|   How should I arrange my pit crew?? | Dude
Nov 29, 2003 11:36 AM | | My buddy and I are doing our first 24hr and I was wondering how I should arrange the pit crew. As it stands today I have four people that are willing to be assigned duties then the rest of the family is going to be doing other things like entertaining the kids.
What is the best way to allow EVERYONE to have fun and not get stressed out over this whole thing?? This will also be the crews first time at an event like this. My buddy and I have been involved with them in the past to some capacity at the very least spectating.
Thanks
-Dude |
| Here's how we did it | jeffj
Dec 4, 2003 5:25 PM | | I recently attended a 24 hour race to act as the wrench for a five person team. This is what we did.
We had another guy that would normally have been racing, but had recently undergone surgery act as a Manager of sorts. He would escort each rider to the Start/Finish area, record their times in and out and come back to the camp and post it on a whiteboard so we all knew about how much time was needed to prepare each rider to get to the S/F area with five or ten minutes or so to spare so they don't rush or wait too long and the diders don't have to worry about it. He also made sure the riders were woke up in time to prepare to ride and took care of any other logistical needs like food, liquids, etc.
I was the mechanic for the group. I checked the bikes over before and after each ride and asked them if anything needed to be repaired or adjusted. If they had a low tire, I just replaced the tube anyway. If the chain needed lube or brakes adjusted, levers replaced, whatever, the bike was ready for them without them worrying about it. We set up a few easy-ups for the pit area with tables, workstands, lanterns, etc.
At the 24hrs of Adrenaline events, your team is required to supply a volunteer for a four or five hour shift. One of my kids filled this role. One of the other guy's wife was kind enough to cook wonderful enough to cook meals for all of us.
The idea is to take any outside pressures off of the riders so that all they have to worry about is riding and how they feel. They will be under enough stress just alternating laps and trying to rest in between shifts. If they have things on their mind it becomes much more difficult.
The riders all agreed the manager, cook, mechanic and volunteer duties being handled by others was a big factor in letting them enjoy the event more than they would have otherwise and we had a good time helping out. It would have been boring to just sit around and watch rather than being involved and useful. |
| Here's how we did it | Dude
Dec 10, 2003 10:48 AM | | Jeffj,
Thanks a lot this helps so much... Good ideas, good approach..
-Dude
Anyone else want to add to this?? |
| Good write up. | Bogus
Dec 11, 2003 2:36 PM | | The above approach looks excellent and better than what we've done. The only thing I could add is bring plenty of bike cleaning supplies if there is a chance that it could rain and turn into a mud-fest. Also, bring lots of spare clothes and towels for the same reason. If there is a chance it could get cold, warn your crew to bring warm stuff. Back up lights are key, too. |
| Good write up. | Bogus
Dec 11, 2003 2:36 PM | | The above approach looks excellent and better than what we've done. The only thing I could add is bring plenty of bike cleaning supplies if there is a chance that it could rain and turn into a mud-fest. Also, bring lots of spare clothes and towels for the same reason. If there is a chance it could get cold, warn your crew to bring warm stuff. Bach up lights are key, too. |
| Natch | Billy Rousell
Dec 12, 2003 8:31 AM | | What are they? a bunch of kids? We just ride and win. |
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