Sweeping Silverbell

When Ride Organizer Colleen asked me if I was willing to "sweep" for the Silverbell Century (on 11/8), I reluctantly said yes. I was reluctant mostly because I didn't really know what I was getting myself into.

I'd volunteered for GABA supported rides before, but my involvement consisted of help at lunch and SAG stops. I'd been rescued by GABA sag on prior rides, so I knew a little of what would be asked of me.

Fortunately Colleen made it easy! She organized a pickup by all sweeps at the GABA Storage Shed. (Did you know GABA has a storage shed? It's at 1st Avenue, south of River.) She handed me a packet that contained the answers to more questions that I even had and packed up my car with all the supplies that I would need.

Once signs were up, I went up to SAG #3 to say hello, give them my cell phone number and steal a cookie. Then I parked along the route and waited for riders to arrive. As Sweep #3, my turf was the last 1/3 of the route, from Marana back to the start at the Jewish Community Center.

As the riders started to fly by, I went to work. My job was basically to drive the route, look after riders and help as needed. My first call to action was to help a rider fix a flat. He was a seasoned rider and fully capable of doing this himself, but I kept him company, and had a floor pump, which he very much appreciated.

I had brought some water with me and offered it to riders as they were riding by. Most had filled up at the SAG, but some were glad I could top them off and get them through to the next SAG stop.

By early afternoon, I met up with a gentleman who was having mechanical trouble with his bike. His trouble was that his derailleur somehow got caught in his spokes. He was riding with no trouble before he was stopped in his tracks. We determined that his riding for the day was done, and I shuttled him back to the JCC.

Late afternoon brought a call from SAG #4. They were out of water and asked if I could get some and bring it to them as soon as possible.

The remainder of the day went quickly, despite not having to do any further assisting. With word from Colleen, I picked up my signs and returned them to the Shed. I filled out and left my expense report (GABA reimburses your mileage) and was done for the day.

So why do I take your time and tell you all about my Sweeping Silverbell? Not because it was a super exciting, but because I found it to be a fun and rewarding day. I learned that "sweeping" is not a difficult or stressful job. I worked at being as helpful as I could for the riders, even if it was only waving as they flew by. GABA is always asking for volunteers for their Supported Rides. I tell you of my day in the hopes you will step up and volunteer to sweep for a ride or two in 2016. GABA could sure use the help. See you out there!