Wellness Crew Co-Leads: Margaret McCormack and Mike Wionzek
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The Wellness Crew travels along the road with Riders and Road Safety to ensure the well-being of all Riders and Crew. The Wellness Crew is divided in two areas of expertise: Complementary Therapists (RMTs, Chiropractors, Shiatsu Therapists) and the Medical Team.
Complementary Therapists (CT)
A typical day for a CT starts like other Crew members and Riders by waking up at around 6:00am, packing their stuff and tents, going for breakfast and stretching. They can answer questions from Riders and Crew regarding stretches, wrapping, and warm-ups. When the Riders head out of camp, the CTs travel to the designated lunch areas. After the lunch break, the CTs go to that day’s camp and set up for the evening massage until 7:00pm. The CT Leaders will be assisting the evening CTs (who come from areas along the route) with setup and policy and procedures. After a good dinner, they get to enjoy the evening activities with Riders and Crew and get a well-deserved rest.
Complementary Therapists must:
- Be prepared to follow Bike Rally policies and procedures for therapists (i.e. 20 minute maximum, 1 maximum 1 treatment per day, etc.)
- Drive and navigate mini-vans
- Maintain a professional demeanour at all times
- Inform Crew leaders about any supply shortages
- Be able to work in a team environment and take directions from supervisors
- Must be accessible to both Riders and Crew
- All drivers must have a valid driver’s license
- Be available for meetings and/or training sessions prior and during the rally
Medical Team
The Medical Team’s day is approximately 8:30am to 6:00pm, but they must also be available on an ‘on call’ basis during the 6 days of the Rally. Each member of the Medical Team will take a turn to be ‘on call’ for the night. Their “typical” day will starts like other Crew members and Riders by waking up at around 6:00am, packing their stuff and tents, going for breakfast and stretching. They can answer questions from Riders and Crew regarding health, and other medical issues. When the Riders head out of camp, the Medical Team will leave at the same time as the Riders and follow them in their vehicles in a way that there is a good medical coverage of where the Riders can be. The Medical Team travels in vehicles along the road and they are there to provide basic first aid or transport to a near hospital in case of an emergency. They provide appropriate medical service to Riders and Crew and offer some medical advice if needed. Before departure, the team prepares a confidential ‘health information’ sheet for Riders and Crew to fill out before the Bike Rally begins (history, current medications, status, etc). The team works together to determine what medical supplies are needed for the Bike Rally, what specific items go in each vehicle and what needs to be purchased.
A Medical Team member must:
- Keep the Special Events Coordinator informed of where you are at all times (e.g. where tent is camped) during the Bike Rally
- Observe strict confidentiality over Rider and Crew medical and personal information (unless in the case of an emergency, the Special Events Coordinator and/or PWA staff/board members may be informed of specifics)
- Assist with packing and dividing medical supplies in vehicles pre-Pre Bike Rally
- All drivers must have a valid driver’s license
Lots of volunteers are needed to make the Friends For Life Bike Rally a success.
Interested in finding out more? Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Last Updated on Thursday, 24 January 2013 21:47
