ACC Sportive

[Alan M]

I am not sure where we are with this but I know it has been mooted before that we should run a sportive. So here's the thing. If we can agree a couple of conditions I would be willing to organise something with the support of others, realistically for me maybe June 2011 although I could maybe try to pilot something in early November 2010, perhaps marketing it as a winter warmer/steady training ride.

My only real condition is about the profits. I would like to use 50% of any net profit to support the development of El Cumbe [url]http://ciclismocajamarca.ning.com/[/url]. El Cumbe is a new cycling club in Peru dedicated to recreational and competition cycling. It has a growing membership in an area of Peru where people are progressing from cycling for necessity to cycling for recreation. The club is small and has limited resources to organise events, buy high specification machines or invest in club resources. They need and want help and can offer partners the cycling experience of a lifetime and the chance to share in their dream to be the number one cycling club in Peru and to deliver national and international champions.

El Cumbe cycling club is in the city of Cajamarca, located in the Northern Highlands of Peru at 8,900 feet above sea level. It is known for its beautiful mountainous and rugged countryside, its friendly people and as the historic site of where the Inca Empire came to an end. From here one can travel in every direction on and off road to access wonderful mountain passes, remote waterfalls, lakes and rock formations and historical ruins. It is a great training ground for cyclists and has an emerging tourist trade.

So, this is not just an opportunity for ACC hold a sportive, something that a club of our size and reputation ought to capable of, but also a chance to give some cycling related support in a region of relative need in the developing world. So tell me what you think, have a look at the web site where there are some photos and videos and feel free to ask any questions.

I will post this on Sportives as well to field wider interest, Thanks, Alan

[Marcus]

Alan there doesn't seem to be any takers here. Is your question for the committee or for club members? I think it is a great idea. I know there had been talk about this in the past and it seemed there was a lot of positive interest. Where are all those members now.

If as has been mentioned in various posts you would like the club to move forward anddo more for members then you need to get involved and act. Posting alone doesn't do anything.

Alan is giving the club an opportunity to me more than a group of people that meet up on a Saturday for a ride. There are many talents amongst the members, so get involved and make it happen.

[Alan M]

Thanks for the encouragement Marcus. The posting was meant for all, presuming that committee members keep an eye on the forum? To be honest, having spent a lifetime with various committees I prefer to just get on with stuff that seems achievable and uncontroversial. I am not sure why the posting has attracted little interest, perhaps because people are unsure if this is something they would like. On the plus side, I am a 2nd claim am member of SWRC and they have been helpful to me in the past in the organisation of a fun ride for a Croydon children's charity, so I think they may well be on hand for advice. They have already organised some good and economical events, see May Flyer in last week's comic. Except for having their signs nicked I would probably model it on that. BUT, unless there is more initial interest I'll think of other things to do - which isn't difficult!

[Phil H]

I think it's a good idea - with the proviso that there are a lot of rides around that are "just another sportive". It would be nice to have something to make it a bit different - longer/shorter/different time of year/different time of day/fancy dress/cross-dress etc.

What actually needs to be done for this? I can see:
- Plan route
- Get permission from relevant authorities
- Publicise
- Take entries
- Timing (if we want it)
- Marshalling
- Signs
- Refreshments

I have some experience in standing around in hi-vis so that's about all I could help with.

(I did have a very stupid idea a while back for a ride that follows, as closely as is practical , the route of the M25. Doesn't look very easy/nice in parts though.)

[Ben]

Podium girls
Happy to help out on the day

[Andy K]

Just to add my support for the idea of an ACC sportive - I would be happy to help out.

[Snoop Doug]

I'll lend a hand, and I like the Peru idea think maybe we should square the circle and donate t'other half of any profit to a local cycling good cause?

Cheers - D

[Jon H]

[quote="Snoop Doug"]I'll lend a hand, and I like the Peru idea think maybe we should square the circle and donate t'other half of any profit to a local cycling good cause?

Cheers - D

[Dombo]

Perhaps have a list of (not necessarily cycling) charities on which we can vote to offer our support, rather than laying down conditions at the outset as to where the money should go?
While a budding racing club in Peru is no doubt a worthy cause, I am sure there are as many equally deserving pet projects as there are members of our club that could lay equal claim to a share of any profits.

[Alan M]

Oh, yes people seem to have responded - how nice - no doubt a post Brighton bounce has ensued or Monday morning work ethic. In any case thanks for the support. Think I will contact Mr T and bring it formally to the attention of the Committee. Thanks for offers of help and advice. All gratefully accepted. I like the idea of the other charity as well.

cheers

[Alan M]

[quote="Dombo"]Perhaps have a list of (not necessarily cycling) charities on which we can vote to offer our support, rather than laying down conditions at the outset as to where the money should go?
While a budding racing club in Peru is no doubt a worthy cause, I am sure there are as many equally deserving pet projects as there are members of our club that could lay equal claim to a share of any profits.

[Jojo]

[quote="Dombo"]Perhaps have a list of (not necessarily cycling) charities on which we can vote to offer our support, rather than laying down conditions at the outset as to where the money should go?
While a budding racing club in Peru is no doubt a worthy cause, I am sure there are as many equally deserving pet projects as there are members of our club that could lay equal claim to a share of any profits.

[quote="Jojo"][quote="Dombo"]Perhaps have a list of (not necessarily cycling) charities on which we can vote to offer our support, rather than laying down conditions at the outset as to where the money should go?
While a budding racing club in Peru is no doubt a worthy cause, I am sure there are as many equally deserving pet projects as there are members of our club that could lay equal claim to a share of any profits.

[kieran]

don't you mean motivated? Anyway if it was put to the vote Alans charity would get mine. My general take on charities is that bad and all as some have it here it is much worse elsewhere in most parts of the world.

[Alan M]

[quote="kieran"]don't you mean motivated? Anyway if it was put to the vote Alans charity would get mine. My general take on charities is that bad and all as some have it here it is much worse elsewhere in most parts of the world.