Thank you Chichester Observer

If you missed it, and it was hard to miss, the lovely shapeliness that is our club champion for 2008 (Shaun "Bald Eagle" Smart) virtually covered the back page of this week's sports section of the Chichester Observer.
A fantastic advert for the club. My thanks go to Steve Bone. The sports editor of the Chi Observer.
There is no truth in the rumour that Shaun will be signing copies at Waterstones at the weekend.
Shaun

Guardian angels

In a previous edition of Cafe Velo I mentioned Shaun Smart's idea of Saturday ride leaders. Shaun has been acting as an unofficial ride leader for sometime, but as Shaun says, he can't always be there.
I'm pleased to report that Southdown Velo rejoiner, Chris Dobson, has agreed to become a second Saturday ride leader.
I have agreed with Shaun that the ride leaders will be known as "guardian angels". No, that does not mean they will be reading the paper during the ride. The name is meant to convey more effectively their role is one of a helper rather than a leader. We have agreed the following aims and objectives for guardian angels:

Aim

The aim of the guardian angels is to maintain ride discipline and to assist less fit and less experienced riders.

Objectives

Guardian angels will:

1. Ensure, within reason, that road traffic regulations are adhered to, e.g. not riding through red stop lights.

2. Try to maintain a pace that all riders are comfortable with.

3. Ensuring the ride stops and waits for punctured riders.

4. Consulting with riders who are struggling as to whether they want the ride to wait for them or they are happy to continue alone.

5. To try and ensure new riders are clear as to where and how far the ride is going and its crude itineray (e.g. what time you expect to be back at the start).

6. Diplomatically advising inexperienced riders about behaviour that might be dangerous or cause offence to other members of the ride.

7. To at all times carry a mobile 'phone in case of emergency.

8. To ensure that other members of the ride realise that they are guardian angels and not just interfering busy bodies.