Suggestions for making a sportive stand out.

afishyfish

Hey all. I run a charity sportive called Cycle Ataxia. (Check it out on Facebook) I'm preparing for next years event and I want to continue to grow & expand it.
Well marshalled, good routes, good food, post cycle massages etc. etc., all make for great events. I have that covered and plan to improve year on year.
But I'm looking for ideas that will make Cycle Ataxia stand out.
Any novel/original suggestions on how to differentiate my event would be very welcome.
Or maybe I should just concentrate on doing the basics really well?
Thanks
Barry

cormacjones

If I didn't know better I'd swear you're just advertising the event!

afishyfish

cormacjones wrote: »

If I didn't know better I'd swear you're just advertising the event!

It's a double whammy. I'm genuinely interested in getting opinions.

Beasty

cormacjones wrote: »

If I didn't know better I'd swear you're just advertising the event!

You will see plenty of threads devoted to specific events and many users will use this site to put out info about their event(s). We tend not to have a problem assuming there's no profit motive.

I actually see this one as slightly different, as discussion on how best to attract participants is of value to a large number of regulars in the forum. Maybe a double whammy to afishyfish but also a potential double-edged sword as it can help the competition to improve their events also....

Beasty

Many events build up their reputation over an extended period. Unfortunately though it only takes one "bad" experience to undo a lot of good work. That's happened with the WW200 over a few years with comments over high pricing and long queues at the foodstops. They did seem to reverse the trend over the past couple of years with much more positive feedback within our own discussion threads. I know the IVCA put a lot of effort in to get full support from its own membership to help the event run smoothly. On the other hand the Sean Kelly event continues to grow and seems to get positive feedback every year. Obviously the event's name and the fact he turns out every year is a massive plus

OP I would suggest reviewing a few of the threads we've had on various events and see the sort of feedback users give. In my own view building and retaining a good reputation depends massively on not taking your eye off the ball, and learning quickly from your own mistakes as well as the mistakes of others putting on similar events.

afishyfish

Beasty wrote: »

You will see plenty of threads devoted to specific events and many users will use this site to put out info about their event(s). We tend not to have a problem assuming there's no profit motive.

I actually see this one as slightly different, as discussion on how best to attract participants is of value to a large number of regulars in the forum. Maybe a double whammy to afishyfish but also a potential double-edged sword as it can help the competition to improve their events also....

Thanks Beasty. This had occurred to me. But to be honest, unless another sportive falls within 7 days +/- of mine, I don't see it as competition.
There are lots of cyclists and the season is plenty long. Besides, competition is good. It keeps everyone on their toes.
In fact, I have a good relationship with many other organisers who have been very helpful to me.
Special shout out to Leinster Loop, ROK, Wicklow way & cycle4dsi (lap de gaps).

Wishbone Ash

Avoid 'freebies' if they cost you money and you have to raise the entry fee to cover them. I'm not sure how others feel but I've no interest in getting a free jersey, goodie bag, medal, certificate etc.

ednwireland

book the weather - vital

afishyfish

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Avoid 'freebies' if they cost you money and you have to raise the entry fee to cover them. I'm not sure how others feel but I've no interest in getting a free jersey, goodie bag, medal, certificate etc.

Thanks Wishbone. I gave out goodie bags in year 1. Scrapped them in year 2. Very happy with the decision. Nobody questioned their absence and it allowed us to spend more resources on breakfast, lunch and rest stations.
I do give out free t-shirts. Maybe I should consider cutting this too. Invest the money in some other area.

afishyfish

ednwireland wrote: »

book the weather - vital

That would be nice alright.

8valve

Run a historic cycle in conjunction with your event.

Classic bikes are growing in popularity all the time.

Like in motor rallies , which have a 'historic' class for older classic rally cars...have a l'eroica-style spin running at the same time as your main event.

Would cost nothing to include.

You could even have a classic bike display prior to the event?

Eamonnator

If the date suits and the course is not too hilly, I'll be doing this event on my Mongrel 1989 Peugeot 653.

afishyfish

I like the idea of an historic type cycle but I get the feeling it would be better suited as a stand alone event, as opposed merging it with a regular spin.
That said, I'll bring it up at the next committee meeting to see what the consensus is.

The following may be best asked on a fresh thread, but I'll start by asking here ...

