1. Not for Profit
Cycling challenge rides are used as fundraisers for nonprofit organizations. Much like the celebrated golf tournaments that golfers participate in at every turn, cycle challenges are opportunities for cycling enthusiasts to ride for fun and a worthy cause. Both professional and amateur cyclists partake in challenge rides. Sometimes they are timed for winning, at other times they are just finishing up a distance. Riders typically do not compete in challenge rides. They may try to beat their own records, but there are usually no finish lines to race towards.
2. Long or Short Rides
Cycling challenges can take place around short tracks for children and weekend cyclists. Other challenges may go on for days and even weeks and cover greater distances. There is a challenge for every level of cyclist. Typically cyclists get pledges from friends and acquaintances, which they collect for the cause after the races.
3. Train for the Cycling Challenge
Depending on your fitness level, you may support the cause, but not be prepared for long distance cycling or quick contests. Prepare by riding every day for at least a month before the challenge. Walk and cross train and try to reach aerobic levels so that you know your heart and lungs can take the public pressure sometimes seen in a challenge.
4. Raise Funds
Any organization can arrange a cycle challenge to raise money for their cause. It helps if one or more of the organizers are cyclists themselves and understand the needs of cyclists and what excites them. Contact a local cycle shop to get them involved in the planning stages. Great sponsorships also can come from the supporters of the sport. The bike shops have a lot to gain through exposure to community cyclists and everyone can use a shot of good P.R. through local philanthropy.
5. Prepare the Way
Start signing up participants as far out as a year before your event. Cyclists need and want time to train for the event. They can start collecting signatures for pledges about four to six weeks prior to the challenge. Recruit volunteers to work the scene the day of the event. Set up a registration table and give riders numbers to wear on their shirts. Have water and other snacks available for the cyclists. Ask a local EMS or other medical facility to send someone to be on hand to treat any injuries. And most of all, make it a fun event. Add other activities for the riders and their families such as bands, picnics and other fun competitions.
Member Comments