to try the sport, it might be nice for
there to be a place where results are listed, and not only for people who
are RUSA members (since I'm assuming that many people who try out a
populaire are not going to be members).

Just a thought.

stasia:)



On Mon, Aug 20, 2012 at 1:18 PM, Susan Otcenas <susan at teamestrogen.com>wrote:

> **
>
> River City Bicycles posted this (below) on Facebook this morning.    It's
> so basic, yet we often forget these very simple concepts when we are trying
> to encourage new(er) riders to try randonneuring.  (I especially like
> points 4 & 5!)  To that end, I applaud SIR & it's active volunteers for
> developing it's monthly populaire series in 2012, and look forward to
> seeing more populaires on the 2013 Oregon calendar.
>
> -Susan O.
>
> ---------------
>
> Over the years I've been SLOWLY building up my 16 yr old daughter's
> interest in biking, to the point where she really loves it, and has the
> confidence to try more advanced rides. Yesterday she did her longest ride,
> 58 miles on her single bike (as opposed to our tandem).
>
> On my ride in today, I was thinking about all of the many steps we have
> taken to get us to that point. At the risk of stating the obvious, I'm
> going to go over a few things that could help you get people in your life
> more into bikes- isn't that really one of the big joys of biking?
>
> 1. Leave them wanting more! In regards to importance, this should be the
> first three points. There is no quicker way to discourage a new rider than
> to take them out on too long of a ride, when they aren't nearly ready for
> it. Their bottom will hurt, their legs will hurt, and they will not have
> fun, or want to go again.
>
> 2. Stay away from hills. There will be time later when you can start
> teaching them how to do hills comfortably, but do as little as possible
> until they have built some fitness and confidence.
>
> 3. Never, ever, say 'hurry up! or try to get them to draft, or imply in
> the least that it is much less of a ride than you are capable of. Have them
> in front, especially on any hills.
>
> 4. Mix in ice cream stops, coffee shops, stop at any scenic spots you can,
> encourage them to drink and eat regularly.
>
> 5. Try to find them someone who they can ride with who is at their own
> level. It is super important for people to experience all the levels and
> mini-triumphs of biking at the pace they are comfortable with. It's too
> easy for experienced riders to forget how much of an accomplishment a 25
> mile ride can (and should) be.
>
> 6. Introduce them to organized rides. Don't try a century first! (see #1)
> There should be shorter alternatives that are very social, plenty of food
> stops, and they will ride with a vast array of cyclists, some of who are
> likely slower than they are. It will be a big confidence booster. -Dave
>
> ***********************************************
> Susan Otcenas
> Team Estrogen, Inc.
> www.TeamEstrogen.com <http://www.teamestrogen.com/>
> 877-310-4592
> ***********************************************
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>
>
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