Charity Ride Fundraising
I’ve been riding the Pan Mass Challenge for 10 years. It’s a 2-day nearly 200-mile ride, but that’s actually the easy part (with some training).
I’ve been successful in raising large amounts of money for a few reasons, I believe. First of all, I’m very passionate about the cause and I share that passion, and my specific reasons for riding, with my sponsors. Many of them have been impacted in some way by cancer and are happy to have a way to help. Many thank me for “doing something.”
My email list is rather large and all-encompassing. I don't really group my solicitations in any way, I simply ask everyone. It helps spread awareness, and I’m often surprised by the results — sometimes those who you might expect a contribution remain silent, and those who I might not expect anything from contribute significantly.
I also send multiple requests/reminders. I don’t bug people, mostly because I hate that and I don't want to be annoying. Generally, I send one notice a couple of months before the event and a second just a couple of weeks before the event. I usually send a third broadcast, which is a reminder as the event approaches. Many contributors often thank me for the reminder.
The week of the ride, I send a note out asking sponsors to keep an eye out for the local media coverage. It's another opportunity to thank them for their support, and to keep awareness for the cause up.
Finally, I always send a follow-up letter letting everyone know how the event went, how much money we raised, etc. Think about it, if you put down $50 or $100 or more to support an event, wouldn’t you like to know how it went? I include photos, anecdotes, and a final message about the cause/passion for the event. I think sponsors appreciate it and that it helps them to feel part of the event (which they are! the most important part!).
What are your charity ride fundraising strategies?
Photo Credit: borman818
Check out the Prouty Charity Rides to the North
Alice Nelson 2009 Ultimate
I've been a committed Pan Mass Challenge rider for 10 years. It's perhaps the biggest and best cycling fundraiser in the world. That doesn't mean there aren't a lot of other great charity rides.
Charlie Kimbell, director of the Prouty Ultimate and Prouty Century Ride and Walk Challenge, recently told me about his group's great rides up North in New Hampshire and Vermont.
Inspired by the impact of cancer many years ago, the first Prouty ride was held in 1982 by four nurses, in honor of their patient Audrey Prouty. Monies raised benefit the Dartmouth-Hitchcock's Norris Cotton Cancer Center.
Each event caters to a different group. “The Prouty Century is the best ride for a first-time century rider. There are SAG stops every 10 miles, the ride is fully supported and the terrain is not too difficult," Charlie explained.
The Prouty Ultimate caters to a small group (limited to 150) of more serious riders. It's a two-day, double-century ride that is as scenic as it is challenging. Charlie explains, "We took the time to include country roads along rivers and streams, around lakes and through quaint New England towns and farmland. " And, because the group is limited in size, "There is great camaraderie amongst the riders."
Check out all the details at their web site: Prouty Rides
3 Ways You Can Help The Middlesex Fells
1. Get up to speed on the latest buzz on the Middlesex Fells.
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has set out to develop a Trail System Plan, aiming to present it to the public in April and put it into effect this summer. In developing the plan, the DCR has been soliciting comments in meetings and via email. This has re-ignited ongoing heated discussions between many trail users, but particularly the Friends of the Fells and the New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA).
Check out these articles from the Boston Globe:
Public input sought on future of Middlesex Fells Reservation
Trail bikers make voices heard at Middlesex Fells workshop
The need to focus on Fells' natural resources
Mountain bikers: We're stewards of the trails
2. Think about how you use the Fells and your vision of its future.
How do you use it now? What have your experiences been like? How would you like this resource to be enjoyed by the community in the years to come?
3. Speak up.
Write to the DCR and let them know what you think. Heck, it's as easy as sending in an email.
I'm going to write in and support the NEMBA agenda. Though I'm not a big mountain biker, I've been very impressed with the group. They clearly respect the Fells and do a lot to support the Fells user community.
For example, NEMBA runs some great programs like "No Child Left Inside" and "Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day." Through these programs, they've taught the children and families in attendance not only about mountain biking, but about proper trail use and preservation. They even came out to a local Cub Scout meeting and taught 100 scouts and their families about trail maintenance. Perhaps most importantly, these programs motivated a lot of folks I know to get out and enjoy the Fells.
I'd like to see mountain bike use expanded in the Fells in the way NEMBA advocates. It's a responsible and appropriate approach.
Find more details about NEMBA's take on the issue and call to action here.
Photo Credit: Orangeacid
3 Reasons You Should Learn to Race Your Bike
Check it out - NEBC is continuing their fantastic program to get new racers up to speed in a safe and effective manner. I went through this program some years ago and it was really great.
To the newbie, bike racing can seem dangerous and trying it out can seem risky. Well, it is a bit dangerous and risky, I suppose, but that's all the more reason you should learn from patient, experienced racers. It might be a lot less dangerous and risky if more people participated in clinics like this one. Even if you never intend to race, you should still take this clinic.
1. You will learn how to ride safely in groups - whether those groups are racing or not.
2. You will learn how to control your bike - a little knowledge and experience can help you avoid panic and disaster when you need to react quickly (again, whether or not this is in a race situation).
3. You will gain an even greater appreciation for the sport by learning and practicing the tactics and strategies used by racers.
You'll also likely find that there are many other riders out there just like you who are enthusiastic about cycling and interested in racing or improving their skills, but need a little hands-on guidance to get to the next level.
