What would make you turn up at a Retrobike event? Road/MTB

[MiniNinjaRob]

Re: What would make you turn up at a Retrobike event? Road/

In 2012 I made all but one ride which was a personal challenge for me which worked out.

I hardly got to any rides last year as a lot were on a Sunday, which I can't do.

I have the 2014 dates in my diary and am hoping to get to more.

If anyone is worried about their ability - don't! If you can do the same length ride over a whole day in your area you'll be able to do a RB National ride - there is a lot of walking up hills!


Reasons for me to go:
Great guys and great routes - the routes are always retro friendly and evryone is looked after. I always get there early to chat to folk and to find someone to ride with at the back...... Stay afterwards too, sell a few bits! I managed to pay for my accomodation and petrol by selling my unwanted bits a couple of times.
Selling stuff
Learning new areas to ride I've never been to.
Roadtrips on my own - I love them!

Reasons I don't go:
Local rides - I just don't go in the local area sections often enough and I always miss the rides I want to go on. And they are generally on a Sunday.
National rides - if they are too far to go I just can't do it. I drove a 10/11hr round trip to go to Thetford and the Scot rides in 2012 but the 2013 Scottish ride was a 14/15 hours round trip. I'm sorry but that's just not possible and if the Scots contingent want more English/Welsh riders to come along it'll have to be nearer next time. I live quite centrally in Yorkshire but that one was just too far.

 

[Jonny69]

Re: What would make you turn up at a Retrobike event? Road/

I just don't tend to ride outside of my commuting, so hence don't come to any RB meets. Nothing against the meets.

 

[FluffyChicken]

Re: What would make you turn up at a Retrobike event? Road/

Why don't you ride outside if commuting to work and back.
Time, family, just no interest?

 

[jon w]

Re: What would make you turn up at a Retrobike event? Road/

[

You wouldn't enjoy riding a classic RB through London daily then i take it – there's plenty of two-wheeled liabilities and candidates for the 'Darwin' awards out there

You haven't seen Bath!!!!!!! :shock: :shock: A city of people, most of who don't seem to have head of the new-fangled automobile, or sides of roads, red lights etc....

But enough of this hijack!

I agree with some of the previous posts about the south-west. I't a big area with, patchy transport links. I'm in wiltshire and it's quicker and easier to go to London than to Devon. Also (and this is not dig) the SW seems to be more MTB orientated. Considering the terriain this is totally understandable.

I'm interested to hear some of the comments. It seems I need to just get out there! (note, must get geared bike built). I feel a few introductory rides for those of us who have never ridden in groups before would be a good idea.

 

[mattsccm]

Re: What would make you turn up at a Retrobike event? Road/

I know the reply to this but here is my reason anyway.
Helmets.

I rarely wear one. I didn't at all until recently and I happily MTBed without one from 1983 to 2003. I only changed then as my riding changed to the more modern stuff with jumps etc.
If other wish to wear one then great but I don't and they don't fit either with the retro image.
After all helmets, hairnets aside didn't exist in the classic era.
Ah well. Have fun what ever you do

 

[careful now]

Re: What would make you turn up at a Retrobike event? Road/

Me too,I see no helmet,no ride,I think,oh well,enjoy your ride,try not to put too many people off cycling.

 

[bugloss]

Re: What would make you turn up at a Retrobike event? Road/

I don't normally ride with a helmet at home, but I wear one on the Retrorides because I want to join in. It makes no difference to me and I won't let it stop me having a great day out. I can't be bothered to worry about it too much.

 

[ededwards]

Re: What would make you turn up at a Retrobike event? Road/

Great topic Robin although as usual I'm late to the party with little of value to add although, like being at the back, it's the way forward. Or something (if I was young and street would I say "or 'ting"? Probably).

Most of the reasons for attending/not attending look like they have been covered and in any cases it's pretty dynamic as reasons/rationale/circumstances that apply then don't apply now and will apply but differently later. That said, has feeling (relatively) normal for a while been mentioned? Also, possibly, the chance to show off your pride and joy to people who understand and might even be appreciative, rather than being looked at, usually kindly, as slightly missing the point?

