2019 Ride Leader Seminar

This ride is a fixed-base or semi-fixed-base ride, please read the ride description for more details.

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

OVERVIEW: Do you want to lead a BAC ride but don't know where to start? Here's the how and where: Attend the BAC Ride Leader Seminar in Pittsfield, MA. We have designed this year’s seminar with flexibility in mind. If you’re busy with limited time, just attend the instructional portion of the seminar on Saturday October 26 and Sunday, October 27th.  If you wish to take advantage of some great cycling in the area during Peak Leaf Season, consider the Pittsfield Ramble which is being planned. Experienced ride leaders and board members will present the entire seminar. This year’s course starts on Saturday, October 26 at 9:00 AM and ends on Sunday, October 27 at 4:00 PM. The seminar will provide you the tools needed to lead a successful BAC ride in the USA and in international locations. We will cover all types of rides, including point-to-point, fixed-based, self-directed, commercially assisted, new, second sections, and recurring rides. You will learn all aspects of developing and leading rides: planning a route, picking hotels, budgeting costs, running the ride, planning the ride social hour, organizing and completing your paperwork - you name it, we will cover it. BAC will provide each registered participant in the seminar with a “take-home” booklet that covers all the text and handouts. During the seminar we will also cover the material with easy to follow slide projections.

This seminar is primarily for BAC members who have not yet led a ride but who are interested in doing so. However, it is also helpful for those who have led BAC rides and want more training on the various skills and tools to lead a successful BAC tour. Should the seminar reach the maximum number of 35 participants, preference will be given to first-time ride leaders.

LOGISTICS: The seminar will take place at the Hotel on North, a boutique hotel located at 297 North St., Pittsfield, MA (https://hotelonnorth.com/). Daily Buffet breakfast and lunches are included, along with a Saturday night dinner. Airports and the approximate driving times to Pittsfield: Albany NY Int'l (ALB) 1 hour, Bradley Int'l Hartford (BDL) 1:20, NY Steward Int'l (SWF) 2:00, NY White Plains (HPN) 2:15 and Boston Logan (BOS) 2:45. There are limited schedule bus and/or shuttle services from Boston and Albany. Parking is free for those who arrive by car.

Participants need to make their own hotel reservations by contacting the Hotel on North, 413-358-4741. We have arranged a rate of $180 per night, plus tax for the Friday and Saturday nights (its lower during mid week). We recommend you contact the hotel as soon as possible, as the rooms are only blocked until September 15. Be sure to mention "BAC Ride Leader Seminar" or the group reservation number 38468 to get our group rates

You may stay elsewhere if you prefer and commute to the hotel for the seminar and receptions. At previous seminars, most participants have preferred to be part of the action at the host hotel.

COST & ADMINISTRATION: The cost of the seminar is only $100 plus the BAC registration fee of $50. (The BAC fee will be refunded to participants who complete the seminar.) This special rate of $100 is provided to encourage members to consider giving back to the club by becoming Ride Leaders. The cost covers two breakfasts and lunches, one happy hour drink, one group dinner on Saturday night, and the classroom costs. Each participant will get a “take home” booklet that includes all materials covered during the seminar.

Note: The Hotel on North room cost is NOT included in the Ride Leader Seminar fee. Participants must reserve and pay for their hotel room directly as noted above.

SINGLES: Singles and solos are welcome and encouraged to attend. If you are seeking a roommate to share hotel costs, contact the ride director who will maintain a list of singles looking for roommates. Once matched, you and your roommate will still be required to reserve and pay for your hotel room directly as noted above.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Any refund of the $100 seminar fee will be determined on the basis that the remaining participants will not incur additional costs, but since most costs are per person, you should get most of it back. If you cancel prior to the start of the seminar, the $50 BAC fee will not be refunded. If you need to cancel your attendance at the seminar, please contact the Ride Director. If you need to cancel and have already made your own hotel reservation, be sure to cancel your reservation directly with the hotel. Check with the hotel for their cancellation policy.

SIGN-UP: To submit a request to join the 2019 Ride Leader Seminar, use the "links" displayed above this Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the Release of Liability (ROL) and to pay $50 BAC fee and the $100 seminar fee by credit card. As soon as your payment has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description.
Remember: Make your own hotel reservations as soon as possible, but no later than September 15, 2019. Reservations made after that date will be subject to hotel availability and the current hotel room rates.