Promoting a charity cycle ‘sportive’

[Damp Logs]

Hi,

Only recently returned to cycling after a 50 year break!!

I’m involved in a Rotary Club which organises a cycling ride in July every year.

After an enforced break caused by covid, last year was a success, and I’d like to give it an extra push this year.

Can the PH cycling collective make any suggestions as to how to attract a larger entry.

Last year we had about 250 over 50k and 100k distance.

Open to any suggestions

TIA

Mike

[Marcellus]

Tout it at all the local cycling groups on Facebook?

[snotrag]

Use SIEntries. It's the 'go to'.

[anonymous-user]

How many more do you want? Personally 250 sounds the right number for a local event to ensure minimal hassle and outlay. Too many people and it loses its feel as a community event and becomes less personal.

My brother helps organise this one in swindon https://thehydraride.co.uk/media/
They get about 250 riders and it’s perfect, the closed road start/finish is cool with the coffee cart and a nice place to relax before and after

Here’s me looking rad, I’m the guy with the number wrapped around head tube for the extra aeros

Edited by anonymous-user on Sunday 20th February 21:25

[Steve vRS]

pablo said:

Here’s me looking rad, I’m the guy with the number wrapped around head tube for the extra aeros

Edited by pablo on Sunday 20th February 21:25

Nice jersey.

[Pablo16v]

Marcellus said:

Tout it at all the local cycling groups on Facebook?

This is what works for us. I’m part of a cycling related charity with plans to build some graded MTB trails on the edge of town and we share the majority of our updates via Facebook, which is then picked up and shared by loads of other cycling related charities and businesses in the immediate and wider area. We get massive visibility from it which has allowed us to raise a fairly substantial amount of money since we started organising proper fund raising events last summer.

[Damp Logs]

Thanks for replies.

I’m not sure I’m trying to be too clever here - we get 200ish entrants and the event is well liked by riders - country lanes, low vehicle traffic, mid summer, but I feel it’s lacking a bit of something - oomph, professionalism, etc

Pablo - What do you call a substantial amount?

Thanks again

[anonymous-user]

don’t change it then, if people like it and it’s not an inconvenience to anyone, keep it small and local. Is there some area off the road where you could introduce a scooter obstacle course or something so younger kids could get involved?

I don’t think people want professionalism from a local sportive, they want a good ride, cheap entry and knowledge that the entry fee is not going to pay for the hire of big tents, medals and other faff. The big events now charge nearly £50 for a 100 mile signposted route…. I don’t want a “goody bag” either.

You may want to get representatives from the charity etc there on the day so people can see where the money goes and they might like to publicly thank the riders too?

Best local ride I ever did had a massive veg chili pot at the end which was really nice, finish the ride, relax with a bowl and have a chat with other people. Can’t have cost that much and was a nice surprise.

My brothers event charges £21 regardless of route chosen and they get about 200-250 so that’s roughly £5k. They raise the money for the local school PTA. A nice local company sponsor the event and possibly pay for the Road closure application and a free event branded water bottle for finishers. They get a coffee wagon there too who I assume keeps all takings and isn’t charged to be there.

Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 22 February 08:17

[dontlookdown]

Damp Logs said:

Thanks for replies.

I’m not sure I’m trying to be too clever here - we get 200ish entrants and the event is well liked by riders - country lanes, low vehicle traffic, mid summer, but I feel it’s lacking a bit of something - oomph, professionalism, etc

Pablo - What do you call a substantial amount?

Thanks again

It sounds perfect. Can I come?

[Damp Logs]

Confused now - pablo and pablo16v - are you related?? I didn’t realise the replies were from two different guys.

Ref younger riders - I’m working with local council who are promoting outdoor activities to try just what you suggest

[Damp Logs]

dontlookdown said:

It sounds perfect. Can I come?

Absolutely -bring a friend or two….

I will put the entry link on here when it’s live….

It’s on anglesey, north wales

[anonymous-user]

Damp Logs said:

Confused now - pablo and pablo16v - are you related?? I didn’t realise the replies were from two different guys.

Ref younger riders - I’m working with local council who are promoting outdoor activities to try just what you suggest

I only have 12 valves and three cylinders

Maybe a local club could set up a few skills sessions then, they must have a level 1 qualified coach who can do it.

Get a turbo trainer there and set up for a power competition too for different age groups too, that’s always a laugh and gets people involved…

Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 22 February 08:21

[dontlookdown]

Damp Logs said:

dontlookdown said:

It sounds perfect. Can I come?

Absolutely -bring a friend or two….

I will put the entry link on here when it’s live….

It’s on anglesey, north wales

Tks.

Where I spent all family hols til the age of about 13. Havent been back since, high time for a return visit on 2 wheels!

[Damp Logs]

dontlookdown said:

Tks.

Where I spent all family hols til the age of about 13. Havent been back since, high time for a return visit on 2 wheels!

Ditto, and retired here a while ago

[Pablo16v]

Damp Logs said:

Confused now - pablo and pablo16v - are you related?? I didn’t realise the replies were from two different guys.

Ref younger riders - I’m working with local council who are promoting outdoor activities to try just what you suggest

My username carried over from Club GTI back in the day. Used to run Mk2 and Mk3 Golf GTi’s.

We organised 3 main fundraising events which raised around £2000, £2,500 & £5000, which for our small group felt like a lottery win, and donations are still trickling in. We also held some social event fundraisers which were well attended and added another few hundred pounds to the kitty.

[Gin and Ultrasonic]

I think you possibly have it spot on already. It sounds great!

Other things to consider -
Designated car parking / toilet facilities for people who've travelled to get there - use of a school / sports centre would be ideal.
A 'mobile bike doctor' who is there for an hour at the start to check things over at the start and do basic tuning / headset tightening
Great and clear TESTED signage, and a route that's easy to navigate with long stretches on the same road if possible.
A stop half way round with some basic toilets and snacks / water from volunteers. Some cheap and tasty food at the end.
A thank you from the charity with info about what they did with last year's money. Options to make a small additional donation while paying online with a clear explanation of what this could buy.
A signature local food or beer speciality at the end.
Euro style techno and an MC pumping out starting announcements (neighbours permitting!!!)

[Damp Logs]

Gin and Ultrasonic said:

I think you possibly have it spot on already. It sounds great!

Other things to consider -
Designated car parking / toilet facilities for people who've travelled to get there - use of a school / sports centre would be ideal.
A 'mobile bike doctor' who is there for an hour at the start to check things over at the start and do basic tuning / headset tightening
Great and clear TESTED signage, and a route that's easy to navigate with long stretches on the same road if possible.
A stop half way round with some basic toilets and snacks / water from volunteers. Some cheap and tasty food at the end.
A thank you from the charity with info about what they did with last year's money. Options to make a small additional donation while paying online with a clear explanation of what this could buy.
A signature local food or beer speciality at the end.
Euro style techno and an MC pumping out starting announcements (neighbours permitting!!!)

so, I was right,........I'm overthinking it, cos the only thing we don't have is the 'euro style techno' and I am trying to get beer and food and the end

Thanks again for your replies

[Damp Logs]

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