As a Sagger (SAG = Support and Gear), you will join approximately 200 others to support the riders throughout the event. We have a wide range of needs that require different interests and abilities. If you would like to sag you must be at least 16 years of age and be willing to help care for the riders for at least one 8-hour shift. 16 and 17 year olds must be accompanied by a parent. Most saggers come for the entire event (10:00 a.m. Friday through 2:00 p.m. Saturday) and take short, scheduled breaks as needed. (Riders may not bring their own personal saggers.)
Transporters are responsible for moving riders' gear bags as well as water, ice, food, and equipment from one SAG station to another. We need a team of 12-18 drivers to cover six 4-hour shifts. (4 drivers per shift.) Transporters must be at least 21 years of age and must bring their own vehicle--preferably a small car with a bike rack or a small pickup--to use throughout the ride. CER will pay for gas used during the ride.
Motorcycle rovers provide a safety net for bicycle riders out on the road. We need 36 folks to ride motorcycles along the route. Each motorcyclist is assigned one or two 4-hour shifts, making sure they are rested enough to be safe while driving. Motorcycle rovers must be at least 25 years old and must sleep at least six hours during the event.
Stationary SAG meetings at each SAG station start at 11:00 a.m. on Friday. Saggers, please check in by 10:15 a.m. at your assigned SAG station at Vinton, Loyalton, or Beckwourth, where you will receive instructions and assignments and will help set up the SAG station.
Transporter and Motorcycle Roving SAG meetings also start at 11:00. Please check in at the park before 10:30 a.m. You will be given essential safety information, gear, and your specific assignment for the ride.
Stationary Saggers will be assigned tasks: helping in the kitchen, checking riders in and out, serving riders food and drink, giving muscle rubs, working the rider tracker computer, fixing bikes, supervising medical needs, handling riders' bags, etc. Expect to work steadily throughout the entire ride with just one six-hour break for sleep. (Note: if you need to get more sleep, please let your SAG leader know.) Motorcycle Roving Saggers will be assigned a section of road to check on bicyclists. Bag Transporters will be assigned a section of road to transport bags and other gear, and will be asked to help out as stationary saggers when not needed for transporting.
SAG leaders will assign each sagger a 6-hour sleeping time (if you need more, let your SAG leader know). These will be subject to change depending upon the needs and number of riders at your SAG at any particular time. Motorcycle Roving Saggers, Bag Transporters and anyone who will be driving home must get at least six hours of sleep. Sleeping accommodations vary at the SAGs. At Vinton you may sleep on the floor of the Grange, or you may bring a tent or RV, or sleep in your vehicle. At Loyalton and Beckwourth the only options are RV, car/truck, or tent sleeping. Bring your own if possible. For all SAGs, bring your own, well-marked sleeping bag if you have one. CER will have some tents, mattresses, sleeping bags and blankets, but bicycle riders have priority for those.
We recommend that you eat a good breakfast the day of the ride. Food is provided during the ride—soup, sandwiches, snacks, breakfast on Saturday, etc. If you are at Loyalton, there are a couple of restaurants where you may eat if you have time and your SAG leader approves. A post-ride celebration meal is provided for all riders and saggers at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday in Loyalton.
The ride takes place in the Sierra Valley, in and between the towns of Vinton, Loyalton, and Beckwourth. These are tight-knit communities whose primary economy is ranching. They have had bad experiences with other biking events in the past. We have worked hard to establish good relationships with these communities. The good attitudes and actions of saggers enhance these good relationships.
Temperatures may range from 90˚F in the day to 20˚F at night. The elevation is 5,000 ft., and it can rain any day of the year; it is often very windy. You may be outside a lot, even at night, so bring appropriate clothing!
Check with your SAG leader as to where you are to park your vehicle. Space is limited to certain areas that have been set aside for us to use.
Responsible to: the Sag Leader
Responsible for: Meeting immediate needs of riders as they enter the sag station. Be helpful and encouraging to riders and other saggers. If you don't know what to do, ask questions of your Sag Leader or Greeter Leader until you understand.
SPECIFIC DUTIES;
Use your personal vehicle to transport rider gear bags and other items (food, ice, equipment, etc.) between SAG stations.
General guidelines:
See the Motorcycle Rovers page for your job description.
Transporters will drive their own vehicles for one or more four-hour shifts. Transporters will drive the loop the same direction as the riders, moving rider gear bags and other items as necessary.
There are six 4-hour shifts
Check in at the Loyalton City Park (next to the Loyalton Elementary School) by 10:30 a.m. on Friday. An important Transporter meeting will start at 11:00 a.m. If you start with a later shift and cannot be at the 11:00 meeting, please check in at the park at least 30 minutes before your shift for instructions and equipment.
