Leisure Events Tips

SOME HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS FOR CYCLING CLUBS ORGANISING A LEISURE EVENT

1. Select a suitable Leisure Centre, School, Community Centre, i.e. starting point where there are suitable facilities and refreshments available.

2. Decide on the 50klm upwards. Remember the longer the distance distance the more work that is involved. Try and combine a short tour for beginners when running a longer event. (e.g. combine 50k with 200k event)

3. Nominate a stop off Pub, café i.e. somewhere one can obtain a cup of point for refreshments tea/soup and a sandwich.

4. At the finish (a) Serve refreshments (b) Have a few spot prizes, certificate or medal

5. Route Map A route map can be helpful posted at the start or provide one for each participant

Safety Helmets should be compulsory and if possible have a first aid person on standby. Advise of potential danger spots on route.

Starting the Event If there is a local dignitary available he/she can add a little hype to the event. It is recommended that the slower groups are allowed off first. This helps to keep groups together and avoid participants being dropped and cycled into the ground by the more competitive cyclists.

Insurance Cover Non-licence holders should take out a one day licence costing £2. This will also cover for League participation.

Publicise Event Put out a few posters and if possible place a notice in the "what's on column" in the local/Provincial paper. It is generally free and they will be delighted with the news. With a bit of luck a press photographer may drop by and take a photograph of the event. Or, why not take a few and forward them to the local paper.

Entry Fee Generally between £5 and £10.

Remember a well organised event will pay dividends in future years.

Courtesy of Pocket Guide to Leisure Cycling in Ireland 1998