Submitted by Dave P.
I was not even thinking that I would write about something on this subject matter but today, Thanks Giving 2008, as I was riding sweep to Phoenixville for the Friends of the Forgotten from Valley Forge Harley-Davidson it became apparent that Valley Forge HOG is exceptional in countless ways. As every one of us carry out a range of functions from within the club some members stand out. There are quiet leaders from within our rank and file that hardly ever get noticed and are to some extent taken for granted. I do not regard myself, in any way, to be a Road Captain. I lack too many of the characteristics that I will go over to even be in the running. Sure, I have lead rides and others have followed me home but that is where the similarities end.
So, what makes a good Road Captain? A good Road Captain knows their route, communicates to the riders prior to the ride any part of the route that they need to be aware of and has completed the route themselves. Quality Road Captains start the ride on time and they by no means make anyone feel hurried. Getting others involved prior to the ride for route suggestions is another quality of a good Road Captain. In my opinion the most significant characteristic of a successful Road Captain is their patience level with the ride participants at all experience levels. It is a balancing act to make it fun for each and every person on the ride. The Road Captain has to avert the more skilled riders from being uninterested while at the same time the Road Captain does not desire the lesser experienced riders to be uneasy or have an aversion to the ride in anyway. This is where route preparation and knowing the route, as a Road Captain, is imperative and vital for the pleasure of all.
Every one of us recognizes that Dave Sotak is the Lead Road Captain for Valley Forge HOG. Unless you are on almost every ride that is sponsored by Valley Forge HOG you would not be aware that Dave works hard for the pleasure of the other members in the club. Each ride goes off without a glitch, is well thought-out and pleasurable. Dave gets participation from others prior to rides and is always open to modification. I personally take pleasure in each ride wherever Dave is the Road Captain and recognize that we won’t get lost or delayed by any oversight of our own. There are other Road Captains in Valley Forge HOG that do a fantastic job but I wanted to “pat” Dave on the back for a job exceptionally well done in 2008.
Dave has offered numerous times to lend a hand to others to plan a chapter ride. All you have to do is solicit his contribution. Be flexible and prepare to listen to his experience and you too will be proficient at planning a ride with comparable results as those that Dave is the Road Captain for. I had requested from him for his input on the Haag’s Hotel run and his input made it a much improved ride. Thank you Dave for all that you accomplish for the good of the club.