How to Create a Successful
Cycle for ALS Event
Find a Location
The ideal location is at a facility that has a Spinning® or other Indoor Cycling Program. Spin bikes open up your event participation to many more people than just those that own a bike and trainer. Check with your local YMCAs, health clubs, corporate fitness centers, university fitness centers and stand alone spin studios. Indoor cycling rooms tend to be small but the bikes are easy to move and can be relocated to a larger area for the event.
If you don’t have access to a spin location then all you need to do is find a place to ride and gather your training buddies and friends. Public places such as sporting goods stores, parks or malls where people congregate are great places.
Where ever your location, you will need to obtain the appropriate permissions to host your event
Duration of Event
The duration of your event should be a combined total of 16.5 hours - the amount of time it took Jon Blais to complete his Ironman in Kona, This combined total can happen in a variety of ways. You can schedule your event for a total of 16.5 hours and have participants ride throughout the time. It can be a combination of participants riding a predetermined number of hours; such as 2 people riding 8.25 hours, 4 people riding 4+ hours, or 8 people riding 2+ hours each - you get the idea We challenge you to make this event your own by creating a unique way to get your participants riding and having fun!
Be Creative
· Design a 4 hour spin class
· Get 4 high energy, motivating instructors, 1 per hour
· Get a DJ to spin the music or have your own music
· Give participants the choice of spinning/riding for 1, 2, 3 or 4 hrs
· Add a “spin bike reservation fee” to the fund raising goal for those who prefer a spin bike to bringing their bike and trainer
· Make it different than a normal spin class and make it FUN!
Outdoor Location
· Map out 3-4 routes that appeal to a large range of cyclists – families as well as avid cyclists
· 10, 20, 30 and 50 mile routes
· Use www.mapmyride.com to help design the courses
· Enlist the help of local cyclists to sweep the course
· Set up rest stations with refreshments
· Have cue sheets available
· Mark the shorter routes with directional signs
Whatever you decide, it is important that you share and clear this information with the management of your venue and plan accordingly
Recruit Participants and Volunteers
Make a list of EVERYONE you know. Everyone includes friends, training buddies, family, co-workers, neighbors, your hairdresser, local businesses you frequent-don't exclude anyone. Contact local cycle shops and clubs to help spread the word and increase participation as well as help with the event.
Next, invite everyone to participate in your event and ask if they know anyone else who would be interested in participating. Make the invitation big and exciting - it's all in the packaging! You may want to organize a raffle or prize give away as an incentive. Advertise in local gyms, bike stores, running shops and bike clubs. Don’t forget spin class participants if you’ve secured a location with a spinning program.