Here's the blurb from NEBC on the clinic:
As it has every Spring since 1993, the Northeast Bicycle Club is planning to offer its Introduction to Bicycle Racing program to the public during the month of April, 2010. This 4 week program will introduce you to the exciting world of bicycle road racing, and will prepare you to enter and be competitive in your first race. Among the things you will learn are:
Bike handling: Cornering; pacelines & double pacelines; riding in close groups; incidental contact.
Racing skills: Sprinting; time trialing; climbing and descending; starting and finishing.
Tactics and strategies: Road racing as a team sport; applying team strategies and tactics in race situations; using the race course and your strengths to your advantage.
Training and equipment: Periodization and specificity; training effort zones; racing bicycles & equipment; maintaining and performance tuning your equipment; proper bike fit.
At the conclusion of the program is a Graduation Exercise, in which we will bring you to an actual race to test out your new skills!
Find the full details on the program and how to register here.
Photo Credit: Eleaf
Different Lenses for Different Riding Conditions
Looking good is important in road cycling. Style matters; that's part of the fun. Functionality is important, too, though and that's where you've got to consider lens choice carefully for your rides.
On a bright sunny summer day when the daylight is almost endless, you can just throw on a pair of standard dark shades and be off. But, if the weather or lighting is going to change, you may want to consider a couple of other good choices.
Amber lenses can greatly improve contrast on cloudy days or if you're going to be riding into the twilight. Amber lenses are also particularly good on winter days where the bright sun is reflecting off of white snow all over the ground. Again, the contrast provides a much sharper and clearer view of everything.
Sometimes the light is such that no protection from bright lights or additional contrast is needed to see clearly. There's a good choice for those rides too - clear lenses. Clear lenses protect your eyes from the wind and any other debris that may fly up into your eyes on a ride - sand, rocks, etc. Protecting your eyes while riding is important, to avoid damaging your eyes directly, and also to avoiding a crash if you should get some sort of debris in your eye that hinders your vision while riding.
Photo Credit: Dan Quieroz
New England Racing Season – Just Around the Corner
Three race series start up next month. The 2010 Plainville CT race series runs on March 6, 13, 20, 27 and April 3, 10, and 17. It's a criterium race around a 0.5 mile course.
The Charge Pond Training Series ramps up on March 6th for four Saturdays of racing action in Plymouth, MA. And, the 2010 Bethel Spring Series runs on Sundays in Bethel, CT all of March (7, 14, 21, 28) and into April (11, 18).
Photo Credit: talldoofyirish
Two Pumps are Better Than One
There's nothing like the convenience of CO2 for a quick way to pump up your tire after repairing a flat. But, there's also nothing like the reliability of a good old fashioned hand pump.
I carry both to get the best of both world's, as Hanna Montanna would say. I've twice had CO2 cartridges fail on me. And, if you're out riding alone, finding a ride to the nearest bike shop can be a challenge. And phoning home for a ride can be a very time consuming recovery method. Better to be prepared.
I picked up the Topeak Master Blaster (affiliate link) last season and it's worked out great. It's a small, lightweight carbon fiber pump that mounts right next to the water bottle cage. I wouldn't want to pump my tires with it all the time, but it'll definitely do the job in a pinch. It's a small price to pay in terms of weight in order to avoid getting stuck by the side of the road for something silly like a simple flat tire.
February Sunday Rides
Looking for some Sunday rides this month? Well, the Charles River Wheelmen have one for every Sunday of the month, including Valentine's Day.
Holliston, MA on Sunday, February 7th
Lincoln, MA on Sunday, February 14th
Framingham, MA on Sunday, February 21st
Acton, MA on Sunday, Febrary 28th
So, if you're looking for some fun winter outings, you won't have to ride alone. Get all the details at the CRW web site.
Photo Credit: Nadya Peek
Winter Bike Maintenance
A little extra attention is needed for bike maintenance in winter time when riding outside. The Boston area conditions can be nasty to delicate bike parts. I recently came across a great blog post at bostonbiker.org that details pretty thoroughly many issues related to winter bike maintenance, along with providing specific recommendations for the perfect winter bike setup - a fixed gear aluminum bike with full fenders and a sealed bottom bracket and only a front brake. Read the article and find out why.
Photo Credit: Rowan of Ravara
Harpoon Indoor Time Trial 2.0
The second annual Harpoon Indoor Time Trial was bigger and better than last year. Hundreds of racers competed in many heats throughout the day and night. Up to 24 could race at a time, in groups of 8 surrounding a three-sided techno-center of digital race readouts. Racers and viewers could see real-time speed, distance, wattage and other stats for each rider as each race progressed. Little cyclist avatars also played out the action in real-time. Winners of each heat (male & female) got a free case of beer and overall winners (male and female) won free entry into the Harpoon Brewery to Brewery ride in June.
This year's race was a lot of fun, and more crowded. The layout was expanded with more bathrooms and larger changing areas. Since the brewery was open for tours this year (with racing on Saturday instead of Sunday), they also setup a bar down near the race warm up area. Uncle Ted's BBQ food was also available from the Forza-G racing team who were raising money for this year's PMC ride.
Boston's WBUR radio station was also on hand, interviewing various folks for its show It's Only A Game. The Harpoon ITT show should air next Saturday.
Subscribe via RSS by clicking on the icon to the left.Or receive updates in your email inbox by entering your email address below and clicking "subscribe."
