Thursday 31 March 2011

3 days to go!

eeek!
I am lucky in that the route I have selected for the family ride is mostly my routes to and from work, so I cycled in today and will be able to check on my way home how the roads are.  May need to add 'mud in road' to risk assessment - and I think 'animals' may be needed as I encoutered a doggy last time I rode.

The weather, however, has turned a bit 'March winds' on me, and I believe the forecast is not good at all for Sunday - oh no!!!!!!  I will be there whatever the weather - so waterproofs at the ready!

The ride has now also been advertised through Bike Boost cycle challenge - although it says treasure hunt followed by treasure hunt, which is not strictly true!

I have also had a query from someone about how much of the route is off road - currently only a short bit through the zoo, but I can amend the route on request at the start if you have a map with you, so that there are more off road sections.  However, I must say the lanes in use are very quiet, and by going on different route you will miss some clues!

I have had confirmation that I can use the library car park though!

Still so much to do...so little time!!!!

See you Sunday.  Feel free to post any questions in the comments below.

Sunday 13 March 2011

Three weeks to go and counting!


Upton Library car park
 I have spent a beautiful afternoon riding the route for the 3rd and making up clues!  Just need to type them up in some sort of order and decide which questions I am going to use.













Hope the weather is this nice for the family ride!









I did ask my girls if they wanted to come with me and help with setting the questions and comments about the route, but they resisted and I went alone.  Two hours later I get back - and within 5 minutes my youngest says "can I go for a bike ride?"  Aaaargh!

I had a very helpful conversation with a lady from the Parish Council last week.  She was going to check it would be OK to use the Upton Library car park, and is getting back to me.  She also suggested I may need to contact Highways about putting up a banner - although I do not think there is anywhere to hang it!

Also, Stephanie from Marketing was most helpful with a comprehensive email suggesting who I can contact to advertise the rides, and to put it in the 'Cycle Chester' newsletter (I was just in time!).

I have put an event on facebook, and had one enquiry so far...

Still to do....Contact Ross from Bike Club and finalise some details (or find out what I need to finalise!); contact Paul from Go Bike to share ride information and invite his riders; risk assessment?; local paper to put a note in the clubs and activities.

I'm sure there is more!


Saturday 5 March 2011

countdown to first family ride

Four weeks to go to the First Family Ride!!

The results of the poll are heartening, I think.  9 people voted, and 8 appear to be up for the family rides.  No one has come up with any suggestions for the first ride, so we will have a mothers day special, and I will have to think what free mothers day gift I can come up with for the first 10 mums. Proof of motherhood required! (that means bring the family!!!)

 
The first ride follows the Chester Cycle Show, so hopefully people will be rearing to go after two weeks of the spring cycle challenge and the cycle event on New Scene.  It is a very busy and exciting time for bikes.

Still to do:

  • meet with Ross and get ideas together
  • acquire freebies for mums (at least!) - I do have bike week balloons from last two years, so look out for those!
  • Contact Paul and the bike training sessions for support and publicity?
  • Contact Upton library for permission?
  • Produce posters to go in local libraries, cafes and bike shops.

Better get going! Any help or advice most gratefully received!

See you in four weeks!