Those who make hiking a regular event in their lives soon learn they have a certain pace that they are most comfortable with. Hiking in a group can often be fun. But, if there are many varying paces, the hike can become a logistical night mare, and even dangerous, if it leads to stragglers getting lost or left behind for some reason. Group hikes should be organized so that all hikers can be accounted for at all times. If this is not possible, it is better to just hike only with those whose pace is compatible.
The trick is to get our members to know the pace of leaders that is compatible with them. Some of our members now do not show up for a hike by a leader that they know has a pace that they are not comfortable with; you can understand that. The people we need to lead hikes are the people who have a pace that matches the greatest number of people in the "Outdoor Enthusiasts! Club."
