Town Hall: Santos - Raiders of Lost Trail

This Town Hall focused on the upcoming Santos race event, where Jackie and Joe provided detailed information about the race schedule, venue and new rules. They discussed the mass start format, pre-ride procedures, and emphasized the importance of proper equipment checks and communication during the race. The Florida Horse Park venue was highlighted for its camping opportunities and strict rules regarding horse trails and safety. Jackie and Joe also covered the rules for passing and pre-rides, emphasizing the need for clear communication and proper conduct. They announced various activities for the weekend, including a rad relay race, sunset ride, and movie night. The conversation ended with reminders about volunteer opportunities & the need to complete economic surveys.Summary:Florida Horse Park Event Planning:Jackie announced that this year's event will be held at the Florida Horse Park in Ocala, featuring camping for the first time. She outlined various activities including a mass start race, food trucks, and a sunset ride requiring lights. Jackie emphasized the importance of completing and submitting waivers to head coaches before registration, and explained the distribution of pit zone passes for team equipment drop-off. Race Weekend Schedule Overview:Jackie outlined the schedule for the upcoming race weekend, detailing arrival times, pre-rides, and race events. She emphasized that all race information is available in the race flyer on the website. Joe discussed the mass start format, explaining that the first five from the time trial will lead the first row, with subsequent rows following the same pattern.Race Safety & Logistics PlanningJoe and Jackie discussed race logistics and safety measures. They asked parents and coaches to avoid caffeine & ensure student-athletes have their number plates. They outlined the pre-ride schedule, including a 1/2-hour session at 2pm for 5th & 6th graders with a fast lap at 4.30 PM for advanced riders. Jackie emphasized these times are reserved for new riders and fast riders to practice at their own pace.Coach-Rider Ratio & Race RulesRatios must be maintained between coaches and student-athletes during rides, emphasizing that coaches must be within eyesight of their riders when not leading the group. She explained that the pre-ride time and passing time are common sources of conflicts in mass start races, and highlighted the need for coaches and student-athletes to review the handbook, which outlines rules & consequences for infractions.Race Safety & Passing ProtocolsJackie discussed two key issues: coaches not being present during pre-rides, which will result in a 5-minute race penalty, and the importance of proper passing procedures in mass-start races. She emphasized that riders must communicate their intention to pass & wait for acknowledgment from the rider in front, highlighting that this is particularly important for newer riders. Jackie also stressed the need for riders to acknowledge passing requests & move over when possible, while allowing for brief delays in tight situations. Programing Plans & DeadlinesJackie announced plans for two rad relay races this weekend at 12 and 1 o'clock, with the adventure area and coaches' ride scheduled. She invited everyone to attend the sunset ride, check-in at the Adventure Tent, and watch a movie at 6:30 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbu9W2hbwM0&list=PLXHvMVnLEeT1bXrFwYXjF8QiIzhpsdNEz&index=1&t=390s]. The Ocala Gallops will host the GRiT Tent for a clean bike is a fast bike workshop, while Teen Trail Corps hours won't be available at this event. Jackie reminded everyone to submit TTC & adventure hours by next Wednesday for recognition at awards, and encouraged volunteers to sign up through the website for the upcoming event.Fundraising:Jackie announced the current standings for TREK Fundraising team awards, with Treasure Coast Raptors in first place, followed by Gainesville and Tarpon. She highlighted top athletes, including William and Katie L. from Treasure Coast, and Bryson from Gainesville.