Crew Descriptions & Dutys

Bike Parking Crew

This team is responsible for setting up and managing where bikes are parked at the registration site, overnight hotel and the final destination point in Tampa Bay. Duties involve checking in each rider as they enter at each site to account that all participants are safely off the route. This team also assists with any "bike pulls" required during the event. To accomplish this, Bike Parking sets up and breaks down bike racks for the event each day as the event moves along the route. Days start early and go until after last rider arrives.

Crew Description: This crew will setup, break down and manage the bicycle parking lot. The areas will consist of 25 - 50 bike racks, appropriate signage, a rider list (in alphabetical or numerical order). Bike racks are 10' long each and should be in rows side by side with a minimum of 10' between each row. For non-competitive events like the Ride, 9 or 10 bicycles can fit closely on each rack without risk of damage. The bikes should be parked head first then tail first. This pattern should be repeated until the rack is full.

There should be 2 people at the entrance of bike parking to check in riders and direct riders to the lettered area they should park their bike. 2-3 people are needed to help riders park their bikes and direct Riders to the water station set up near Bike Parking.

You are responsible for the safety of ALL bicycles!!! This involves authorizing access only to Riders and permitting Riders to remove bikes ONLY when their wristband matches their bike tags!!!

Bike Tech Crew

This team will work with riders to assist in maintenance and repair of bikes as necessary. This can be at a facility or along the route at Pit Stops and/or at hotel. Bike Techs bring their own supplies, but riders are responsible for reimbursing Techs for supplies that are utilized. Team members must have experience in bicycle repair and should be able to lift 50 lbs.

Crew Description: The Bike Tech Crew provides on-site Bike repair for those Riders who require it at Pit Stops. Their primary function is to assist

Riders with Bike repairs that are beyond their abilities to do themselves. These repair mechanics will also be available in hotel each evening. Riders who are experiencing difficulties on the Route and are unable to continue, will be picked up by the Sweep Crew. The Sweep Crew will transport both Rider and Bike to Pit Stops. Here, Bike Tech support Crew will be available to repair bicycles.

Bike Transport Crew

This team provides transport of bikes for Riders unable to complete the day's route. This team will load bikes from Bike Parking (where bikes are staged) in the morning and at Pit Stops throughout the day and offload bikes in Bike Parking area. Must be able to lift 50+ lbs.

Crew Description: When Riders become injured, tired, or too slow and are unable to continue on their bikes, they are transported by vehicle to lunch or hotel, leaving their bikes at a Pit Stop or Lunch location. Bike Transport is called to pick up their bikes from the Pit Stops and deliver them to the Lunch Pit or Bike Parking at hotel. Working closely with Dispatch, Sweep and the Pit Closure Crew, this team goes from evening hotel back to the Pit Stops to recover ‘sagged' bikes. In an effort to close and clear all Riders from the road before dark, it may become necessary in the late afternoon to send larger capacity vehicles out to the Pits. In this way more Riders and more bikes can be recovered at one time.

Cheerleading Crew

This team helps Cheer on, encourage and motivate riders and crew during the ride. This crew is often staged at points on the ride to send messages of safety and motivation. If you like to yell encouragement, dress up, get crazy, then this is the team for you. Members of this team typically have their own vehicles and/or drive with others to work along the route.

Crew Description: It is what it sounds like. The purpose of the cheerleaders is to cheer on the riders (and crew) and to get them down the road safely.

Dining Crew

This team assists vendors and participants in providing meals, drinks, and dining supplies from Thursday Lunch through Saturday Lunch. Very early mornings and late evenings are involved. The happiest part of this crew is that members get to see all the participants and provide them with what they are looking for the most... FOOOOOOOOD. The Dining Manager coordinates food needs for volunteer staff during Ride Week.

Crew Description: The dining crew coordinates and plans all the meals for ride week and for the event. In cooperation with the Production team, identifies vendors, coordinates supply, and executes meal plans for each day of the event.

Gear Crew

The Gear Team works to collect and transport rider/crew luggage throughout the event. Crew opens Friday Morning to collect gear at Orientation Day and Ride Start locations and takes it to Overnight Hotel and distributes gear. Saturday morning collects gear again and transports to the Finish Line area for dissemination after closing ceremonies. Must be able to lift at least 50lbs.

Crew Description: The Gear CREW consists of 2-4 people. The truck will accept between 100 – 250 bags and bike boxes. Special care and handling must be paid to stack items in such a way as to limit load shift and the falling of luggage. As bags are off-loaded, they should be organized according to Rider and CREW numbers to make it easier to locate and identify individual gear. You need to check with Riders who have brought hard shell bike boxes to see if they want them nightly or only at the end of the Ride.

Stretching

This team provides stretching support to participants during the event. Ideally, stretching team members have experience in kinesiology, sports therapy, chiropractic service, yoga, stretching, massage therapy or other therapeutic activities. No tables are provided.

Crew Description: The Stretching Crew will be available to assist participants in stretching, before each morning ride out, and again at the end of the day at the overnight location. Stretching is imperative for an endurance cycling event, and the stretching team will help alleviate tender or sore muscles with a morning and evening stretch/and or yoga for those who wish to join.

