Today we’d like to introduce you to William Baker.
Hi William, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
Critical Mass is a once monthly bike ride hosted in nearly every major city in the United States, and across the world. I honestly don’t know how the Orlando ride started, only that it has been going on for quite a few years. I started riding with the group in 2014 when it was lead by different organizers. Over time the organization team moved or otherwise couldn’t attend and eventually the responsibility of the ride landed on my shoulders. As of today I am the sole ride organizer but I do have volunteers who attend when they have time to help.
We ride the last Friday of the Month at Loch Haven Park in Orlando, Florida. Meet at 6:30pm, ride out at 7:00pm.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I took more of a leadership role during the first wave of Covid-19, as the volunteers decided it was best to cancel the ride until things returned more to normal. When that time came the volunteer group didn’t return and I was suddenly in a position of “well someone has to do this” and I just started leading the ride.
There were a lot of growing pains including just getting access to the social media and learning what the people attending Critical Mass were looking for in a leader. Until my current time in charge the previous volunteers preferred an anonymous approach. A new rider could come to Critical Mass and have no idea who was leading the ride, who to ask questions to, and the whole atmosphere was chaotic at times. The first step I took was to wear a brightly colored shirt, get on a megaphone, and let everyone know I was in charge and I was willing to listen to any feedback.
On top of all this, the City of Orlando historically has had a very negative attitude towards Critical Mass. This is the aspect of the ride I am currently working on the most. I want our ride to be a voice for bike riders in the city and an example of how people from any walk of life can get together and do something positive.
Leading a bike ride of 300+ riders was a challenge but I think I’ve learned a lot from my early mistakes. Being open and honest that I’m still learning as I go has made a lot of positive progress.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My day job has little to do with bike riding. I’m a certified welder with a background in aerospace welding. I currently have the best job of my welding career making signage for local theme parks. We work long hours but when I was hired I made it clear I had to be free the last Friday of the month at 6:30. So far it’s been great and a few of my coworkers have even joined the ride with me.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
In terms of working with Critical Mass, I’ve found the best approach is to tell everyone I’m still learning as I go. I’m ready to accept any feedback on my leadership and my ears and eyes are always open to a new point of view. I get some real crummy ideas on occasion but luckily most people giving feedback have some new ways of seeing things that really help.
Contact Info:
- Email: orlandocriticalmass@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orlandocriticalmass
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrlandoCriticalMass
Image Credits
Andres Caceres Alva (@doc_dres_1914)
