Van Purser’s Legacy
Domestique Leadership
I was invited to my first group ride in 2011. You may not even remember your first group ride. If you can and if you were like me, you didn’t know what to expect, you were a bit nervous, maybe a little terrified. Turns out my fears were well founded - it was every man and woman for themself out there. The "ride leader” asked if anyone was new to the ride - but didn’t acknowledge me when I raised my hand. No one made an attempt to speak with me about the route or welcomed me to the group. The ride itself was quite chaotic - I felt really unsafe riding with them. I actually thought they asked who was new to the ride so they could intimidate the new rider. It wasn’t really a “group” ride it was just a bunch of individuals riding at the same time. I was wondering why anyone would do this - was I better off riding by myself?
Is this the way all these group rides are? I survived the ride but it was nerve-racking and a bit hostile.
I guess I’m just a glutton for punishment because I decided to try a another group ride. My second group ride was a very different experience - the group rider asked who the new riders were - I reluctantly raised my hand - thinking this the way they identified the easy prey. He asked me my name, who invited me and which group I was riding with. As soon as the ride started someone eased up next to me, asked me how I found out about the ride, how long I had been riding, if I was comfortable in a pace line, and some random questions about where I lived and my family. A few other riders welcomed me to the ride. At some point in the ride I started to fall back - well someone was looking out of the new guy and he slipped back and gave me a wheel to drag me back to the group. Later in the ride the first guy who chatted with me gave me a couple pointers on riding with the group that I appreciated. He even complimented me on hanging with the group the first time around. It was a great experience and a great contrast to my first ride - it felt great to be welcomed into the group, to be helped along, to be accepted and "known”.
After riding in several group rides it was evident to me the great difference between these rides was intentional and thoughtful leadership. Over time I got to know the ride leaders because they initiated getting to know me. In fact one of the leaders even phoned me on occasion to check in with me outside of the ride. That man was Van Purser, the founder of Domestique Leadership.
Van has since passed away, a tragic loss to all who knew him. His legacy lives on through this organization and the Van Purser Foundation. Please join us in honoring Van’s vision by getting to know the riders you lead, protecting them and leading them well.