First Aid Crew

Comprised of a variety of Medical and First Aid professionals, and under the direction of the Joy Ride Medical Director, this team provides all First Aid services to participants and will provide emergency support where necessary until local EMS/Paramedics arrive on scene. First Aid is located at each facility and Pit Stops along the route. First Aid is staffed 24 hours each day. First Aid Team will be screened as necessary for appropriate licensing, experience, and training.

Crew Description: The First Aid CREW includes MD's, RN's, DO's, EMT's, PT's, Paramedics, Chiropractors, etc. Members of the First Aid CREW must be licensed and provide proof of insurance, unless not licensed First Aid personnel. The First Aid CREW will be stationed at each Pit Stop, overnight hotel and in roving First Aid vehicles and are available to triage and treat both Rider and Crew Illness or injury.

Motorcycle Crew

Motorcycle crew works with Dispatch to guarantee safe passage for riders during each day's route. Motorcycle crew assists at difficult intersections and other locations as requested. Team members must provide own motorcycle, insurance, valid driver's license with motorcycle endorsement and must wear helmet. Although motorcycle assists with safe passage of our riders, the blocking of traffic is not permitted at any time during the event.

Crew Description: To ensure Rider Safety by monitoring intersections and hazardous areas along the route and assist the riders. The motorcyclists work closing with Dispatch to ensure the safest possible conditions for all Riders.

Participant Support

The Participant Support team works directly with the First Aid Medical Team Captains and vital participant support to provide non-emergency transportation to and from area hospitals. Participant Support Team members may be asked to run other necessary errands to support the First Aid Team. A medical background is helpful but not required. Must be able to lift 30 lbs and be adept as both a driver and navigator.

Photography Crew

The Photography and Video crew has the all-important job of capturing the entire event on film (or digital media as the case is these days). Post ride, the photo/video team provides to the event producers photos to be used for marketing and outreach for future events. The Photo/Video crew is independent throughout every day to find "just the perfect shot" to capture the moments that make the joy ride special.

Pit Stop Crew

This team is responsible for the daily set-up, food distribution, bike parking and traffic control at their assigned Pit Stop location. These teams are the first to leave in the morning and often the last to return to each night. Pit Stops are strongly encouraged to work together to formulate a "Theme" for your Pit Stop that is entertaining and motivating to the Riders. Must be able to lift 40+ lbs. and stand for long periods of time.

Crew Description: The Pit Stop Crew is the heart and soul of the Ride. This Crew provides and maintains Pit Stops located every 15-20 miles along the entire route. By passing out water, Gatorade, snacks, or lunch, providing First Aid care and bicycle technical support and cheering them on. Pit Stop Crew members keep the Riders moving and the Ride on track. Composed of 4-8 separate members, these incredible teams work long arduous hours to create an area where Riders can relax and refuel. Each Pit Stop Crew has a manager, First Aid professional(s) and may include a bicycle tech expert. It is essential to work together to download and organize supplies, locate sites from the map, and to layout and setup the pit stop. All of this is usually accomplished within an hour. It is a challenge, but it is SO appreciated by the Riders that we personally doubt that there's a more popular or well-loved Crew!

Sweep Crew

This team circulates throughout the route in vehicles outfitted with bike racks, providing transportation to Riders needing assistance to rest stops. This team leaves early in the morning and arrives late at lodging, after all Riders have completed the route. Direction during event comes from Sweep and Dispatch Managers. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and drive. Sweep vehicles must be able to carry a minimum of 4 people including the driver and Sweep Team Co-Pilot.

Crew Description: The Sweep CREW consist of vehicles with overhead and rear bike racks. Each of these vehicles patrols a section of the bike route between Pit Stops and aids injured or disabled Riders. In addition, exhausted Riders may be picked up and ferried to the lunch Pit where they can recover and continue on their bikes or be taken to hotel.

Please Note: All Sweep Teams consists of two persons, a Driver who provides their own Car, and a navigator who manages directions and communications. Please let the Crew Chief know if you prefer to be a Driver or a Navigator.

Traffic Crew

Responsible for managing vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic into and out of facilities/locations. Checks in all vehicles, allowing only those that are permitted to be on-site with the event when necessary. Enforces parking plans established by the Logistics Team.

Crew Description: The Traffic Control Crew will work closely with Dispatch and Ride Services Crew's. There will be two shifts, Shift A and Shift B. They will maintain safe traffic flow, manage parking lots, and always keep an eye on emergency vehicle access. Traffic controllers will be posted at all entrances to the hotel and may need to advise Dispatch of all vehicle movements into and out of the hotel site. The Traffic Control Crew is responsible for directing trucks and support vehicles to special positions as detailed on the site plan. ALL vehicles entering hotel must turn off their radios, roll down their windows. This is important so that they can be directed around hotel and not be a safety hazard. Please remind them to slow down when driving within the hotel.

Trash Crew

It's a dirty job but someone(s) gotta do it. As with any large event, clean-up is always essential. The Trash team is responsible for the collection and proper disposal of trash and recycling while at Orientation Day, Overnight Hotel and at Key West High School.

Water Stop Crew

Water stops are meant to be just that, water stops for riders to refill after lengthy sections of ride between Pit Stops. We prefer individuals who have pick-up trucks or SUV as it makes the crew more independent.