Single Speed Gathering 2016

[velomaniac]

Just found out SSUK 2016 is is September in Warwickshire which is both a long way away in both distance and time. I'll need a single speed fix before then but now realise the Euro Champs in Slovenia are pretty much a no goer for me as it'll cost a lot in cash, time and stress to get there and back which are things I lack. So I figured why not sort a meet somewhere in Scotland and specify its single speed only. Also I figured why not stick with a venue that works and start the ball rolling here on a site I'm happy in before moving it out to other sites. Whole thing will just be an informal affair somewhere good.

I am not planning the Scottish Single Speed Champs just a get together of single speeders. Probably no one will show up anyway :roll:

So what about Aviemore - Rothiemurchas Estate in say May/June, make a weekend off it. A biggish ride on a Saturday and something smaller on a Sunday if any energy is left. Sort your own accomodation and meet in a pub for beers and grub.

Any interest, comments then please post up

 

[keithyr]

Always up for aviemore and taking the single speed would be a fine change.

Noting interest.

 

[jimo746]

Re:

Sounds good to me, work dependent.

 

[Jamiedyer]

Sounds very good to me mate!
Always up for a bit of singlespeed riding
Will help you out with the organising of this if you would like as have been meaning to put something together for a while now. So happy to help if you need it.

Jamie

 

[epicyclo]

Me too

We can make it the SSSC if you like - although that's usually a proper ride of about 12 hours...

 

[velomaniac]

No point going for a proper SSSC event except as maybe a reliability trial of both bike and rider. Keith mentioned a circuit he thinks is SS friendly about the 20 plus mile mark. I'm thinking late May or Early June provided it does not clash with anything.
I was thinking of creating a MeetUp Group page for an event. meetup is a social network site that brings like minded people together for specific activities and its easier for me to use than facebook. I get to create up to 3 meetup groups for the price of the one that I pay for, I run a walking group down here in Edinburgh with my girlfriend. The result is a dedicated website page for an event to keep all traffic SS specific. I can apoint co organisers who can field queries and help run the event.
Thanks for offers of help guys.
I need to point out though that due to possible redundancy approaching and the need to take whatever works going that I cannot guarantee attendance at an SS gathering. So if I could get a site, some willing volunteers and some momentum going then the event might happen regardless which would warm the gears of my heart

 

[velomaniac]

After a bit of discussion I'm going to run this idea of mine outwith of Retrobike. In fairness its not a retro concept as single speed XC evolved out of the increasing complication of the then developing mtb scene in the mid to late 90's. Yes the Mt Tam pioneers were on single speeds but they were down hillers only.

EDIT: Idea on hold, see further down.

 

[RobMac]

I was thinking of creating a MeetUp Group page for an event. meetup is a social network site that brings like minded people together for specific activities and its easier for me to use than facebook. I get to create up to 3 meetup groups for the price of the one that I pay for, I run a walking group down here in Edinburgh with my girlfriend. The result is a dedicated website page for an event to keep all traffic SS specific. I can apoint co organisers who can field queries and help run the event.
Thanks for offers of help guys.
I need to point out though that due to possible redundancy approaching and the need to take whatever works going that I cannot guarantee attendance at an SS gathering. So if I could get a site, some willing volunteers and some momentum going then the event might happen regardless which would warm the gears of my heart

Is this you on another recruitment drive?

 

[Jamiedyer]

I got you message mate! Thanks

With this I do think you need to know what your offering before offering it up to the wider SS community.
Not putting a downer on it all as I was thinking along similar lines lately, but most clubs, forums, groups etc that make up the wide reaching single speed people in the UK wont get behind something that's run on the usual vagueness, 'is it on or not?' and 'see who shows up' lines of most macretro rides. No offence, I love em.
That's a busy time of year with SSEC happening in Slovenia in May, and this has a lot of UK riders going, its certainly got everyones interest, SSUK in September and a whole host of the usual things that include singlespeeds, from Charlies Dorset gravel Dash, Forth Fat, Battle on the beach, and yes, some of these are races but they are somewhat laid back events for the singlespeeders, and are a more social event. There is also things like Capital Trail etc.
I think its a good idea just to have a get together type event, I always thought the format of something like Forth fat but for singlespeeds would be good. Ride out Sat morning on a set route, dinner Sat night, camping etc and a shorter ride Sunday, lunch, then everyone home. Pretty much what you were saying, but, and here's the but, I think it has to be very clear about what its doing, what it wants people to do, how its doing it and when. I think all this needs to be in stone before it goes out to the wide world.
Find the vision, stick to the vision. If you build it they will come,..................unless its pish.
Its a long way for the majority to come, Aviemore is also not the cheapest place to base it in. Even a get together where you sort yourself with no entry fee is an expensive weekend to drive from around the country, spend the weekend, eat etc. It has to appeal to people.
I still think its a good idea but am just thinking about how I would look at it. I am like everyone in that I carefully pick the rides/events I go to so to get the most bang for my buck and most enjoyment.
I do worry when you say you may not be there as its not a great way inspire people to attend. I realise the uncertainty of your work might dictate that and that's fair enough, life comes first but maybe it might be best to wait until things are a bit more settled. The worst thing would be to put on a non event or to do it by half measure as it will put people off or make them wary of supporting it again.
I also think that singlespeeding these days is quite diverse. And there are lots and lots out there, you just have to put something on that appeals, as there is no shortage of riding events these days.
Just some thoughts anyway.
As I said, I still think its a great idea, a casual get together for the masses.

Jamie

 

[velomaniac]

Okay, no point me trying anything this year too fancy. I'll put any plans on the back burner for a while. I just need something to look forward to as this pishing winter is doing my head in. Hopefully the MacRetro Calendar will firm up some dates.

....and No Rob this is not another recruitment drive.