I organised my first ride via Retrobike in 2008 - a ride in the Forest of Dean that attracted about 30 - and have subsequently organised 3 or 4 a year on and off road including the first national road ride in 2010 and the two editions of OWMTBC. The numbers attending have varied between 40+ and 6. Initially I thought it was all about quantity and was disappointed that more didn't attend. on reflection, I realised that quantity was only one metric and arguably an inferior one to quality (for once I'll avoid descending into Pirsig's view that quality cannot be defined because it empirically precedes any intellectual construction of it, namely due to the fact that quality exists always as a perceptual experience before it is ever thought of descriptively or academically. Although I may have just indulged myself, as usual). I've really enjoyed the organising and arranging even if it's sometimes been a commitment I could have done with out. And, yes, sometimes it's been expensive when laying on food and beer for 8 or more but to my mind if people have travelled some distance then the least you can do is lay on some hospitality. Plus it adds to the whole social feel which is the main part of all the rides I've attended for me (plus a damn good day out, without exception).

I'll confess however that I got pretty jaded last year with the amount of general whinging directed at those who organise rides - "the ride is too long/short/hilly/flat/slow/fast" etc - and typically from those who made very little effort (ok, none) to arrange anything themselves but were quite happy to enjoy the efforts of others. I've always taken the approach that I put on rides that I will do anyway and if others want to attend then that's great - yes, self-centered as always but I've tried catering for requests but typically found that the individuals making the requests typically drop out or don't show anyway. But this year? Frankly, the juice didn't seem worth the squeeze although I will host the Gospel Pass Road Ride on Sunday 21st September 2014 that promises to be a grand day out (sorry, I can only feign complete disinterest for so long).

I'm not sure what point I'm trying to make if any but to stumble back towards the original question, I guess a natural spin off from "what would make you turn up to a Retrobike event?" is "what would make you organise a Retrobike ride?". It's not about making anyone do anything they don't want but there's no reason not to arrange a ride if you fancy, even if only yourself and one or two others. So, with the greatest (hah!) respect to the urbane Mr K and "ask not what Retrobike can do for you, but what you can do for Retrobike", I'll offer that it's less about Retrobike as that's the vehicle to bring together like minded people (John, you're not listening now, ok?), and more Costner with "build it and they will come". Actually, it's always Coster, isn't it? Or 'ting.

 

[Twister]

Re: What would make you turn up at a Retrobike event? Road/

I've attended a few rides over the last couple of years, some have been easier (flatter or less technically challenging ) and some have been harder.
What they have all had in common is a friendly welcome and a really good day out with peopl who enjoy getting out on their bike.

I've been shown trails that I would never have found on my own and learned stuff along the way.
I've also had the opportunity to see some amazing bikes ridden by other people and received kind words about my own.
Sadly, like some others on here, my work pattern has changed and weekends are tougher to take off than last year but I hope to keep coming along.

I would agree that where people are traveling long distances, it helps if there is a ride both days. Firstly, it means 2 rides for the price of one , also where someone can't make the main ride they can come on the 'extra' ride.

Would themed rides attract any interest? Make, country of manufacture, material, rigid vs ht vs fs? (not exclusively of course)

Anyway, just my thoughts, see you on the next ride I manage to make it to.

 

[grumpycommuter]

Re: What would make you turn up at a Retrobike event? Road/

I can only speak for the road rides.....

Everything is in place, nice routes, good company and organisation, all that is required is a little time for it to 'bed in'.

Ian Raleigh makes a very good point about inexperienced riding in groups, of which I am one. Perhaps a day put over to meet up for a ride, some practical group riding lessons and a beer afterwards? Not all of us are members of clubs. I for one have learnt what I know from observing others on the retro road rides.

More beards are required as well.

Regarding fast and slow rides it requires more organisation and another leader but it is worth the effort. Road riding seems to show up differing levels of fitness very quickly and it is not pleasant to be at your threshold for extended periods while others are simply cruising. We'll be doing 2 rides again on the brewery ride this year to try and alleviate this.

And echoing Ed, if you were going out anyway what does it matter if only a few enjoy the day with you? And if anyone moans tell them to get bent!