From the grandeur of the Tour de France to the charm of your local under-23 race, volunteers are the backbone of cycling events of all scales. In this article, we delve into the heart of these events, guided by the real-life experiences of volunteers at the forefront of these exhilarating gatherings. From handling logistics to cheering on riders at critical points, their stories provide invaluable insights and tips for anyone considering stepping into the volunteer role.
From rider to volunteer: Jacqueline Gikow’s journey
Jacqueline Gikow’s journey into volunteering began with her participation in the iconic Five Boro Bike Tour in New York City. After experiencing unpredictable weather over the years, she shifted from being a rider to a volunteer. “I enjoyed participating, so I volunteered to be a stationary marshal in Central Park, near where I lived,” she recalls. She later joined the Huffy Team—Rider Assist Marshalls with bike mechanic skills—leveraging her personal trainer and CPR knowledge. “I am always happy to offer my bike mechanic skills to help as a member of the Huffy team.”
Memorable moments and community impact
One of Jacqueline’s most memorable experiences was helping a rider who had collapsed from exhaustion near the Verrazano Bridge. “The rider wasn’t hurt, but he was having trouble getting up and walking. He misgauged his fitness level, and after riding 35 miles, he couldn’t keep pedalling,” she explains. Using her expertise as a personal trainer, she helped him stretch his cramped muscles, allowing him to regain strength and continue.
Volunteering has deepened Jacqueline’s appreciation for the cycling community and the effort that goes into organising events. “Bike New York does an incredible job of organising its events, as well as managing the logistics and recruiting volunteers. I return each year because I feel that my contribution is valued,” she notes.
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Advice for new volunteers
For those considering volunteering for the first time, Jacqueline advises starting with a straightforward assignment to grasp the fundamentals of the role. “If training is involved, it’s important to pay attention to the details. Know what skills you can bring to the volunteer experience,” she suggests.
Embracing the cycling community: Helen Budd’s volunteering story
Helen Budd’s journey into volunteering stems from her appreciation for the benefits cycling has brought into her life. She first became a Breeze champion to encourage women to cycle. “I joined Breeze as a champion because I have had so many benefits from cycling—social, physical, and mental health. I wanted to encourage others to gain the same,” she explains. She also became a commissaire to stay involved in cycling as she aged. “I love watching bike racing. As my body starts to age, I wanted to provide a means to remain involved with cycling as the years progress.”
Memorable moments and community impact
Helen’s experiences have included many memorable moments, such as discussing the weather forecast with professional cyclist André Greipel in Glasgow and handling a medical emergency during a Breeze ride. “An awful medical situation with a participant on a Breeze ride has given me more confidence in dealing with emergencies,” she says. She also faced challenges like being shouted at by a parent at a youth cycling race.
Volunteering has shaped Helen’s perception of cycling events and the community. “Genuinely, I love the cycling community. Without fail, I meet some lovely people whenever I am with the cycling family—my club mates, Breeze ladies, most racers, and spectators,” she expresses. Her roles have allowed her to witness the dedication and passion of participants and volunteers alike.
Advice for new volunteers
Helen’s advice for new volunteers is straightforward: “Go for it. Ask about your network for options, and then give it a try. If you don’t like one activity, try something different. Nobody wants you to fail.”
Empowering women and inspiring confidence: Lizzy Archer’s volunteering journey
Lizzy Archer’s desire to support others led her to volunteer for various cycling events. She chose to facilitate events for those who find long-distance cycling challenging. “I cycle a lot, and riding 100km or even 100 miles is not something that I have to specifically train for. What I can do is facilitate events for those for whom it is a bigger challenge,” she explains. As a Ride Angel for the Ride the Night event, she aims to empower women to feel confident in bike maintenance. “By taking on that role, I can provide a positive role model that hopefully demystifies the bike maintenance side.”
Memorable moments and community impact
Volunteering at Ride the Night has given Lizzy numerous memorable experiences, particularly interactions with diverse participants. “Riding with such a diverse range of participants, you can hear and share some excellent stories!” she enthuses.
Lizzy’s volunteer work has deepened her appreciation for the cycling community and the importance of inclusivity and support. By addressing the needs and concerns of fellow female cyclists, she contributes to a more empowered and confident community.
Advice for new volunteers
For those considering volunteering, Lizzy advises having an open mind and being prepared for all types of people. “Be polite and cheerful, and hopefully, even the most stressed people will come around. Be confident in your knowledge and abilities and have a good, friendly smile.” She also highlights the importance of preparation and seeking support from experienced volunteers.
Giving back and staying starstruck: Gret Zoeller’s volunteering journey
After retiring from high-level sports, Gret Zoeller felt a deep sense of gratitude towards the volunteers who had supported her. This inspired her to give back by volunteering. “I retired from high-level sport in 2020 and wanted to give back in a way to thank all of the volunteers who had helped me over the years,” she explains. Given her background as a teacher, she was naturally drawn to a media role at the Commonwealth Games.
Memorable moments and community impact
Volunteering in the media role has provided Gret with surreal experiences, such as coordinating interviews for professional cyclist Demi Vollering. “Seeing Demi Vollering for the first time in real life and having to book her in with Dutch media for TV interviews was surreal!!!” she recalls. Another memorable encounter was discussing favourite time trialists with an executive from Swiss Cycling.
Volunteering has significantly impacted Gret’s perception of cycling events and the community. “The events wouldn’t work without the volunteers, and they’re truly an amazing experience!” she emphasises. Her positive experiences have motivated her to continue volunteering and explore new roles.
Advice for new volunteers
Gret’s advice for new volunteers is enthusiastic and practical. “Do it!!! Try any role and completely immerse yourself in it. Do all the silly intro games, enjoy all of the freebies, but work hard, and you’ll have an amazing time,” she encourages. She also shares a humorous anecdote to illustrate the fun of volunteering. “I didn’t work the men’s TT as I’m a Wout van Aert superfan. Dressed in a full Belgian kit with a WVA flag, I asked Josh Tarling for a photo at his media centre interview. His response, ‘Not in that bloody jersey!’” she laughs.
Get out there and try it for yourself!
The stories of Jacqueline, Helen, Lizzy, and Gret reveal the profound impact that volunteering can have on both the events and the volunteers themselves. Their experiences highlight the dedication, passion, and camaraderie that define the cycling community. For anyone considering volunteering at a cycling event, their advice offers valuable insights and encouragement to dive in, contribute, and enjoy the rewarding journey. Stay tuned for a follow-up article where we will break down some of the important dates and nuts and bolts of volunteering at the cycling world’s biggest events!