Please obey all posted speed limits. Do not stop or slow to check on riders unless there is a clear urgent need. Motorcycle rovers will be checking on riders.
See the Job Descriptions page for more details.
There are six 4-hour shifts
Check in at the Loyalton City Park (next to the Loyalton Elementary School) by 10:30 a.m. on Friday. An important Motorcycle Rover meeting will start at 11:00 a.m. If you start with a later shift and cannot be at the 11:00 meeting, please check in at the park at least 30 minutes before your shift for instructions and equipment.
PURPOSE: To provide safety for each bicyclist by observing them during the entire event.
At night, we will ride behind, not in front of as many groups of bicyclists as possible to provide them more light and thus escort from Sag to Sag. If they signal you to pass them, go ahead to the next group.
Slow way down and visually check on every bicyclist or group of bicyclists (no matter which direction they are going).
Observe if they are riding safely. See that they have the required equipment: helmet, gloves, vest, reflector (front, side and rear) and, (at night) headlight and taillight. They need to ride SINGLE FILE; however, it is okay for them to draft each other [front wheel beside and behind the rear wheel of a riding partner.] It is not okay for them to ride side-by-side (except to pass another bicyclist). Please kindly remind them to abide by the rules.
Watch for problems such as heat exhaustion in the daytime and hypothermia at night. If you are concerned about the rider's health and safety, stay with him/her and find someone to notify the medical person (or the SAG Leader) at the closest SAG station. At a serious accident, protect the scene to prevent more accidents. Have someone at the scene (or at a SAG station) call 911. Request our EMT’s assistance, too.
Leaving the SAG Stations
Always check out with the tracker before leaving a SAG station. Check with the BAG HANDLERS to see if they need you to take a bicyclist's bag with you.
Wear Your Reflective Roving-Sag harness
Be sure the harness is on top of your jacket. When you stop, the harness will identify you to the bicyclists since we are not the only motorcycle riders in the area. Also, the reflective webbing is a safety factor if you get off your bike to help a bicyclist.
Safety First
Bicyclists get tired, especially as the event continues. Give them lots of room to maneuver, especially as they enter and leave the SAG stations. Throughout the event, watch the road for potential hazards so they can be removed or well marked.
Rover Bags
Please take a Rover Bag with you; they contain several things (a list is on the bag) helpful to the riders. Be sure the water bottle is filled before you start your shift.
Thank you for being on the Motorcycle Roving-Sag Team; thank you for your willingness to be flexible, doing whatever is needed to take care of all the bicyclists. By helping them raise funds for Christian Encounter Ranch, you make it possible for young people to get the help they need and deserve.
9:55 a.m. If you are transporting riders, drop them off at the Loyalton City Park (next to the Loyalton Elementary School).
10:15 a.m. Stationary saggers check in at your assigned SAG station. See the Housing and Transportation page for directions. If you are unassigned, go to the Loyalton SAG station.
10:30 a.m. Transporters and Motorcycle Rovers check in at the Loyalton City Park.
11:00 a.m. Important Stationary Sagger meeting at your SAG station. Please be on time. You will be given instructions and assignments, and you'll get the SAG station ready for the riders.
11:00 a.m. Important Transporter and Motorcycle Roving SAG meetings. Please be on time. You will be given essential safety information, gear, and your specific assignments.
1:00 p.m. The ride starts promptly from the Loyalton City Park.
1:00 p.m. The ride ends. Riders will be picked up on the roadside wherever they stop and transported back to the Loyalton City Park.
2:00 p.m. CER will provide a complimentary Victory Meal for all riders and saggers at the Loyalton City Park. Plan to stay for this meal to find out how many miles were ridden and how much money was raised. Awards will be given; it is a time to celebrate and rejoice!
9:30 a.m. All are invited to join CER for church in Angels' Meadow at Christian Encounter Ranch. We'll have a great time sharing how God worked in our lives during the Agony Ride.
We may be able to provide housing (rustic cabins with no mattresses) for you at Christian Encounter Ranch both the night before and the night after the ride if you need it. CER is about two hours from the starting point of the ride at the Loyalton City Park. Call us at 530-268-0877 no later than July 15 to make arrangements. (We recommend making hotel arrangements early June or sooner. For rooms in Loyalton we recommend The Golden West Motel, 711 Main St., Loyalton, CA, 96118; 530-993-4467.) We may also be able to help you carpool from the Ranch to the ride and back.
Parking in Vinton and Loyalton is limited. Carpool if you can. If you know any riders, see if you can provide transportation for them. All drivers must plan to sleep 6 hours during the event.