I have a small advertising budget for next year that I want to spend wisely. I'm considering 2 bus shelter ad's for the month preceding the event.
Of course, placement will be vital. I want to reach the maximum number of leisure cyclists (as opposed to commuters)
My first thought was alongside the cycle path in Clontarf close to The Yacht pub.
Can anybody suggest a similar (or better) location for getting the attention of leisure cyclists.
Maybe on the south side of Dublin?

Wishbone Ash

afishyfish wrote: »

....I have a small advertising budget for next year that I want to spend wisely. I'm considering 2 bus shelter ad's for the month preceding the event.
Of course, placement will be vital. I want to reach the maximum number of leisure cyclists (as opposed to commuters)
My first thought was alongside the cycle path in Clontarf close to The Yacht pub.
Can anybody suggest a similar (or better) location for getting the attention of leisure cyclists.
Maybe on the south side of Dublin?

I can't
see that being too effective. I never notice bus shelter ads when I'm out cycling.

I presume you'll be emailing every club in the country who will forward it to their members? (That's what others do).

Beasty

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I presume you'll be emailing every club in the country who will forward it to their members? (That's what others do).

I would actually be a bit more selective as it can come across as a bit spammy when you get e-mails from clubs based on the other side of the country. Certainly try and spread the word to local clubs, and indeed clubs that look for your support to promote their own events. Make sure you have an active FB page and encourage club members to like and share it. Ideally have a page dedicated to the event which can then be used to "invite" people to take part.

ninoon

If you have the resourses to control say three groups on the road at maybe 25, 28 and 32 kph
and then to advertise this in advance .??

benneca1

Decent route food stops when you need them and a nice road surface. A mass start is good as different abilities weed out early on. Shower and grub after is nice.

ted1

It depends what you want to get out of it. If your outside Dublin and want people to come down to it, then perhaps you could have a later start and a good social aspect to it in the night time.

Wishbone Ash

afishyfish - Re: the link in your sig - as an interim measure I suggest you to remove the 'register' link until you have 2016 sorted as it's giving a 'now closed' message despite advertising the 2016 event.

TonyStark

Beasty wrote: »

I would actually be a bit more selective as it can come across as a bit spammy when you get e-mails from clubs based on the other side of the country. Certainly try and spread the word to local clubs, and indeed clubs that look for your support to promote their own events. Make sure you have an active FB page and encourage club members to like and share it. Ideally have a page dedicated to the event which can then be used to "invite" people to take part.

Didn't this clash one year with some of the clubs own sportives? Clubs tend to support each others events. Why not try to get a club to back your event!?

Lambretta

Best of luck with this event and the charity. I will try and get our two wheels cycling group out in numbers to support this cycle and will stick it in our calendar now.

The critical areas of good healthy food stops, plenty of Marshalls and post massage are covered as you said.

Additional suggestions if not covered :
1. Safety announcement at the start to e.g. remind all cyclists it's not race and to never stop in the middle of the road but to pull into the side away from all approaching cyclists
2. Safety notice to drivers that this is worthy charity cause and to please to be extra patient
3. Good quality medal available to purchase like the Audax events offer
- extra funds for the charity. I know our group are certainly fond of medals and would have no problem paying for them. If participants don't want a medal - they don't have to buy one.
4. Encourage classic steel bike participation not as a separate event but as a sportive that also welcomes a slight retro twist.

Best of luck to you.

Lambretta

Enniskerry will hit a big cycling audience

afishyfish wrote: »

I like the idea of an historic type cycle but I get the feeling it would be better suited as a stand alone event, as opposed merging it with a regular spin.
That said, I'll bring it up at the next committee meeting to see what the consensus is.






The following may be best asked on a fresh thread, but I'll start by asking here ...

I have a small advertising budget for next year that I want to spend wisely. I'm considering 2 bus shelter ad's for the month preceding the event.
Of course, placement will be vital. I want to reach the maximum number of leisure cyclists (as opposed to commuters)
My first thought was alongside the cycle path in Clontarf close to The Yacht pub.
Can anybody suggest a similar (or better) location for getting the attention of leisure cyclists.
Maybe on the south side of Dublin?

Limestone1

Make sure the date is clear and it's on the CI calendar and any other calendar out there. (hope the 18th doesn't clash with an Ireland game next June ).