Truckee, CA, is located on Interstate 80 near Lake Tahoe. Hwy. 89 leaves Truckee, crosses Interstate 80, and goes north to Sierraville and Loyalton. Sierraville is located 25 miles north of Truckee where Hwy. 89 and Hwy. 49 intersect. Turn right at the stoplight in Sierraville (onto Hwy. 49) and continue about 14 miles to Loyalton.
The Loyalton Sag Station is located at the Loyalton City Park, next to the Loyalton Elementary School (111 Beckwith Street). When you arrive in Loyalton, turn left on 4th street (A24), go one block and turn left on Beckwith Street (follow A24 signs). Go several blocks; the park is on the right just past the school. (Note: if you are using Google Maps, do not get this park confused with the one near Sierra Brooks. This park does not show up in a Google search. Use the school address to find it.)
The Vinton Sag Station is at the Vinton Grange. From Loyalton, continue on Hwy. 49 to Vinton. Turn right on Hwy 70. The Grange is on the right.
The Beckwourth Sag is on A-24. From the Loyalton City Park continue north on A24 (Beckwith Street) for about 14 miles until you see RVs and tents on the left-hand side of the road. This is the Beckwourth SAG station. If you are going directly to the Beckwourth Sag, you can turn left off of Hwy. 49 on Heriot Ln., then left on A24.
See route map.
One duffel bag or day pack for extra clothes and toiletries. Please make sure your name is on your bag. (We recommend that you put your name on everything you bring!)
Clothing: Bring layers for all temperatures. The days can be hot and nights can be cold. A rain jacket or poncho is also a good idea, especially if you are at Beckwourth.
Flashlight and extra batteries.
Sleeping bag or blanket, pillow. If you have a small tent, you may want to bring it for more private and quiet sleeping time.
What is a “sagger"?
A sagger is a volunteer at a SAG (Support and Gear) station.
Is there an age requirement for saggers?
Yes. Saggers must be at least 16 years old. 16 and 17 year olds must be accompanied by a parent.
Is there a place for my kids to play while I volunteer?
No. For their safety and the safety of the riders, please do not bring anyone under age 16 to the event.
Can I raise money as a sagger?
Certainly. Since the focus of the Agony is on the riders, we don’t have any formal fundraising efforts in place for saggers. You are welcome, though, to raise funds on your own.
What percent of the donations actually goes to CER?
We do not use an outside fundraising organization, so 100% goes to CER. We spend about 10-12% on the cost of the event (permits, food, gear, gas, etc.).
Do I have to work for the entire 24 hours?
No. We do ask most folks to work for all but 6 hours. If this is too much for you, please let us know how much you can do. We still want your help!
Is there a place to sleep?
Yes. Some mattresses and blankets/sleeping bags will be provided at all three SAG stations, but we encourage you to bring your own. You may also sleep in your vehicle or your own tent at any SAG station. At Loyalton and Beckwourth all sleeping is outdoors, under the open sky, in a tent, or in your vehicle. At Vinton there is some sleeping space in the Grange Hall. We will provide a limited number of tents at Loyalton and Beckwourth.
Can I bring my RV?
There is limited room for RVs. Please let us know if you wish to bring yours. If you are helping at Beckwourth, we may ask to use your RV as part of our SAG set up.
Is food provided?
Yes. A few items will be for riders only, but there will be plenty of food for all. There will be a variety of fresh fruit, sandwiches made to order (turkey, ham, cheese, PB&J), soups, chips, and cookies. In addition there may be pancakes, eggs, waffles, biscuits and gravy, and other varied items. Food will be provided at the pre-ride meal, throughout the ride, and at the post-ride meal.
Is there any provision for people with food allergies/sensitivities?
There will be some gluten-free food available. Let us know what specific issues you have and we will try to be accommodating. Despite our best efforts, we cannot guarantee that cross-contamination will not occur; therefore it may be a good idea to have some of your own food.
I can’t stand for long periods of time. Is there a job for me?
Most jobs require a fair amount of standing and walking, but there are a limited number of more sedentary jobs available. Please let us know your limitations.
I’ve never done anything like this before. Can I still help?
Absolutely. We will teach you everything you need to know.
Are there particular skills needed?
Most tasks require no special skills. We do, however, need medical people, bike mechanics, and cooks.
What is a transport sagger?
A sagger is a volunteer at a SAG (Support and Gear) station. A transport sagger moves rider gear and other items (such as ice and water) from one station to another.
Is there an age requirement for transport saggers?
Yes. Transport saggers must be at least 21 years old.
Can my child ride with me in my vehicle?
No. For their safety and the safety of the riders, please do not bring anyone under age 16 to the event.
What is a motorcycle rover?
Motorcycle rovers ride their motorcycles between SAG (Support and Gear) stations checking on the bicycle riders.
Is there an age requirement for motorcycle rovers?
Yes. Motorcycle rovers must be at least 25 years old.