As per one of the above posters, ensure the website is looked after and up to date to avoid irritating folk.

Also I agree with other posters that concentrating on well stocked and smooth running food stops (queuing leaves a bad memory) and don't bother with goody bags, tshirts or medals ...

It's difficult around Dublin, but around the country some Sportives are able to 'almost' close the roads for the start and a long time into them using local Gardai - the tour de Burren & Sean Kelly spring to mind.

Good Luck - I'll be in France next year but hope to sign up in 2017 ....

Orion

afishyfish wrote: »

Thanks Wishbone. I gave out goodie bags in year 1. Scrapped them in year 2. Very happy with the decision. Nobody questioned their absence and it allowed us to spend more resources on breakfast, lunch and rest stations.
I do give out free t-shirts. Maybe I should consider cutting this too. Invest the money in some other area.

I still wear the tee

I did year 1 but missed 2 because it clashed with a scouting event. So comments are based on year 1. Avoid delays at the start. That year we were standing around for ages waiting for the off on a cold wet day. Was very irritating. That said it was soon forgotten as the cycle itself was excellent. Well marshalled, good stops, decent grub. Bitch of a route though - Naul nearly killed me For a fledgling event it was very well run.

I agree about the goodie bag - tbh most of the contents get chucked or given to the kids. I wouldn't miss it. The tee was nice but also unnecessary. Maybe take a link from Tour de Burren and make the jersey an optional extra for cost.

Orion

TonyStark wrote: »

Didn't this clash one year with some of the clubs own sportives? Clubs tend to support each others events. Why not try to get a club to back your event!?

Year 1 clashed with the Tour of Kildare. Year 2 clashed with something else down the country - can't remember what.

That's key - avoid clashes with established events.

kenmc

Orion wrote: »

Year 1 clashed with the Tour of Kildare. Year 2 clashed with something else down the country - can't remember what.

That's key - avoid clashes with established events.

Unless you offer a tenner discount for anyone who misses out on the ROK Lottery I'd say you'd get plenty of people along in that case!

harringtonp

Checked the website and couldn't find any info on routes or distances though there were directions to the start. Most seasoned cyclists won't consider an event unless they know the distance and can see the route in advance.

A nice touch at some events is free coffee beforehand.

Wishbone Ash

Orion wrote: »

... clashed with something else down the country - can't remember what....

The An Post Tour of the Burren I think - but I wouldn't really call that a clash as such as they're far apart geographically and it's virtually impossible to organise any cycling event in summer which doesn't clash with something similar. It would be much worse if it was on the same day as another sportive in east Leinster.

The Noble Nudge

ninoon wrote: »

If you have the resourses to control say three groups on the road at maybe 25, 28 and 32 kph
and then to advertise this in advance .??

I was on a spin this year and have to say that format didnt work IMO.

I know its a charity fundraiser but most events now are over priced. You'll always get people moaning but it will be a decider for me this year on how many I do. I dont like asking people I know for sponsorship either as they know i am out every week on the bike.

Orion

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

The An Post Tour of the Burren I think - but I wouldn't really call that a clash as such as they're far apart geographically and it's virtually impossible to organise any cycling event in summer which doesn't clash with something similar. It would be much worse if it was on the same day as another sportive in east Leinster.

That's it actually. SO it wasn't a scouting event I missed it for - I was on the TdB.

kerry4sam

Just throwing this out there for any & all reading...

The proposed week-end for your cycle is the week-end of Fathers' Day 2016

No doubt numerous people will be out on their bikes for this week-end in particular.

What I'd propose to make your Sportive Stand Out 'More' is that according to the provisional CI Calendar this would be on the Saturday 18th, in Leinster, with other Sportives taking place on Sunday 19th (Father's Day) also in Leinster (3 at the mo listed on the calendar by CI - 1point5 Bunclody Wexford; Longford CycleTour; McNally Swords CC Leisure), the latter two in particular not too far from yours.

For someone like me who would travel on that week-end in particular, should you join force with ANother(s) Sportives in Leinster and offer a Combi-Ticket that would make you stand out imo.

Maybe an option could be provided someway online to sign-up for ANother for the Sunday, something like a Reduced Price Combi-ticket could be a pull and would bring cycling events in Leinster that bit closer perhaps as an added bonus.

Just my Random Thought/Suggestion,
kerry4sam

detones

How about the "Lets do it b0ll0x naked sportive"

Wishbone Ash

kerry4sam wrote: »

... with other Sportives taking place on Sunday 19th (Father's Day) also in Leinster (3 at the mo listed on the calendar by CI - 1point5 Bunclody Wexford; Longford CycleTour; McNally Swords CC Leisure), the latter two in particular not too far from yours....

.....and bear in mind that the WW200 is on six days before - many might not get ground clearance to attend a sportive on two weekends in succession.

The Noble Nudge

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

.....and bear in mind that the WW200 is on six days before - many might not get ground clearance to attend a sportive on two weekends in succession.

Dont forget the EVIL 200ish or part of in some peoples cases:(:o ....that will be 3 weekends on the bounce:D

Wishbone Ash

The Noble Nudge wrote: »

Dont forget the EVIL 200ish or part of in some peoples cases:(:o ....that will be 3 weekends on the bounce:D

Evil 200 is usually held the day before the WW200 - i.e. same weekend. (The WW200 is the recovery ride for it!).

afishyfish

Beasty wrote: »

I would actually be a bit more selective as it can come across as a bit spammy when you get e-mails from clubs based on the other side of the country. Certainly try and spread the word to local clubs, and indeed clubs that look for your support to promote their own events. Make sure you have an active FB page and encourage club members to like and share it. Ideally have a page dedicated to the event which can then be used to "invite" people to take part.

Cheers. I try to reach out to Leinster clubs. Focussing mainly from the greater Meath/Dublin area.

afishyfish

benneca1 wrote: »

Decent route food stops when you need them and a nice road surface. A mass start is good as different abilities weed out early on. Shower and grub after is nice.

Think I have those all well covered.

afishyfish

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

afishyfish - Re: the link in your sig - as an interim measure I suggest you to remove the 'register' link until you have 2016 sorted as it's giving a 'now closed' message despite advertising the 2016 event.

Thanks. I'll look into this when I'm back at my computer.

afishyfish

harringtonp wrote: »

Checked the website and couldn't find any info on routes or distances though there were directions to the start. Most seasoned cyclists won't consider an event unless they know the distance and can see the route in advance.

A nice touch at some events is free coffee beforehand.

The 2016 routes are still being finalised. Once they're done I'll get lots of info on the website.
I do a substantial breakfast beforehand. Muffins, fruit, yogurts, cereal bars etc.

afishyfish

Just a note to thank you all for the advice. Lots to consider there. I can't respond to every comment but I've read them all and take everything on board.
If this really clashes with the McNally Swords spin it's unfortunate as its indeed very close but there are other factors that determine I need to hold the event around this time.
As somebody mentioned; it's difficult (maybe impossible) to pick a date that clashes with nothing.
Barry

greenspurs

as someone whos organising his own charity cycle (despite saying Never Again! after the previous one) , Thats great info and feedback to have !
If you get your 'spin' on the C.I website, do they charge ? (as you all know, they like charging for things)

Beasty

greenspurs wrote: »

as someone whos organising his own charity cycle (despite saying Never Again! after the previous one) , Thats great info and feedback to have !
If you get your 'spin' on the C.I website, do they charge ? (as you all know, they like charging for things)

There is no charge if you're a CI club. If you're not a club I presume it's not CI sanctioned meaning they are extremely unlikely to mention it

Even if a CI club you will be on the Events Calendar - it's unlikely to make the front page (except for events like the Great Dublin Bike Ride which CI were directly involved in)

afishyfish

Beasty wrote: »

Even if a CI club you will be on the Events Calendar - it's unlikely to make the front page (except for events like the Great Dublin Bike Ride which CI were directly involved in)

What did you guys think of the GDBR?
In comparison to other leisure cycles.

Beasty

afishyfish wrote: »

What did you guys think of the GDBR?
In comparison to other leisure cycles.

2 threads that may "inform":
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057476621
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=95978545

imskilguy

looks like a well organised event and great you are going for feedback to improve.
What puts me off is the distance - only 100km - I love an aul 160km challenge but thats just me, especially a week after the 200 you'd be flying.
best of luck with it